33 CFR - Title 33—Navigation and Navigable Waters

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around the Vigor Marine Dry Dock, located in Everett, WA. This action is necessary to prevent maritime traffic from colliding with a sunken dry dock and associated debris, and to ensure the safety of the salvage crews on scene. It will do so by prohibiting vessels from entering or remaining in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his Designated Representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the navigable waters of the East River, in the vicinity of the Brooklyn Bridge. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life and property on the navigable waters during emergency repairs to stabilize and remove the damaged scaffolding under the eastern span of the bridge. This rule is intended to restrict all vessels from a portion of the East River during the repair and removal of the damaged scaffolding.

The Coast Guard is amending its regulation requiring safety zones in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan zone. This rule will amend, establish, or delete the rules that restrict vessels from portions of water areas during events that pose a hazard to public safety. The safety zones amended or established by this rule are necessary to protect spectators, participants, and vessels from the hazards associated with various maritime events.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida during the Volvo Ocean Racing Youth Regatta. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 and Sunday, May 13, 2012. The safety zone is necessary for the safety of race participants and the general public during the event. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is changing the regulations that govern the operation of the S189 Bridge over Blackwater River, mile 9.2, at South Quay, VA. The new rule will change the current regulation requiring a 24-hour advance notice and allow the bridge to remain in the closed position for the passage of vessels. There have been no requests for openings in 11 years.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating regulation that governs the Isleton Drawbridge across Sacramento River, mile 18.7, at Isleton, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow California Department of Transportation to paint and perform routine maintenance on the drawbridge. This deviation allows single leaf operation of the double leaf bascule style drawbridge during the project.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Broadway Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 11.7, at Portland, OR. This deviation is necessary to accommodate the Bridge to Brews foot race scheduled for April 15, 2012. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to allow safe movement of event participants.

By this final rule, the Coast Guard amends the list of special areas in effect under Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, as amended, to include the Wider Caribbean Region special area. The current list of special areas in effect is outdated because it does not include this special area, which went into effect May 1, 2011. This rule will correct the list of special areas in effect to provide accurate information to the public.

The Coast Guard is amending its regulations related to numbering undocumented vessels and reporting boating accidents. These changes align and modernize terminology used in the Standard Numbering System (SNS), the Vessel Identification System, and accident reporting; require verification of vessel hull identification numbers; require SNS vessel owners to provide personally identifiable information; and provide flexibility for States and territories in administering these regulations. Together, the changes are intended to improve boating safety efforts, enhance law enforcement capabilities, clarify requirements for all stakeholders, and promote the Coast Guard strategic goals of maritime safety and security.

The Coast Guard is amending its regulations related to numbering undocumented vessels and reporting boating accidents. These changes align and modernize terminology used in the Standard Numbering System (SNS), the Vessel Identification System, and accident reporting; require verification of vessel hull identification numbers; require SNS vessel owners to provide personally identifiable information; and provide flexibility for States and territories in administering these regulations. Together, the changes are intended to improve boating safety efforts, enhance law enforcement capabilities, clarify requirements for all stakeholders, and promote the Coast Guard strategic goals of maritime safety and security.

The Coast Guard is amending its regulations related to numbering undocumented vessels and reporting boating accidents. These changes align and modernize terminology used in the Standard Numbering System (SNS), the Vessel Identification System, and accident reporting; require verification of vessel hull identification numbers; require SNS vessel owners to provide personally identifiable information; and provide flexibility for States and territories in administering these regulations. Together, the changes are intended to improve boating safety efforts, enhance law enforcement capabilities, clarify requirements for all stakeholders, and promote the Coast Guard strategic goals of maritime safety and security.

The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the N.W. 12th Avenue Bridge across the Miami River, mile 2.1, in Miami, Florida. This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed. The test deviation is necessary to determine whether possible vehicle traffic congestion during Miami Marlins home baseball games poses a safety concern. This 90 day test deviation will allow the N.W. 12th Avenue Bridge to remain closed to navigation for a short period prior to the start of Miami Marlins home baseball games. Tugs and tugs with tows, public vessels of the United States, and vessels in distress shall be passed at any time.

The Coast Guard is revising the list of permanent safety zones established for fireworks displays at various locations within the geographic boundary of the Fifth Coast Guard District. This action is necessary to protect life and property of the maritime public from hazards posed by fireworks displays. Entry into or movement within these zones during the enforcement periods is prohibited without approval of the appropriate Captain of the Port.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation for a portion of Saint Andrew Bay, Panama City, FL. This action is necessary for the safeguard of participants and spectators, including all crews, vessels, and persons on navigable waters during the Emerald Coast Super Boat Grand Prix high speed boat races. Entry into, transiting in or anchoring in this area is prohibited to all vessels not registered with the sponsor as participants or not part of the regatta patrol, unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Mobile or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing special local regulations during the swim segment of the “TriRock Triathlon Series”, a marine event to be held on the waters of Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbor on May 12, 2012. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbor during the event.

The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone for the San Francisco Giants Fireworks Display in the Captain of the Port, San Francisco area of responsibility during the dates and times noted below. This action is necessary to protect life and property of the maritime public from the hazards associated with the fireworks display. During the enforcement period, unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring in the safety zone, unless authorized by the Patrol Commander (PATCOM).

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Wando River during the Non-Compliant Vessel Pursuit Training Course in Charleston, South Carolina from Monday, March 19, 2012 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The safety zone is necessary to protect the public from hazards associated with executing small boat law enforcement tactics and high speed maneuvers during the training course. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation for a portion of O'Leary Lake, Moss Point, MS, on April 28-29, 2012. This action is necessary for the safeguarding of participants and spectators, including crews, vessels, and persons on navigable waters during the Moss Point Rockin' the Riverfront Festival high speed boat races. Entry into, transiting in or anchoring in this area is prohibited to all vessels not registered with the sponsor as participants or not part of the regatta patrol, unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Mobile or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing special local regulations on the waters of the New River between the Esplanade Park and slightly east of the South Andrews Avenue Bascule Bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the Red Bull Candola rowing event. The event is scheduled to take place on April 14, 2012. The temporary special local regulation is necessary for the safety of the event participants, participant vessels, and the general public during the event. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is changing the regulation that governs the operation of the CSX Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Anacostia River, mile 3.4, at Washington, DC. The change will alter the eight hour advance notice requirement for a bridge opening to a 48 hour advance notice requirement for a bridge opening. The operating regulation change gives more notice for trains and vessels to adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure safe and efficient transits across and under the bridge.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Route 88/Veterans Memorial Bridge across Point Pleasant Canal, NJICW mile 3.0, at Point Pleasant, NJ. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation in order to facilitate barrier gate replacement and extensive electrical remedial work on the bridge.

The Coast Guard is amending and updating its special local regulations and safety zones relating to recurring marine parades, regattas, fireworks displays, and other events that take place in the Eighth Coast Guard District area of responsibility. This rule informs the public of regularly scheduled marine parades, regattas, fireworks displays, and other annual events. When these special local regulations and safety zones are enforced, marine traffic is restricted in specified areas. The purpose of this rule is to reduce administrative costs involved in producing a separate rule for each individual recurring event and to provide notice of the known recurring events requiring a special local regulation or safety zone throughout the year. This rule will also help to protect event participants and the public from the hazards associated with the listed events.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, across the Cape Fear River, mile 26.8, at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate the structural repairs and painting of the bridge.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the north bascule span of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission Causeway across Lake Pontchartrain between Metairie, Jefferson Parish and Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows the draws of the bridge to remain closed to navigation for four days to allow for the repair and maintenance of mechanical parts of the bascule.

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Tower Drawbridge across the Sacramento River, mile 59.0, at Sacramento, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the community to participate in the 8th Annual Shamrock Half Marathon. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the event.

The Coast Guard is removing, adding, and consolidating limited access areas in the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone. These limited access areas include special local regulations, permanent safety zones for annual recurring marine events and a permanent security zone. When these limited access areas are subject to enforcement, this rule will restrict vessels from portions of water areas during these annual recurring events. The special local regulations and safety zones will facilitate public notification of events, and ensure the protection of the maritime public and event participants from the hazards associated with these annual recurring events.

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Fruitvale Avenue Drawbridge across Oakland Inner Harbor, mile 5.6, between the cities of Alameda and Oakland, Alameda County, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the County of Alameda Public Works Agency to perform seismic retrofitting on the drawbridge. This deviation allows the bridge owner to secure the drawspan in the closed-to-navigation position during the project.

This document provides required notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard and that were made temporarily effective between May 2011 and November 2011, and that expired before they could be published in the Federal Register . This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.

This document provides required notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard and that were made temporarily effective between May 2011 and November 2011, and that expired before they could be published in the Federal Register . This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.

This document provides required notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard and that were made temporarily effective between May 2011 and November 2011, and that expired before they could be published in the Federal Register . This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.

The Coast Guard is changing the shape and expanding the dimensions of anchorage “D” at Newport, Rhode Island, to better accommodate increasing cruise ship visits to Newport and to improve navigation safety.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the SR127 Bridge at mile 0.0 across the Annisquam River and Blynman Canal. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge rehabilitation repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during two separate phases.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Amtrak Pelham Bay Railroad Bridge, mile 0.5, across the Hutchinson River (Eastchester Creek) at the Bronx, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled maintenance at the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position during two separate phases.

The Captain of the Port of New Orleans (COTP New Orleans) has established moving security zones on the Mississippi River, from mile marker 90 through mile marker 110, extending 300 yards on all sides of vessels being escorted by one or more Coast Guard assets or other federal, state, or local law enforcement agency assets clearly identifiable by lights, vessel markings, or with agency insignia. This moving security zone regulation is necessary to protect vessels deemed to be in need of escort protection by the COTP New Orleans for security reasons. No person or vessel is permitted to enter or transit the security zones created by this temporary rule without permission of the COTP New Orleans.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Figure Eight Swing Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway North Carolina Cut, mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge may remain in the closed position on specific dates and times to facilitate mechanical gear replacement.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Rock Island Railroad and Highway Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 482.9, at Rock Island, Illinois. The deviation is necessary to allow the Quad Cities Heart Walk to cross the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position for two hours.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the State Route 56 swing bridge across Boudreaux Canal, mile 0.1, near Chauvin, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to perform structural repairs on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation for 30 days during March and April 2012.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone around all inbound and outbound grain-shipment vessels involved in commerce with Export Grain Terminal, Longview, WA, while they are located on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This safety zone extends to waters 500 yards ahead of these vessels and 200 yards abeam and astern of these vessels. This safety zone is being implemented to ensure that protest activities associated with the opening of the Export Grain Terminal to maritime traffic does not prevent safe navigation of grain shipment vessels and other vessels using the waterway during grain-shipment vessel transits to and from the terminal.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone encompassing certain waters of the Potomac River and Anacostia River in order to safeguard high-ranking public officials from terrorist acts and incidents. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of persons and property, and prevent terrorist acts or incidents. This rule prohibits vessels and people from entering the security zone and requires vessels and persons in the security zone to depart the security zone, unless specifically exempt under the provisions in this rule or granted specific permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, mile 1.0, across the Northeast Cape Fear River, at Wilmington, NC. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate structural, electrical and mechanical upgrades and repairs of the bridge.

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Third Street Drawbridge across Islais Creek, mile 0.4, at San Francisco, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the City of San Francisco to make emergency electrical repairs on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to be secured in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

The Coast Guard is amending the Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) in the navigable waters of the Arthur Kill in New York and New Jersey. The amendment allows the Coast Guard to suspend enforcement of some RNA requirements when they are found to be impracticable and unnecessary for the maintenance of safety.

The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Florida East Coast automated railroad bridge across the St. Johns River, mile 24.9, in Jacksonville, Florida. The regulation is set forth in 33 CFR 117.325(b). The deviation is necessary to enable the bridge owner to repair the bridge. This deviation will result in the bridge remaining closed to navigation during extensive periods of daylight hours.

The Commander Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Corson Inlet Bridge (County Route 619), across Corson Inlet, mile 0.9 in Strathmere, NJ. The deviation is necessary to facilitate the replacement of the steel railing. This deviation restricts operation of the draw span; no openings will be allowed during the course of the project, while the railings on the moveable span portion of the bridge are replaced.

The Coast Guard has temporarily changed the drawbridge operation regulations that govern the operation of the Smith Point Bridge, mile 6.1, across Narrow Bay, between Smith Point and Fire Island, New York. This temporary final rule is necessary to facilitate the completion of a major bridge rehabilitation project.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Hanover Street S2 bridge across the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, mile 12.0, at Baltimore, MD. The deviation is necessary to accommodate repairs to the bridge and will allow the bridge to open on signal if at least four hours of notice is given except that the drawbridge need not open during the morning and evening rush hours.

The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Route 675 Bridge across Pocomoke River, mile 15.6, at Pocomoke City, MD. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to facilitate an electrical outage for testing purposes.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Mississippi Export Railroad Company swing bridge across the Escatawpa River, mile 3.0, at Moss Point, Jackson County, Mississippi. This deviation is necessary to replace the cracked center housing and other repair work needed. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during 3 days in January.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Clinton Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 518.0, at Clinton, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner time to perform preventive maintenance that is essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. Maintenance is scheduled in the winter when there is less impact on navigation; instead of scheduling work in the summer, when river traffic increases. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal if at least 24 hours advance notice is given.

The Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Fruitvale Avenue Drawbridge across Oakland Inner Harbor, mile 5.6, between the cities of Alameda and Oakland, Alameda County, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the County of Alameda Public Works Agency to perform seismic retrofitting on the drawbridge. This deviation allows the bridge owner to secure the drawspan in the closed-to-navigation position during the project.

The Coast Guard is establishing three temporary safety zones during New Year's Eve fireworks displays on certain navigable waterways in Miami Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida. These safety zones are necessary to protect the public from the hazards associated with launching fireworks over navigable waters of the United States. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within any of the three safety zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Chicago River South Branch near Chicago, Illinois. This zone is intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Chicago River South Branch due to the rehabilitation of the Eisenhower Expressway Bridge. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect the surrounding public and vessels from the hazards associated with the rehabilitation of the Eisenhower Expressway Bridge. Entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lake Michigan or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Chicago River South Branch near Chicago, Illinois. This zone is intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Chicago River South Branch due to the installation of submarine cables in the vicinity of the Madison Street Bridge. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect the surrounding public and vessels from the hazards associated with the installation of submarine cables in the vicinity of the Madison Street Bridge. Entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lake Michigan or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing both a safety zone and a Regulated Navigation Area on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Romeoville, IL. This final rule places navigational, environmental, and operational restrictions on all vessels transiting the navigable waters located adjacent to and over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' electrical dispersal fish barrier system.

The Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Morrison Bridge across the Willamette River, mile 12.8, at Portland, OR. The deviation is necessary to complete major rehabilitation of the bridge. This deviation allows single leaf operations during rehabilitation and requires a two hour advance notification for a single leaf opening.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Amtrak Pelham Bay Railroad Bridge at mile 0.5, across the Hutchinson River at the Bronx, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled maintenance at the bridge, pinion shaft bushing replacement. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for four days.

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Union Pacific Railroad Swing Span Bridge across the Old Brazos River, mile 4.4, at Freeport, Brazoria County, Texas. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for four days to replace lift cables.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Glen Island Bridge, mile 0.8, across New Rochelle Harbor at New Rochelle, New York. The deviation is necessary to facilitate bridge rehabilitation repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position to facilitate bridge rehabilitation.

The Coast Guard announces that it intends to comply with recent legislation that would expand an existing higher volume port area (HVPA) for Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The expansion would add Pacific Ocean waters, under U.S. jurisdiction and within a 50-mile arc measured from Cape Flattery, Washington, to the HVPA. Higher volume port areas require certain tankers to plan for faster response times following a spill of the tanker's cargo. The expansion could require a tanker's owner or operator to review and modify the tanker's existing vessel response plan (VRP) accordingly, and to receive Coast Guard approval for the modified VRP by October 15, 2015.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois. This zone is intended to restrict vessels from a portion of the Illinois River due to the Truman-Hobbs alteration of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad Drawbridge. This temporary safety zone is necessary to protect the surrounding public and vessels from the hazards associated with the removal of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad Drawbridge's old bridge piers and pier protection cells.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the new Chelsea Street Bridge across the Chelsea River, mile 1.2, between Chelsea and East Boston, Massachusetts. The recently installed new vertical lift bridge span will undergo testing for three weeks. This deviation requires a four hour advance notice for bridge openings during the lift span test period.

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone upon specified waters of the Potomac River. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during a fireworks display launched from a floating platform located within the National Harbor Access Channel, in Prince Georges County, Maryland. This safety zone is intended to protect the maritime public in a portion of the Potomac River.

This document provides required notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard and temporarily effective between March 2010 and July 2011, that expired before they could be published in the Federal Register . This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.

This document provides required notice of substantive rules issued by the Coast Guard and temporarily effective between March 2010 and July 2011, that expired before they could be published in the Federal Register . This notice lists temporary safety zones, security zones, special local regulations, drawbridge operation regulations and regulated navigation areas, all of limited duration and for which timely publication in the Federal Register was not possible.