Search Results for keywords:"Coast Guard"

The Coast Guard has finalized rules that change how the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge over Sandusky Bay in Ohio operates. The new rules aim to improve communication and ensure the bridge opens promptly for marine traffic, addressing past complaints about delays. Now, the bridge will be remotely operated with requirements for phone and radio communication to request openings, ensuring reliable access across the bridge for emergency and recreational purposes. The changes also include certain conditions related to how the railroad can use the bridge for train operations.

The Coast Guard is establishing a recurring safety zone in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, during the Escape from Managaha swim event. This zone is intended to protect participants and vessels from potential hazards caused by vessel traffic in the area. The safety zone will be enforced on a weekend morning between February and April, and only race participants, chase boats, and event organizers will be allowed inside. Vessels wanting to enter must get permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary safety zone in Duluth-Superior Harbor, set from February 24 to March 5, 2021. This zone is designed to ensure safety during an extreme sports event and spans from Connor's Point Marina in Superior, WI, to Rice's Point in Duluth, MN, extending 100 yards from barges placed in the waterway. The rule prohibits entry or anchoring within this zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Duluth. It was enacted without a prior notice due to urgent safety concerns, especially as the harbor is not expected to have vessel traffic due to ice and the closure of the Sault Saint Marie Locks.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary moving security zone around vessels transporting sensitive cargo in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and La Quinta Channel, effective from December 1 to December 16, 2024. Entry into this 500-yard security zone is restricted and only permitted with explicit authorization from the Captain of the Port, ensuring the protection of the vessels and surrounding waters from security threats. This rule is not expected to significantly affect small businesses or marine traffic, as most vessels can navigate around the zone. Additionally, the Coast Guard respects First Amendment rights and suggests coordination for protest activities to ensure safety and security.

The Coast Guard has proposed creating a temporary safety zone on parts of the Garrison Channel, Seddon Channel Turning Basin, and Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida, during the Super Bowl LV celebrations from January 29 to February 7, 2021. This safety zone aims to protect the public and event staff from hazards related to vessel traffic. All boats must move at a steady speed without stopping or anchoring, unless there's an emergency. The Coast Guard is inviting public comments on the proposed rule.

The Coast Guard is implementing a permanent safety zone in the waters around Bahia de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico. This safety zone is designed to protect lives during ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied gas, preventing any unauthorized persons or vessels from entering the zone while these operations are active. The safety zone extends 100 yards from the transfer location, and access is only permitted with permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated Coast Guard official. This new rule becomes effective on March 5, 2021, and aims to ensure navigational safety in this busy maritime area.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to establish a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, to ensure safety during a bank stabilization construction project. Starting December 2, 2024, until July 11, 2025, vessel speeds will be limited, and access to the RNA will be restricted during construction hours unless permitted by the Captain of the Port. The rule aims to minimize risks to both vessels and construction workers, while also providing exceptions for small entities, and has been reviewed to ensure compliance with various federal regulations and executive orders.

The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce special regulations for several holiday boat parades happening in the Los Angeles Long Beach area during December 2024. These rules are meant to keep people safe during events like the Morro Bay Holiday Boat Parade, Santa Barbara Boat Parade, and others. While these events are underway, boat operators must follow directions from patrol officers and cannot stop or interfere with parade participants. The enforcement is backed by federal law, and more information will be shared with the maritime community as the events approach.

The Coast Guard is proposing a rule to set up a safety zone in Cocos Lagoon, Guam, specifically for the annual Cocos Crossing swim event. This zone will be in place to ensure the safety of participants and will cover all navigable waters within 100 yards of the race participants. Only race participants, chase boats, and event organizers will be allowed in this area. Others are prohibited from entering unless they have permission from the Captain of the Port of Guam. The Coast Guard is seeking public comments on this proposal.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced new pilotage rates for 2025 under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960. The updated rates, which take into account factors like inflation, district operating costs, and an increase in the number of pilots, will result in a 7% rise in pilotage costs compared to the previous year. These changes are made to ensure safe and reliable pilotage services in the Great Lakes, catering to foreign merchant vessels and any U.S. vessel engaged in foreign trade. The Coast Guard reviewed public comments on these changes but made no alterations to the proposed rates.