Search Results for agency_names:"Coast Guard"

The Coast Guard has established 55 temporary safety zones around the construction of wind energy facilities for the Empire Wind 1 project, located offshore from Long Island, New York. These zones, each extending 500 meters from the facility's center point, aim to protect life, property, and the environment during construction, which may begin as early as March 2025 and continue through February 2028. During enforcement, only authorized vessels are allowed within these safety zones, and mariners will be notified of enforcement periods through various communication channels. This action was implemented following regulatory processes and public comments, focusing solely on safety rather than the wind energy projects themselves.

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 Coast Guard, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, has established a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River between the 14th Street Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. This safety zone is in response to a midair collision between a jet and a helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in the jet landing in the river. The safety zone is effective from February 7 to February 21, 2025, to protect first responders, vessels, and the public from hazards such as debris and jet fuel. Entry into this zone is prohibited without authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Maryland-National Capital Region or their representative.

The Coast Guard is proposing to remove a security zone regulation for Rattlesnake, Tampa, FL, because the Chemical Formulators Chlorine Facility there is no longer operating. This change would lift existing restrictions on vessel movement in the area. The public is invited to share their comments on the proposal by April 14, 2025, through the Federal Decision-Making Portal. The proposal aims to update the security measures to reflect current needs, with no significant economic impact expected on small entities.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has made available Revision 9 to the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6. This directive provides important guidelines for U.S. ships operating in areas where terrorism, piracy, and ship robbery are common. Since this information is sensitive, it's not available to the public, but U.S. vessel owners and operators affected by previous versions should contact their local Coast Guard contact for a copy. The new revision also updates high-risk water locations and responsibilities and highlights some changes like reducing electronic vessel transmissions in certain areas.

The Coast Guard will enforce special regulations for the California Half Ironman Triathlon in Oceanside, California, on April 5, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. These regulations are meant to ensure the safety of participants and spectators during the event. During this time, boats and people are not allowed to anchor, block, loiter, or impede within the designated area unless they have permission from the Captain of the Port or their representative. The Coast Guard will notify the maritime community of this enforcement through various channels.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule allowing for electronic submission of mariner credential applications and the payment of fees through an online system, aiming to modernize and streamline the process. The rule eliminates the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath in person, updates certain procedures related to the issuance of credentials, and makes technical amendments like adopting gender-neutral language. The changes, effective January 19, 2025, are designed to improve efficiency and clarity, making it easier for mariners to manage their credentials.

The Coast Guard has proposed a new rule to improve the schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, FL. The proposed changes aim to make the bridge operation more predictable and reliable due to increased railway activity. The new schedule would ensure the bridge remains open for navigation except when allowing trains to pass, with fixed 10-minute opening periods each hour. The proposal seeks public comments, highlighting the importance of public participation in shaping the final decision.

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public comments on extending the approval of an Information Collection Request for the Application for Permit to Transport Municipal and Commercial Waste. This process is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The request, listed under OMB Control Number 1625-0058, aims to ensure that permits are correctly issued for vessels transporting waste in U.S. coastal waters. Comments can be submitted online by April 9, 2025, and will contribute to improving the clarity and efficiency of the regulatory process.