Search Results for keywords:"navigation safety"

The Coast Guard is establishing a new anchorage ground near Port Westward on the Columbia River, aiming to enhance the safety of navigation by providing more anchorage options for commercial vessels. This rule, effective from January 3, 2025, was developed in response to increased vessel traffic and size, and it has received supportive feedback from stakeholders during the comment periods. According to the Coast Guard, the impact on small businesses and routine navigation is expected to be minimal. The rule has been carefully evaluated under various legal frameworks, including the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, ensuring compliance with federal standards.

The Coast Guard has set up a temporary safety zone in the Richmond Entrance Channel near Richmond, CA, to deal with a hydrocarbon release from the Richmond Long Wharf. Effective from February 10 to 16, 2021, this zone prevents unauthorized people or vessels from entering or passing through the area without permission from the Captain of the Port San Francisco. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of life, vessels, and the environment while the response to the hydrocarbon release is underway. The rule emphasizes the temporary nature of this safety zone and assures minimal impact on local waterway users through prior notifications.

The Coast Guard has decided to remove a regulated navigation area in Sparkman Channel, Tampa, Florida. Initially, the area restricted vessel drafts to protect navigation due to an underwater pipeline, but advancements in technology have rendered these restrictions unnecessary. The change, effective March 4, 2021, aims to eliminate these outdated limitations, and the Coast Guard sees no significant impact on small businesses or the environment. This action is being taken under the authority granted by U.S. law, and no new rules or navigational hurdles are being introduced by this change.