Coast Guard March 31, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is changing the operating regulations governing the Cortez bridge mile 87.4 and the Anna Maria bridge mile 89.2 across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to allow for the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Bridge. This rule will allow each bridge to open on a twice an hour schedule, except that they will be closed to navigation in the evening; also each bridge will open once every hour during the 45 day vehicle closure period on the Anna Maria Bridge. This action is necessary for worker safety and will assist in expediting the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria Bridge.

The Coast Guard is developing a set of proposed amendments to its commercial fishing industry vessel regulations. The proposed changes would enhance maritime safety by adding new requirements for vessel stability and watertight integrity, stability training and assessments, vessel maintenance and self-examinations, immersion suits, crew preparedness, safety training, emergency preparation, safety and training personnel, safety equipment, and documentation. Miscellaneous conforming, clarifying, and other administrative changes are also contemplated.

The Coast Guard proposes establishing a safety zone on the Nansemond River in the vicinity of Suffolk, VA in support of the Stars and Stripes Fourth of July Fireworks event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic movement on the Nansemond River to protect mariners from the hazards associated with fireworks displays.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone on the federal channel of the Thames River surrounding the Amtrak Railroad Bridge in the Town of New London, Connecticut. This safety zone is necessary to protect vessels transiting in the area from hazards imposed by construction barges and equipment. The barges and equipment are being utilized to remove the old bascule bridge and install a new vertical lift span bridge over the Thames River. Entry into this zone will be prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Long Island Sound.