Coast Guard November 4, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule to extend the maximum validity period of merchant mariner medical certificates issued to first-class pilots, and masters or mates serving as pilot, from 2 years to 5 years. We are issuing this rule in response to federal advisory committee recommendations and a petition for rulemaking. This rule will reduce the frequency of medical certificate application submissions to the Coast Guard. The rule maintains the requirement for pilots to complete annual physicals and provides the Coast Guard opportunity to review the medical examinations of pilots who may become medically unqualified between medical certificate applications; therefore, the rule does not compromise safety.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Savannah River near Augusta, GA for the Head of the South Regatta. This temporary safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the rowing regatta. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Savannah or a designated representative.