Coast Guard May 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In order to provide safe access routes for the movement of vessel traffic proceeding to or from ports or places along the eastern seaboard of the United States, the Coast Guard is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) to evaluate the continued applicability of, and the need for modifications to, current vessel routing measures. The data gathered during this Atlantic Coast PARS may result in establishment of one or more new vessel routing measures, modification of existing routing measures, or disestablishment of existing routing measures off the Atlantic Coast between Maine and Florida. The goal of the Atlantic Coast PARS is to enhance navigational safety by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses, and, to the extent practicable, reconciling the paramount right of navigation within designated port access routes with other reasonable waterway uses such as the leasing of outer continental shelf blocks for the construction and operation of offshore renewable energy facilities. The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking action or appropriate international agreements.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of revisions to the following collection of information: 1625-0109, Drawbridge Operation Regulations. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of a revision to the following collection of information: 1625-0003, Coast Guard Boating Accident Form (CG-3865). The sixty day notice was previously published as an extension. Due to a change to form CG-3865, this Notice is being submitted as a revision. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit Information Collection Requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collections of information: 1625-0077, Security Plans for Ports, Vessels, Facilities, and Outer Continental Shelf Facilities and Other Security-Related Requirements; 1625-0085, Streamlined Inspection Program; and 1625-0112, Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness via Electronic Transmission of Vessel Transit Data. Our ICRs describe the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting these ICRs to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

This rule makes non-substantive amendments to reflect the Coast Guard's reorganization of Sector North Carolina. The amendments describe the boundaries of Sector North Carolina's Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zone, and provide updated contact information.

The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Hood Canal floating drawbridge near Port Gamble, Washington to test an operational change and seek public comment regarding that change in order to evaluate the need for a permanent change. The deviation establishes a restricted period from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week from 3 p.m. May 27, 2011 through 6 p.m. on September 30, 2011.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Saugus River, Lynn, Massachusetts, within the Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston Zone to allow for repair of high voltage transmission lines to Logan Airport. This safety zone is required to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the repair of high voltage transmission lines. Entering into, transiting through, mooring or anchoring within this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP.

The Coast Guard will establish a safety zone in San Pablo Bay for Coast Guard Use of Force Training exercises. This safety zone will be established to ensure the safety of the public and participating crews from potential hazards associated with fast-moving Coast Guard small boats and/or helicopters taking part in the exercise. Unauthorized persons or vessels will be prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or remaining in the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.

The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing the establishment of a safety zone during the construction of the TriMet Bridge on the Willamette River, in Portland, OR. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of recreational vessels and commercial vessels transiting in close proximity to cranes and overhead work associated with this construction project. During the enforcement period, all vessels will be required to transit through the area at a no wake speed and at a safe distance from the work being conducted.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent regulated navigation area (RNA) on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. The RNA would be enforced annually on the Saturday and Sunday of the second week in October (Columbus Day weekend). It would include all waters within one nautical mile of the center of the Intracoastal Waterway between Featherbed Bank and the Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge. All vessels within the RNA would be: Required to transit the regulated navigation area at no more than 15 knots; subject to control by the Coast Guard; and required to follow the instructions of all law enforcement vessels in the area. This RNA is necessary to ensure the safe transit of vessels and to protect the marine environment.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone on Biscayne Bay, east of Bayfront Park, in Miami, Florida during the 2011 Rohto Ironman 70.3 Miami, a triathlon. The Rohto Ironman 70.3 Miami is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 30, 2011. The temporary safety zone is necessary for the safety of race participants, participant vessels, and the general public during the 1.2 mile swim portion of this competition. Persons and vessels will be prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Commander, District Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Route 1/Rehoboth Blvd Bascule Bridge across the Mispillion River, mile 11.0, at Milford, DE. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for two months to accommodate the necessary bridge cleaning and painting of the bridge.

The Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (GLPAC) will meet on May 20, 2011, in Washington, District of Columbia. The meeting will be open to the public.