Local Gulf boaters are accustomed to Naval operations in the area, but transients need to be aware of and avoid the testing areas.

FL – GULF OF MEXICO – U.S. Navy Testing
Continuing until approximately June 2, 2020, the U.S. Navy will be conducting test operations in several areas south of Panama City, Florida, aboard primary vessel M/V PATRIOT, or from suitable alternative platform. Primary test areas are in the vicinity of 29-57-00.0N 086-53-00.0W (29°57.0000N / 086°53.0000W, 29.950000 / -86.883333) (100-foot op area) and 29-40-00.0N 086-19-00.0W (29°40.0000N / 086°19.0000W, 29.666667 / -86.316667) (330-foot op area). It is requested that all surface vessels remain at least 2 nautical miles from test vessels working in these areas as they are likely to be under restricted maneuverability towing conditions during test events. There are also items on the sea floor and in the water column in these general areas. Any items moored close enough to the surface to be a hazard to navigation will be lighted, buoyed, and/or guarded while deployed for short durations during the test period. M/V PATRIOT will be on station in these areas during test events scheduled at a frequency of approximately 3-5 days per week. Concerned traffic should contact the U.S. Navy Support Vessel on VHF-FM Channel 16, heed all instructions given, and stay a minimum of 2 nautical miles from vessels on station in any of these operational areas. Additionally, it is requested that all trawler operations within 2 nautical miles of the op area positions given be avoided at all times as U.S. Navy equipment has been deployed in these areas and will remain in these areas through the duration of the test event. Chart 11360 LNM 46/19