Coast Guard June 4, 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL near the Adler Planetarium on June 26, 2018. This action is necessary and intended to ensure safety of life on the navigable waters of the United States immediately prior to, during, and after a fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone on the Maumee River in the vicinity of Toledo, Ohio. This Zone is intended to restrict vessels from portions of the Maumee River for the Thunder over Toledo Fireworks Display. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit, or his designated representative. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with fireworks displays.

The Coast Guard is amending its safety zones regulation for Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Buffalo Zone. This amendment updates 12 permanent safety zones and adds 12 new permanent safety zones. These amendments and additions are necessary to protect spectators, participants and vessels from the hazards associated with annual maritime events, including fireworks displays, boat races, and air shows.

The Coast Guard is establishing a special local regulation on the waters of the Boca Ciego Bay in the vicinity of Gulfport, Florida, during the Gulfport Grand Prix High Speed Boat Race. Approximately 50 boats, 16 feet in length, traveling at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour are expected to participate. Additionally, it is anticipated that 20 spectator vessels will be present along the race course. The special local regulation is necessary to protect the safety of race participants, participant vessels, spectators, and the general public on navigable waters of the United States during the event. The special local regulation will establish two regulated areas: (1) A race area where all non-participant persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port St. Petersburg (COTP) or a designated representative; and (2) a buffer zone where designated representatives may control vessel traffic as deemed necessary by the COTP St. Petersburg or a designated representative based upon prevailing weather conditions.