To enter a safety zone, you need permission from either COTP or which other entity?

To enter a safety zone, permission is required from either the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the District Commander. The District Commander has the authority to grant or deny access to safety zones, which are designated areas established to protect public health and welfare, the marine environment, and the safety of navigation. These zones can restrict waterway access due to various operational or environmental reasons, and the District Commander's role ensures that such decisions are made at a higher administrative level, which can also consider broader implications beyond local jurisdiction.

The other entities listed may be involved in marine safety or port operations, but they do not have the requisite authority to grant permission for access to safety zones as defined by Coast Guard regulations. The Captain of the Port directly manages enforcement in the local area, while the District Commander oversees a wider geographic region, providing a necessary layer of oversight and coordination.