FR 2025-05095

The recent document from the U.S. Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, concerns a final rule announcement supplemented by a correcting amendment pertaining to special local regulations in the Fifth District. This document, published on March 26, 2025, aims to rectify a previous error by formally including the Tiki Lee's Shootout on the River High Speed Power Boat Event and Air Show in the list of marine events. Initially, due to a procedural oversight, this event was omitted from the specified regulations.

General Summary

The regulation amendment focuses on safety in navigable waters under 33 CFR Part 100. The Coast Guard identified a gap in their regulations where an event was not properly registered due to a faulty instruction. This new rule amends the existing regulation to add the high-speed powerboat event and airshow, ensuring that it is covered by the safety protocols under the current framework. The action is effective immediately from March 26, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A notable concern with the document is its inherent complexity, which may result in challenges for the general public to fully understand. The technical language and numerous references to other Federal Register documents without summarizing their content may create barriers to comprehension. Additionally, while the rule is corrective, there are no details provided regarding financial implications, which could be crucial for assessing any economic impact or resource allocation needed to implement the new safety regulation.

Public Impact

The inclusion of the event in the special local regulations may have broad public impacts, particularly for communities near the Back River in Baltimore County, Maryland. These regulations typically concern operational safety around major water events, aimed at minimizing risks to participants and spectators alike. Overall, public safety will likely benefit from these regulations as they essentially provide a structured approach to managing large-scale events and the associated navigation and safety challenges.

However, without clear financial details within the document, it's difficult to directly assess whether these amendments will incur significant costs to taxpayers or other stakeholders.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For event organizers, such as those involved in Tiki Lee's Shootout, inclusion under the Coast Guard's regulatory framework could streamline event planning, offering both clarity and consistency in safety requirements. This amendment ensures that the event complies with established safety and security measures, potentially enhancing the reputation and success of the event.

Local residents and businesses might experience both positive and negative impacts. On one hand, increased safety measures can lead to a more secure and enjoyable event experience, potentially boosting local tourism and economic activity. On the other hand, the implementation of stringent regulations might result in increased operational costs or logistical constraints for some stakeholders, particularly smaller businesses or vendors participating in or around the event.

In conclusion, while the document effectively addresses a regulatory oversight, it could benefit from greater clarity and transparency, particularly concerning the procedural and financial implications of implementing the new rule. Broadly, the amendment aims to enhance public safety while also impacting local interests associated with major maritime events.