BOSTON -- The Coast Guard, state police and other agencies began stepped-up security patrols in Boston Harbor Tuesday to prepare for the Democratic National Convention.

Video

Jack Harper Reports On Security

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that the restrictions and additional security will remain in place through next week's convention.

"Now it is our responsibility, one we accepted gladly, to deal with the difficult issues that surround keeping our democratic process open, as well as secure, accessible, as well as safe," said Secretary of Public Safety Edward Flynn. "We look forward to doing our best next week to achieve all of those goals."

Beginning this week, the harbor will see the highest security it has ever seen. The Coast Guard is coordinating the overall effort that stretches from the FleetCenter to the federal courthouse to Logan International Airport on the other side of the harbor.

"The white buoy system that is in place here along the airport, it goes from here all the way down to Winthrop into East Boston. This is a secure zone since Sept. 11. There are not any vessels, fishing, nothing can go in there," said Lt. Gary Dunkin, of the environmental police.

The goal is to keep most of the harbor open for the public, but it will not be business as usual.

"It includes increased harbor patrols that will occur on the water, in the air and on land, an increase in the number of security boardings on vessels approaching or operating within Boston Harbor," said Coast Guard Capt. Brian Salerno.

Any mariners with moorings inside the inner harbor must be on security lists to be allowed inside the secure areas.