Coast Guard March 13, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) railroad bridge across the Hackensack River, mile 3.0, at Jersey City, New Jersey. This deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to replace rails and ties at the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed on Saturday and Sunday for twenty six consecutive weekends.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a safety zone on the navigable waters of Mill Basin surrounding the Belt Parkway Bridge. In response to a planned Belt Parkway Bridge construction project, this rule would allow the Coast Guard to prohibit all vessel traffic through the safety zone during bridge replacement operations, both planned and unforeseen, that could pose an imminent hazard to persons and vessels operating in the area. This rule is necessary to provide for the safety of life in the vicinity of the construction of the Belt Parkway Bridge.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone encompassing the waters of the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, AL. This action is necessary for the safeguard of participants and spectators, including all crews, vessels, and persons on navigable waters during the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show. Entry into or transiting in this zone is prohibited to all vessels, mariners, and persons unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Mobile or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard announces its intent to enter into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Vector Controls, Inc. (Vector) to develop changes to the response boat-medium (RB-M) onboard engine data bus that will convert Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1939 format to the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183/2000 data format. A test schedule has been proposed in which Vector will develop and install the required RB-M control system software upgrades and relevant additional equipment; a Coast Guard field unit will operate the RB-M in normal operations; and the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (R&DC) will install a dedicated data recorder system and conduct periodic data downloads for demonstration purposes. While the Coast Guard is currently considering partnering with Vector, the Coast Guard solicits public comment on the possible nature of and participation of other parties in the proposed CRADA. In addition, the Coast Guard also invites other potential non- Federal participants, who have the interest and capability to bring similar contributions to this type of research, to consider submitting proposals for consideration in similar CRADAs.