Department of Homeland Security May 12, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is updating the special local regulations and permanent safety zones in the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Captain of the Port Zone for annual recurring marine events. When enforced, these special local regulations and safety zones will restrict vessel operations within portions of water areas during certain annually recurring events. The special local regulations and safety zones are intended to expedite public notification and ensure the protection of the maritime public and event participants from the hazards associated with certain maritime events.

The Coast Guard will enforce the special local regulation for the ``Annual Kennewick, Washington, Columbia Unlimited Hydroplane Races'' from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day, from July 24, 2015 through July 26, 2015. This action is necessary to assist in minimizing the inherent dangers associated with hydroplane races. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the regulated area without permission from the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port.

The Coast Guard is extending the deadline for accepting applications for membership on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. This Council advises the Coast Guard on recreational boating safety regulations and other major boating safety matters.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the upper deck of the Steel Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 12.1, at Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary to accommodate the route of the annual Starlight Parade event, which crosses the Steel Bridge. This deviation allows the upper deck of the Steel Bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position and need not open for marine traffic during the specified time.