Journalists who want to go out in boats and take pictures of nuclear plants, municipal water intakes, dams, and other facilities often reported on in the environmental beat may want to check in with their local Coast Guard officials first.

The Coast Guard defines "security zones" to protect certain sensitive facilities in its bailiwick. It does sometimes grant permission for boats to transit these zones. We suggest journalists interested in such maritime investigations contact their local Coast Guard district or station [2] first.

• "Coast Guard Reminds New York Boaters That Areas Surrounding Power Plants Are Off Limits," [3] News release of March 19, 2012, US Coast Guard, Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office, (216) 902-6020.