Movement restrictions in force in military areas also concern those moving on the ice

In the Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea, there are 18 restricted sea areas which usually also contain a military area. Military areas are surrounded by a 100 metre movement restriction zone. This restriction also applies to anyone moving on the ice in winter.

At the moment, the ice sheet allows for wintertime movement in many places in the sea areas.  When moving on the ice, one should remember that also at sea, there are military sites that should not be approached.  Military areas are marked with yellow no-entry signs, and movement closer than 100 metres from the military area is forbidden.

The 18 restricted sea areas in the Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea are marked on maps on the Defence Forces website (there is a link to the maps at the end of this press release).  Restricted sea areas are areas in parts of Finnish territorial waters that are important for national security and for the arrangements of territorial surveillance. The boundaries of the areas have been carefully determined. Moving in a restricted sea area is allowed except in the immediate proximity of military areas. Only activities which are subject to authorisation are forbidden in restricted sea areas. 

Without any exception, moving in a military area is subject to authorisation, expect  on official, public sea lanes marked on Finnish sea charts.