Recreational boater advised NRP that his vessel was struck by a USCG vessel on August 12, 2012 in the Patapsco River.  The boater stated that he noticed a Carnival Cruise ship headed out of Baltimore and stopped his vessel to look at it.  A Coast Guard boat approached him and yelled that they must maintain a 500 yard distance from the Carnival.  The boater stated the CG boat was perpendicular to their starboard bow.  The boater stated he thought he was far enough out but said "OK we will move."  He stated that his vessel, a 24 foot Regal was stopped and not under power.  The boater stated the CG boat went forward, then made a hard starboard turn and the stern fife rail clipped his boat's anchor/bow pulpit causing damage.  

The Coast Guard operator stated the Regal was violating the security zone.  He stated the CG vessel was parallel to the Regal on their starboard side.  He stated the Regal turned turned starboard moving approximately 4 knots toward his vessel so he turned the CG vessel hard starboard to avoid a collision.
Dundalk                       