USCG Establishes Regulations for the safety and security of USN Vessels in US Navigable Waters

Seattle September 17, 2001 - The Coast Guard has established temporary regulations for the safety and security of U.S. naval vessels in the navigable waters of the United States, under the authority contained in 14 United States Code Section 91.

14 USC 91 states: · All vessels within 500 yards of a U.S. naval vessel must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and proceed as directed by the official patrol (a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer; or the commanding officer of a naval vessel or the designee)

· Vessels are not allowed within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel, unless authorized by the official patrol

· Vessels requesting to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel must contact the official patrol on VHF-FM channel 16

· Under some circumstances, the official patrol may permit vessels that can only operate safely in a navigable channel to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel in order to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules

· Under similar conditions, commercial vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area may be permitted to remain at anchor within 100 yards of passing naval vessels

These zones are necessary to provide for the safety and security of United States naval vessels in the navigable waters of the United States.

Any violation of these regulations is punishable as a felony.

-- Rich Marsh (marshr@airmail.net), September 20, 2001