Search Results for agency_names:"Coast Guard"

The document is a notification from the Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, about temporary rules that were put into effect but expired before they could be published in the Federal Register. These temporary rules include safety zones, security zones, and special local regulations, which were primarily effective between July and September 2021. Although they were not published in the Federal Register on time, the public was informed through other methods like Local Notices to Mariners and press releases. The Coast Guard has the authority to issue these rules quickly to address immediate safety and security needs.

The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations on Mission Bay, San Diego, during the San Diego Crew Classic from March 28 to March 30, 2025, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. These regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of participants and others on the water and prohibit people and vessels from entering or moving through the designated area without permission from the Captain of the Port. The Coast Guard will provide advance notice about this enforcement period through local maritime communication channels.

The Coast Guard is implementing a temporary safety zone on the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI, due to the demolition of the J.B. Sims power plant. This zone, which covers all navigable waters within 1,400 feet of the demolition site, is enforced from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 5 and 19, 2021, to protect people and vessels from potential hazards. People and vessels are prohibited from entering the area unless they have authorization from the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan. This measure is taken under the authority of the Coast Guard to ensure safety during the demolition process.

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

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.

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 established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to create a regulated navigation area around the Port of Miami. This rule sets a slow speed zone for vessels under 50 meters in length in Fisherman's Channel and the Main Ship Channel to reduce navigational hazards and protect vessels in this busy area. The rule, effective from January 29, 2025, aims to improve safety for both passenger and cargo operations by minimizing the risks posed by high-speed vessel traffic. The new measures also allow for better monitoring by law enforcement to ensure compliance and bolster port security.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public comments on the renewal of an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to Merchant Mariner Credentials and Medical Certificates. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this request is being reviewed to ensure the collection of information is necessary and does not place an undue burden on respondents. Comments must be submitted by February 11, 2021, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Coast Guard is particularly interested in feedback on the practical use and clarity of the information collected and suggestions for reducing any associated burdens.