Coast Guard October 31, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is revising its proposed rule published March 9, 2005, to establish permanent moving security zones around all escorted High Capacity Passenger Vessels (``HCPV'') and escorted Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels (``AMHS vessels'') during their transit in the navigable waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. The 250-yard speed restriction zone, the 25-yard security zone around moored and anchored vessels, and the waiver request process in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) have been eliminated. The Coast Guard has revised the proposed security zones prohibiting any vessel from entering within 100 yards of an escorted HCPV or escorted AMHS vessel while in transit. These security zones are necessary to mitigate potential terrorist acts and enhance public and maritime safety and security. Permission to enter these security zones may be granted by the designated on-scene representative.

The Coast Guard has temporarily changed the drawbridge operation regulations that govern the operation of the General Edwards SR1A Bridge, at mile 1.7, across the Saugus River between Lynn and Revere, Massachusetts. This temporary change to the drawbridge operation regulations allows the bridge to remain in the closed position from November 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006. This action is necessary to facilitate structural maintenance at the bridge.