Cozumel Maritime Safety Guide — Neutral Public Information for Visitors

Purpose and Scope

This guide provides a neutral, fact-based overview of how maritime safety is managed in Cozumel for visitors and residents. It is intended to explain how maritime safety is structured, monitored, and communicated across the island, including port status operations, sea conditions, designated activity zones, and emergency response coordination. The information presented here is informational only and does not replace official guidance issued by maritime or civil protection authorities.

Maritime safety in Cozumel is managed through a combination of federal maritime authorities, local port administration, and civil protection agencies. Safety decisions—such as port open, restricted, or closed status—are based on observed sea conditions, forecasts, and operational assessments. These decisions affect cruise operations, ferry crossings, recreational boating, tour activities, and designated swimming areas, and are communicated through official channels and public bulletins.

This guide is maintained as a public reference resource to help visitors understand how maritime safety functions in Cozumel, what common safety terms mean, and how to verify current conditions. It does not provide recommendations, endorsements, or instructions, and it does not assess individual risk. Related pages are linked where additional neutral visitor safety information is available.

How Maritime Safety Is Managed in Cozumel

Maritime safety in Cozumel is managed through a coordinated framework involving federal maritime authorities, local port administration, and civil protection agencies. These entities monitor sea and weather conditions, assess navigational safety factors, and coordinate responses when conditions affect maritime activity around the island.

This section describes organizational roles and communication pathways only. It does not provide opinions, directives, recommendations, or operational guidance.

Primary Maritime Authorities

Maritime safety oversight in Cozumel is carried out by multiple authorities with distinct responsibilities. These roles operate within national and regional frameworks and function independently of tourism demand or visitor activity levels.

• Capitanía de Puerto (Port Authority)
  Responsible for maritime operations oversight, port status determinations, navigational safety assessments, and issuance of official maritime bulletins.
• Protección Civil (Civil Protection)
  Coordinates public safety communication, shoreline advisories, and emergency response support when weather or sea conditions pose broader public risk.
• SEMAR (Mexican Navy — contextual role)
  Provides national-level maritime and meteorological inputs, including marine forecasts and navigational advisories that inform local operational assessments.

These authorities operate collectively as part of a layered maritime safety system rather than as a single decision-making body.

How Safety Decisions Are Communicated

Maritime safety determinations are communicated through established public channels designed to support awareness and coordination. Communication methods vary depending on conditions, scope, and operational context.

• Official bulletins
  Issued by maritime or civil protection authorities to announce port status classifications or operational updates.
• Port status classifications
  Designations such as open, restricted, or closed that reflect system-level maritime safety assessments.
• Public advisories
  General safety communications intended to inform the public about prevailing conditions or temporary measures.
• Observational signals
  Visual indicators such as flags, posted notices, or closures displayed at ports, beaches, or shoreline access points.

These communication methods are informational in nature and may change as conditions evolve. Official instructions or enforcement actions are issued exclusively by the relevant authorities.

Cozumel Port Status and Maritime Activity

What “Port Open” Means

When Cozumel’s port status is classified as OPEN, maritime authorities have determined that sea and weather conditions allow normal maritime operations to proceed under standard regulatory oversight. This designation indicates that conditions are within acceptable safety thresholds based on observed sea state, wind conditions, forecasts, and navigational assessments.

A PORT OPEN status generally permits:

• Cruise ship arrivals and departures
• Ferry crossings
• Recreational boating
• Commercial tour operations
• Authorized swimming and water-access activities

This classification does not indicate that conditions are identical across all coastal zones or times of day. Sea state, currents, and wind exposure may still vary by location, particularly between the western (leeward) and eastern (windward) sides of the island.

Port status determinations are made independently of visitor demand or tourism schedules. The OPEN designation reflects maritime safety assessments only and may be updated at any time if conditions change.

Visitors should understand that PORT OPEN is a system-level operational status. Individual tour operators, ferry services, or activity providers may still delay, modify, or cancel specific operations based on localized conditions or internal safety protocols, even when the overall port remains open.

For current verification of Cozumel’s port status, visitors can reference publicly available port status updates and official bulletins issued by maritime authorities.

What “Restricted” or “Closed” Status Indicates

A restricted or closed port status indicates that maritime authorities have determined conditions are not suitable for normal maritime activity. These determinations are based on observed and forecasted sea conditions, wind strength, visibility, navigational safety factors, and broader public safety considerations.

When the port is restricted, certain categories of maritime activity may be limited or suspended. Restrictions typically apply to smaller recreational vessels, tour boats, and water-based excursions, while larger commercial traffic—such as cruise ships or ferries—may continue operating under controlled conditions. The specific scope of restrictions varies depending on the nature and severity of conditions at the time.

A closed port status indicates a higher level of safety concern. During closure, maritime operations are suspended to reduce risk to vessels, passengers, crew, and shoreline activity. Closures are implemented when sea or weather conditions exceed safe operating thresholds or when broader emergency considerations are present.

Port status classifications are issued and updated by maritime authorities through official bulletins and public notices. These designations apply broadly to maritime activity and do not evaluate individual risk tolerance or localized micro-conditions. Conditions may vary by zone even when a general restriction or closure is in effect.

This information is provided to explain how status classifications function and how they are used in maritime safety management. Official instructions, restrictions, and reopening notices are issued exclusively by maritime and civil protection authorities.

How Visitors Can Verify Current Port Status

Port status information in Cozumel is communicated through official maritime and civil protection channels and reflects operational determinations at the time they are issued. These classifications may change throughout the day as sea or weather conditions evolve.

Official port status designations—such as open, restricted, or closed—are issued by the local port authority in coordination with civil protection agencies. These determinations apply broadly to maritime activity across the island and are intended to support system-level safety coordination rather than individual activity planning.

Verified port status information is typically time-stamped and reflects conditions at the moment of verification. Status classifications describe current operational allowances and do not predict future conditions, evaluate localized micro-conditions, or replace official instructions issued directly by maritime authorities.

Visitors seeking current information should rely on sources that reference official bulletins, public notices, and verified status updates, and should consult the most recent available verification when conditions are variable.

This section explains how port status verification functions within the maritime safety framework. It does not issue status determinations, advisories, or instructions. For authoritative direction, official maritime and civil protection communications remain the sole source.

Maritime Zones Around Cozumel

Maritime conditions around Cozumel vary by location due to the island’s geography, prevailing winds, currents, and reef structure. For safety and operational purposes, maritime activity is commonly understood in relation to broader coastal zones rather than a single, uniform set of conditions across the island.

While official port status classifications apply island-wide, sea state, visibility, and current strength can differ significantly by zone. These variations are taken into account by maritime authorities and individual operators when assessing navigational safety and activity planning.

The zones described below are provided as geographic context only. They do not define permissions, restrictions, or safety guarantees, and they do not replace official bulletins or localized operational decisions.

Western (Leeward) Coast Overview

The western side of Cozumel, commonly referred to as the leeward coast, is sheltered from prevailing easterly trade winds by the island’s landmass. As a result, this area generally experiences calmer surface conditions compared to the eastern shoreline.

Most cruise terminals, ferry operations, marinas, and commercial maritime traffic are located along the western coast. This concentration reflects both navigational suitability and infrastructure placement rather than a uniform assessment of conditions at all times.

Despite its relative shelter, conditions along the leeward coast can still change due to wind shifts, weather systems, or localized currents. Variability may occur between near-shore areas, open water, and reef-adjacent zones, even when overall port status remains unchanged.

Maritime activity along the western coast continues to be governed by official port status classifications, operator-level safety protocols, and real-time assessments made by maritime authorities.

Eastern (Windward) Coast Overview

The eastern side of Cozumel, often referred to as the windward coast, is directly exposed to prevailing easterly trade winds and open Caribbean Sea conditions. As a result, this side of the island typically experiences stronger wave action, higher swells, and more variable sea states than the western coast.

The windward coast has limited maritime infrastructure and fewer routine commercial operations. Shoreline access in this area is influenced by reef structure, currents, and wind exposure, which can change rapidly based on weather patterns and seasonal conditions.

Due to these factors, maritime activity along the eastern coast is more sensitive to changes in wind and sea conditions. Even when the overall port status is classified as open, localized conditions on the windward side may differ significantly from those along the western shoreline.

Safety assessments for this zone rely on the same official maritime monitoring systems used island-wide, but operational decisions may vary based on exposure and localized conditions. Public access, shoreline advisories, and activity limitations along the eastern coast are coordinated through maritime authorities and civil protection agencies when conditions warrant.

This overview is provided for geographic context only and does not imply suitability or availability of maritime activities in any specific location or timeframe.

Marine Protected Areas

Certain marine areas around Cozumel are designated as protected zones to support reef conservation, marine habitat preservation, and long-term ecological stability. These areas are defined through federal and regional marine protection frameworks and are managed separately from port status classifications or maritime operational decisions.

Marine protected areas are established based on ecological characteristics such as reef structure, biodiversity concentration, and environmental sensitivity. Their boundaries and management objectives are determined through environmental authorities and conservation programs rather than maritime safety assessments.

The presence of a marine protected area does not indicate specific sea conditions, navigational suitability, or daily operational status. Port status classifications—such as open, restricted, or closed—apply independently of environmental protection designations and are based on safety-related factors rather than conservation status.

Information about marine protected areas is provided here for geographic and contextual awareness only. This overview does not define permitted activities, restrictions, or enforcement practices, and it does not replace official environmental regulations or notices issued by conservation authorities.

Marine protected areas may overlap with recreational or tour activity zones, but environmental designation alone does not imply suitability, safety, or operational status.

Sea Conditions and Environmental Factors

Maritime conditions around Cozumel are influenced by a combination of environmental factors that interact continuously rather than in isolation. Wind patterns, currents, water depth, reef structure, and surface conditions all contribute to how sea conditions develop and change across different areas and times of day. These factors are evaluated together by maritime authorities when assessing navigational safety and operational status. Understanding these influences provides context for why conditions may vary even within the same coastal zone or during the same operational period.

Nearshore vs. Offshore Conditions

Maritime conditions around Cozumel can vary significantly between nearshore and offshore areas, even within the same coastal zone. These differences are influenced by reef structure, seabed depth, current patterns, wind exposure, and tidal movement.

Nearshore conditions are often affected by reef formations that can reduce wave energy but may also create localized currents or surge. Visibility, surface chop, and water movement close to shore can change quickly depending on wind direction and tide, particularly around reef breaks and channels.

Offshore conditions are shaped more directly by open-water influences such as sustained winds, swell direction, and broader weather systems. These areas may experience different wave heights, current strength, or surface conditions than those observed closer to shore, even at the same time of day.

Because of these variations, observed conditions in one area may not reflect conditions elsewhere, including areas only a short distance away. Maritime authorities and operators account for these differences when assessing safety and determining operational status, but generalized observations should not be assumed to apply uniformly across all locations.

This distinction helps explain why certain maritime activities may be adjusted or paused in specific areas despite an overall PORT OPEN classification, and why localized advisories or operational decisions may occur independently of island-wide status.

Wind Patterns

Wind patterns play a significant role in shaping maritime conditions around Cozumel and can influence sea state, surface chop, wave direction, and current behavior. Prevailing winds in the region are generally associated with broader seasonal weather systems, but local variations can occur throughout the day.

Wind strength and direction may differ between coastal zones due to the island’s orientation and topography. Sheltered areas along the western coast may experience different surface conditions than more exposed areas, even when overall wind speeds are similar. Short-term changes in wind direction can also affect how conditions develop across nearshore and offshore environments.

Because wind conditions can shift gradually or rapidly, they are evaluated as part of an ongoing assessment process rather than as a fixed or static factor. Wind data is considered alongside other environmental inputs when maritime authorities assess operational status and navigational safety.

This overview describes how wind patterns influence maritime conditions in general and does not indicate suitability or availability of specific maritime activities at any given time.

Currents

Ocean currents around Cozumel are influenced by a combination of regional water movement, reef structure, seabed contours, and wind-driven surface flow. These currents can vary in direction and strength depending on location, depth, and prevailing environmental conditions.

Nearshore currents are often shaped by reef channels, breaks, and variations in seabed depth, which can create localized movement patterns. Offshore currents tend to reflect broader regional circulation and may differ from conditions observed closer to shore, even within the same coastal zone.

Current behavior is not uniform across the island and may change over the course of a day as wind, tide, and sea state interact. For this reason, current observations in one area should not be assumed to represent conditions elsewhere.

Currents are evaluated alongside wind, wave, and visibility factors when maritime authorities assess navigational safety and operational status. This overview explains the role currents play in shaping sea conditions and does not provide guidance on individual activity suitability.

Visibility and Surface Conditions

Visibility and surface conditions are influenced by a combination of environmental factors, including wind, wave action, current movement, weather patterns, and seasonal conditions. These elements can affect surface clarity, wave texture, and overall water appearance across different areas and times of day.

Surface conditions may vary between sheltered and exposed locations, as well as between nearshore and offshore environments. Wind-driven surface chop, swell direction, and wave interaction with reef structures can contribute to localized differences that are not always apparent from shoreline observation alone.

Visibility can be affected by natural factors such as wave disturbance, sediment movement, and changing light conditions. These influences may fluctuate independently of broader port status classifications and can vary over short distances.

Maritime authorities consider visibility and surface conditions as part of a broader assessment process when evaluating navigational safety and operational status. This overview provides contextual information only and does not indicate suitability or availability of specific maritime activities.

Swimming and Water Access Considerations

Swimming and shoreline water access around Cozumel are managed through a combination of designated areas, operational zones, and public safety signaling. These measures are used to organize marine activity, reduce conflicts between uses, and communicate general conditions to the public.

Conditions affecting water access may vary by location and time due to environmental factors, maritime operations, and localized assessments. The information below explains how swimming access is typically categorized and communicated, without evaluating specific conditions or suitability.

Designated Swimming Areas

Designated swimming areas are locations where public water access is commonly accommodated under normal conditions. These areas are generally established to separate swimmers from active vessel traffic and other marine operations.

Public beaches may include shoreline areas where swimming is commonly observed when conditions allow. The presence of a public beach does not indicate uniform conditions or guarantee availability at all times.

Marked zones may be established using buoys, ropes, or other visual indicators to delineate areas intended for swimming or limited water access. The placement and presence of marked zones may change based on conditions, maintenance, or operational considerations.

Designation of swimming areas does not override environmental variability or official advisories and does not imply an assessment of individual safety.

Non-Swimming Areas

Certain marine areas are not intended for swimming due to operational, navigational, or safety considerations.

Ports are active maritime environments that support vessel arrivals, departures, and servicing. Water access in these areas is managed separately from recreational use.

Navigation channels are designated routes used by vessels to safely enter and exit marine facilities or transit coastal areas. These zones are structured for vessel movement rather than public water access.

Working marine zones may include areas used for commercial operations, tour staging, ferry traffic, or other maritime functions. These zones are managed based on operational needs and may change over time.

This overview describes functional classifications only and does not establish permissions or restrictions.

Flag Systems and Posted Notices

Flag systems and posted notices are commonly used to communicate general shoreline and water conditions to the public. These signals are intended to provide high-level awareness rather than detailed instruction.

Common flag meanings may indicate broad condition categories related to surf, wind, or water movement. Interpretations are standardized but may be applied differently depending on location and authority.

Posted notices are typically displayed at beach access points, public facilities, or designated shoreline areas. Notices may reference current conditions, temporary measures, or operational updates.

Flag systems and notices are coordinated through local authorities and may change as conditions evolve. This section provides contextual information only and does not replace official instructions or advisories.

Maritime Excursions and Tour Operations

Maritime excursions and tour operations in Cozumel function within a regulated operational framework designed to coordinate vessel activity, manage marine use, and respond to changing environmental conditions. These operations are subject to oversight by maritime authorities and are evaluated separately from port status classifications that apply island-wide.

Tour operations may involve vessels, guided water activities, or offshore access and are managed through a combination of licensing, operational standards, and situational assessments. This section explains how tour operations are generally regulated and how environmental or authority-issued factors can affect scheduling.

How Tour Safety Is Regulated

Maritime tour operations are subject to licensing and regulatory requirements established through maritime and transportation authorities. These requirements govern vessel registration, operator authorization, and compliance with operational standards applicable to commercial maritime activity.

Licensing establishes baseline eligibility for tour operators to conduct maritime activities. Licensing frameworks define administrative and operational criteria rather than daily operating conditions.

Operational rules outline general conduct expectations for commercial maritime activity, including vessel use, navigation practices, and coordination within designated marine areas. These rules apply consistently and are not tailored to individual excursions.

Weather-based suspensions may occur when environmental conditions exceed operational thresholds identified by maritime authorities or internal safety protocols. These suspensions are based on observed or forecasted conditions rather than visitor demand.

This overview describes regulatory structure only and does not evaluate specific tour activities or operators.

When Tours May Be Delayed or Canceled

Tour operations may be delayed, modified, or canceled due to a range of factors related to maritime safety and operational oversight.

Environmental factors such as wind strength, sea state, visibility, or current conditions may affect the feasibility of certain maritime activities, even when overall port status remains unchanged.

Authority directives issued by maritime or civil protection agencies may temporarily limit or suspend specific categories of maritime operations based on safety assessments. These directives apply broadly and are not activity-specific recommendations.

Delays or cancellations reflect operational determinations made at the time conditions are evaluated. This section explains why such adjustments occur and does not provide guidance on tour selection, timing, or suitability.

Cruise Port and Ferry Operations

Cruise ship and ferry operations in Cozumel are conducted within a coordinated maritime framework that prioritizes navigational safety, operational sequencing, and port management. These operations are evaluated independently from recreational maritime activity and are subject to specific safety and coordination protocols.

Operational decisions affecting cruise and ferry traffic are based on maritime assessments, port authority coordination, and environmental conditions at the time of operation. This section explains how safety considerations influence cruise terminal activity and ferry crossings without evaluating individual schedules or services.

Cruise Terminal Operations

Cruise terminal operations involve coordinated vessel movements, passenger handling, and port logistics managed through maritime and port authorities. Safety assessments influence how vessels approach, berth, and depart terminals, as well as how passenger movement is managed within port facilities.

Safety considerations may affect embarkation and disembarkation processes, including timing adjustments or sequencing changes, based on sea conditions, vessel positioning, or operational requirements. These determinations are made to support navigational safety and orderly port flow rather than visitor convenience.

Port coordination ensures that cruise activity aligns with broader maritime traffic, including commercial vessels, service operations, and emergency readiness. Coordination decisions are operational in nature and may change as conditions evolve throughout the day.

This overview describes how safety factors influence cruise terminal operations generally and does not assess specific vessels, itineraries, or port schedules.

Ferry Crossings

Ferry crossings between Cozumel and the mainland are sensitive to environmental conditions due to vessel size, route exposure, and crossing distance. Sea state, wind conditions, and visibility are among the factors considered when evaluating ferry operations.

Weather sensitivity may result in adjustments to ferry timing, frequency, or temporary suspension of crossings when conditions exceed operational thresholds. These determinations are based on maritime safety assessments rather than routine scheduling preferences.

Public schedule adjustments may be issued to reflect operational changes resulting from environmental conditions or authority guidance. Schedule information is typically communicated through official operator channels or public notices.

This section explains why ferry operations may be adjusted and does not provide guidance on travel planning or service availability.

Emergency Response and Maritime Incidents

Maritime emergencies and incidents in Cozumel are managed through a coordinated response framework involving maritime authorities, civil protection agencies, and emergency services. This framework is designed to support timely response, operational coordination, and public safety across marine and shoreline environments.

Emergency response procedures operate independently of tourism activity, excursion schedules, or port status classifications. Responses are initiated based on reported incidents, observed conditions, and authority assessments at the time an event occurs.

This section provides an overview of how maritime emergencies are handled and how response responsibilities are structured, without offering instructions or replacing official emergency guidance.

Who Responds to Maritime Emergencies

Maritime emergency response in Cozumel involves multiple authorities with defined roles that operate at different levels.

Maritime authorities are responsible for coordinating responses to incidents involving vessels, navigation, or port operations. Their role includes situational assessment, vessel coordination, and communication with other agencies as needed.

Civil protection agencies support broader public safety response, including shoreline coordination, public advisories, and interagency communication during incidents that may affect coastal areas or public access.

Emergency medical and rescue services may be engaged depending on the nature of the incident. Their involvement is coordinated through established emergency response channels and authority directives.

This overview describes response roles at a high level and does not assign responsibility for specific incident scenarios.

Emergency Contact Structure

Emergency contact systems in Cozumel are structured to route incident reports and response coordination through official channels. Emergency numbers and contact points are maintained by relevant authorities and may differ based on the type of incident or location.

For a consolidated, neutral overview of emergency contact information and response structure, visitors may reference the Cozumel Emergency & Safety Hub:

Emergency contact information is provided through official sources and may be updated as needed. This page does not replace emergency services or official instructions and is intended for informational reference only.

Seasonal Considerations

Maritime conditions around Cozumel are influenced by seasonal weather patterns that affect wind behavior, sea state, and overall variability throughout the year. These seasonal influences are evaluated as part of broader maritime safety assessments and do not operate independently of daily or short-term conditions.

Seasonal patterns provide general context for how conditions may evolve over time, but they do not determine operational status on their own. Port classifications and maritime decisions continue to be based on observed and forecasted conditions at the time of assessment.

Winter Sea Conditions

During the winter months, Cozumel may experience periods of increased wind and sea activity associated with northerly wind events commonly referred to as “Nortes.” These weather systems originate from cold fronts moving southward and can influence wind direction, wave height, and surface conditions around the island.

Nortes may result in temporary changes to sea state, particularly along exposed coastlines and open-water routes. Their intensity and duration can vary, and impacts are assessed based on real-time observations and forecasts rather than seasonal expectation alone.

Winter conditions are monitored in the same manner as other periods of the year, with operational determinations made according to safety thresholds rather than calendar timing.

Summer and Storm Season

Summer months typically bring warmer temperatures and periods of increased atmospheric instability. Rain events, localized storms, and variable wind patterns may influence maritime conditions over short timeframes.

Storm activity during this period can result in rapid changes to wind, visibility, and surface conditions. These changes are evaluated as part of ongoing maritime monitoring and may affect operational decisions when conditions exceed established safety thresholds.

Hurricane season introduces additional considerations related to regional weather systems and preparedness planning. Information regarding hurricane readiness, emergency coordination, and public safety structure is maintained separately and can be found in the Cozumel Emergency & Safety Hub:

This section provides seasonal context only and does not predict conditions or issue guidance related to specific dates or activities.

How This Information Is Maintained

The information on this page is maintained as a neutral public reference intended to explain maritime safety structures and operational context in Cozumel. Content is reviewed and updated to reflect current frameworks, terminology, and publicly available information sources, without issuing advisories or replacing official communications.

Maintenance of this information focuses on accuracy, clarity, and consistency with publicly issued maritime and civil protection materials. Updates are made independently of tourism activity, commercial considerations, or visitor volume.

Source Types

Information presented on this page is derived from multiple publicly accessible and observational source categories.

Official bulletins include notices and communications issued by maritime authorities and civil protection agencies related to port operations, sea conditions, or public safety coordination.

Public advisories may include general safety communications, shoreline notices, or operational updates intended for public awareness rather than individualized instruction.

Field observation refers to non-instructional monitoring of observable conditions, posted notices, and publicly visible operational signals used to support contextual accuracy. Field observation does not replace official authority guidance and is used for informational reference only.

These source types are used to ensure that content reflects how maritime safety systems operate and communicate, rather than to assess or interpret specific conditions.

Update and Review Process

Content is reviewed through a neutral monitoring process that prioritizes consistency with official terminology, published frameworks, and publicly available information. Reviews focus on structural accuracy rather than predictive or advisory content.

Ongoing verification supports the integrity of the page by confirming that descriptions remain aligned with current maritime safety processes and communication practices. Verification does not involve real-time status determination or instruction and does not supersede official maritime or civil protection notices.

This process is designed to maintain informational accuracy while preserving the page’s neutral, civic reference role.

Related Visitor Safety Resources

Visitors may find additional context and operational reference information through the following related public information pages. These resources provide neutral, verified overviews that complement the maritime safety framework outlined above.

• Port Status
  Provides verified operational status updates for maritime activity, including port open, restricted, or closed conditions, based on publicly issued bulletins and monitoring.
• Emergency and Safety Hub
  Central reference for emergency contacts, response structures, and public safety coordination information relevant to visitors.
• Weather by Month
  Neutral climate and seasonal condition overview designed to help visitors understand typical weather patterns and variability throughout the year.
• Transportation Overview
  Public information on how ground and marine transportation systems operate across the island, including taxis, airport access, ferry services, and transit considerations.

These resources are maintained as part of a broader visitor information framework and are intended to support general awareness rather than provide real-time instruction or advisories.

Important Neutral Notice

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. It summarizes publicly available maritime safety structures and commonly observed conditions to help visitors understand how maritime activity is managed around Cozumel.

This content is not advisory, instructional, or predictive, and it should not be used as a substitute for official notices, real-time conditions, or instructions issued by maritime authorities, port officials, or licensed operators.

Maritime and environmental conditions can change without notice and may vary by location, activity type, or time of day. Visitors should rely on official bulletins, posted notices, and on-site guidance when making decisions related to maritime activity.