Coast Guard October 22, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is establishing an emergency temporary safety zone for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River between mile 467.0 and 472.0. Transit into and through this area is prohibited beginning at 11:32 p.m. on September 10, 2015 and will continue through October 31, 2015 or until the width and depth of the navigational channel improves. This safety zone is needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the safety hazards associated with the navigational channel being reduced in width and depth due to shallow water and shifting shoals. This has created an especially hazardous situation that does not allow for normal transit through this reach of the river. Deviation from the safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing an emergency temporary safety zone for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River between mile 488.0 and 480.5. Transit into and through this area is prohibited beginning at 5:43 p.m. on September 9, 2015 and will continue through October 31, 2015 or until the width and depth of the navigational channel improves. This safety zone is needed to protect persons, property and infrastructure from the safety hazards associated with the navigational channel being reduced in width and depth due to shallow water and shifting shoals. This has created an especially hazardous situation that does not allow for normal transit through this reach of the river. Deviation from the safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone on the waters of Biscayne Bay, east of Bayfront Park, in Miami, Florida during the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Miami, a triathlon. The Ironman 70.3 Miami is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2015. Approximately 2,500 participants are anticipated to participate in the swim portion of the event. No spectators are expected to be present during the event. The safety zone is necessary to ensure the safety of participants, vessels, and the general public during the event. Persons and vessels, except those participating in the event, are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard proposes additional updates and revisions to regulatory tables that were amended by an interim rule published in August 2013. The tables list liquid hazardous materials, liquefied gases, and compressed gases approved for maritime transportation in bulk, and indicate how each cargo is categorized by its pollution risk and safe carriage requirements. These proposals would correct errors in the interim rule and bring the tables current through December 2013. Updated information is of value to shippers and to the owners and operators of U.S.-flag tank and bulk cargo vessels in any waters, and most foreign-flag tank and oceangoing bulk cargo vessels in U.S. waters. The proposed rule promotes the Coast Guard's maritime safety and stewardship (environmental protection) missions.