STARPATH POCKET NAVIGATION RULES HANDBOOK
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The USCG does not provide an updated PDF of the book, but printed copies are available. Each volume of the US Coast Pilot inlcudes a complete, full-color illustrated copy of the Rules.

Rules 1-38 below are an amalgamation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the US Inland Navigation Rules. Text unique to the Inland Navigation Rules is italicized, sometimes with brackets with a vertical bar separator [ International wording | Inland wording ]. Larger differences are presented in side-by-side columns.

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PART A - GENERAL

Rule 1 - Application
Rule 2 - Responsibility
Rule 3 - General Definitions

PART B - STEERING AND SAILING RULES

I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility

Rule 4 - Application
Rule 5 - Look-Out
Rule 6 - Safe Speed
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision
Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes | Vessel Traffic Services

II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another

Rule 11 - Application
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 - Overtaking
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels

III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

PART C - LIGHTS AND SHAPES

Rule 20 - Application
Rule 21 - Definitions
Rule 22 - Visibility of Lights
Rule 23 - Power-driven Vessels Underway
Rule 24 - Towing and Pushing
Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Rule 26 - Fishing Vessels
Rule 27 - Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver
Rule 28 - Vessels Constrained by Their Draft
Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
Rule 31 - Seaplanes

PART D - SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Rule 32 - Definitions
Rule 33 - Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 34 - Maneuvering and Warning Signals
Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37 - Distress Signals

PART E - EXEMPTIONS

Rule 38 - Exemptions

Annexes, Interpretative Rules, Demarcation Lines, and associated Navigation Regulations


NAVIGATION RULES

PART A - GENERAL

Rule 1 - Application Back

International Inland
(a) These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. (a) These rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law. The regulations of 33 CFR parts 83 through 90 have preemptive effect over State or local regulation within the same field.
(b) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbors, rivers, lakes, or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. Such special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules. (b) (i)These rules constitute special rules made by an appropriate authority within the meaning of Rule 1(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, including annexes currently in force for the United States (“International Regulations”).

(ii) All vessels complying with the construction and equipment requirements of the International Regulations are considered to be in compliance with these Rules.

(c) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Government of any State with respect to additional station or signal lights, shape or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or with respect to additional station or signal lights or shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional stations or signal lights, shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be mistaken for any light, shape, or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules.
 

 

(c) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Secretary of the Navy with respect to additional station or signal lights [*] and shapes or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or by the Secretary with respect to additional station or signal lights and shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station or signal lights and shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be mistaken for any light, shape or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules. Notice of such special rules shall be published in the Federal Register and, after the effective date specified in such notice, they shall have effect as if they were a part of these Rules.
 

[*] For example, submarines may display, as a distinctive means of identification, an intermittent flashing amber beacon with a sequence of operation of one flash per second for three (3) seconds followed by a three (3) second off-period (32 CFR 707.7). Other special rules made by the Secretary of the Navy with respect to additional station and signal lights are found in Part 706 of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations (32 CFR 706).

(d) Traffic separation schemes may be adopted by the Organization for the purpose of these Rules. (d) Traffic separation schemes may be established for the purposes of these Rules. Vessel traffic service regulations may be in effect in certain areas.
(e) Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that a vessel of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of these Rules with respect to number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signaling appliances, such vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signaling appliances, as the Government shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with these Rules in respect to that vessel. (e) Whenever the Secretary determines that a vessel or class of vessels of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of these Rules with respect to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signaling appliances, the vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signaling appliances, as the Secretary shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with these Rules. The Secretary may issue a certificate of alternative compliance for a vessel or class of vessels specifying the closest possible compliance with these Rules. The Secretary of the Navy shall make these determinations and issue certificates of alternative compliance for vessels of the Navy.
  (f) The Secretary may accept a certificate of alternative compliance issued by a contracting party to the International Regulations if it determines that the alternative compliance standards of the contracting party are substantially the same as those of the United States.
  (g) The operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry, on board and maintain for ready reference, a copy of these Rules.


Rule 2 - Responsibility Back

(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.

(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Rule 3 - General Definitions Back

For the purpose of these Rules [ and 33 CFR §83-90 ], except where the context otherwise requires:

(a) The word "vessel" includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(b) The term "power-driven vessel" means any vessel propelled by machinery.

(c) The term "sailing vessel" means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

(d) The term "vessel engaged in fishing" means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability.

(e) The term "seaplane" includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water.

(f) The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

(g) The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term "vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver" shall include but not be limited to:

(i) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational mark, submarine cable or pipeline;
(ii) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;
(iii) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway;
(iv) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;
(v) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations;
(vi) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course.

International Inland
(h) The term "vessel constrained by her draft" means a power-driven vessel which because of her draft in relation to the available depth and width of navigable water is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following.  

(i) The word "underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

(j) The words "length" and "breadth" of a vessel mean her length overall and greatest breadth.

(k) Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other.

(l) The term “restricted visibility” means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes.

(m) The term “Wing-In-Ground (WIG)” craft means a multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action.

International Inland
  (n) "Western Rivers" means the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States, and the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route, and that part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route including the Old River and the Red River;
  (o) "Great Lakes" means the Great Lakes and their connecting tributary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Waters (between mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and 322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock;

 
(p) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;
. (q) "Inland Waters" means the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States and the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary;
  (r) "Inland Rules" or "Rules" means these Inland Navigational Rules and the annexes thereto, which govern the conduct of vessels and specify the lights, shapes, and sound signals that apply on inland waters;
  (s) "International Regulations" means the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions as Sea, 1972, including annexes currently in force for the United States.


PART B - STEERING AND SAILING RULES

I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility.

Rule 4 - Application Back

Rules 4-10 apply to any condition of visibility.

Rule 5 - Lookout Back

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Rule 6 - Safe Speed Back

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:

(a) By all vessels:

(i) The state of visibility;
(ii) The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
(iii) The manageability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv) At night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter from her own lights;
(v) The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(vi) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.

(b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:

(i) The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii) Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii) The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
(iv) The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) The number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
(vi) The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.

Rule 7 - Risk of Collision Back

(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.

(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

(c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.

(d) In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account:

(i) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
(ii) Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.

Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision Back

(a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with Rules 4-19 and shall if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

(b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.

(c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

(d) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

(e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel may slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.

(f) (i) A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel.

(ii) A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by Rules 4-19.

(iii) A vessel, the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with Rules 4-19 when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.
 
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels Back

(a) (i) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
 

International Inland
  (ii) Notwithstanding Rule 9(a)(i) and Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channel or fairway on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.

(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel [ which | that ] can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the [ sound | danger ] signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.                

(e)

International Inland
(i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d). (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, the power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) and take steps to permit safe passing. The power-driven vessel being overtaken, if in agreement, shall sound the same signal and may, if specifically agreed to, take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt, she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in Rule 34(d).

(ii) This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.

(f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).

(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes | Vessel Traffic Services Back

(a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes [ adopted by the Organization ] and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.

(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:

(i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
(ii) So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
(iii) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.

(c) A vessel, shall so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

(d) (i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.

(ii) Notwithstanding Rule 10(d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.

(e) A vessel, other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:

(i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
(ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

(f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.

(g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.

(h) A vessel not using a traffic separating scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.

(i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.

(j) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

(k) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

(l) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

II - Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another

Rule 11 - Application Back

Rules 11-18 apply to vessels in sight of one another.

Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels Back

(a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

(i) when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;
(ii) when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;
(iii) if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

(b) For the purposes of this Rule, the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

Rule 13 - Overtaking Back

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules 4-18, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with a another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

(d) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

Rule 14 - Head-on Situation Back

(a) [ Unless otherwise agreed ] when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.

(b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.

(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly.
 

International Inland
  (d) Notwithstanding Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate.


Rule 15 - Crossing Situation Back

(a) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
 

International Inland
  (b) Notwithstanding Rule 15(a), on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.


Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel Back

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17- Action by Stand-on Vessel Back

(a) (i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.

(ii) The latter vessel may, however, take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.

(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

(c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with Rule 17(a)(ii) to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels Back

Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:

(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel.

(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
 

International Inland
(d) (i) Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

(ii) A vessel constrained by her draft shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition.
 
 
(e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with Rules 4-19.

(f) (i) A WIG craft shall, when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface, keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation;

(ii) a WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with Rules 4-19 as a power-driven vessel.

III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility Back

(a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

(b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.

(c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with Rules 4-10.

(d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing [ and/or | or ] risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration in course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:

(i) An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;
(ii) An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

(e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to be the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

PART C - LIGHTS AND SHAPES

Rule 20 - Application Back

(a) Rules 20-31 shall be complied with in all weathers.

(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

(c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.

(d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.

(e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I of these Rules.
 

International Inland
  (f) A vessel’s navigation lights and shapes may be lowered if necessary to pass under a bridge.


Rule 21 - Definitions Back
 

International Inland
(a) "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel. (a) "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.
 
(b) "Sidelights" means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. (b) "Sidelights" means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the sidelights when combined in one lantern shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

(c) "Sternlight" means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.

(d) "Towing light" means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the "sternlight" defined in Rule 21(c).

(e) "All-round light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

(f) "Flashing light" means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
 
International Inland
  (g) "Special flashing light" means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Rule 22 - Visibility of Lights Back

The lights prescribed in Rules 20-31 shall have an intensity as specified in [ Section 8 of ] Annex I to these Rules so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(a) In vessels of 50 meters or more in length:

(i) a masthead light, 6 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 3 miles;
(iii) a sternlight, 3 miles;
(iv) a towing light, 3 miles;
(v) a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.

[(vi) a special flashing light, 2 miles. ]

(b) In vessels of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length;

(i) a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 2 miles;
(iii) a sternlight, 2 miles;
(iv) a towing light, 2 miles;
(v) a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

[(vi) a special flashing light, 2 miles. ]

(c) In vessels of less than 12 meters in length:

(i) a masthead light, 2 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 1 miles;
(iii) a sternlight, 2 miles;
(iv) a towing light, 2 miles;
(v) a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

[(vi) a special flashing light, 2 miles. ]

(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed;

(i) a white all-round light; 3 miles.

Rule 23 - Power-driven Vessels Underway Back

(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) a masthead light forward;
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;
(iii) sidelights: and
(iv) a sternlight.

(b) An air-cushion vessel when operating in non-displacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a), exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light, where it can best be seen.

(c) A WIG craft only when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a), exhibit a high intensity all-round flashing red light.
 

International Inland
(d) (i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

(ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights.

(iii) the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may be displaced from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel if centerline fitting is not practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the masthead light or the all-round white light.

(d) (i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.
  (e) A power-driven vessel when operating on the Great Lakes may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight prescribed in Rule 23(a). The light shall be carried in the position of the second masthead light and be visible at the same minimum range.

Rule 24 - Towing and Pushing Back

(a) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:

(i) Instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or 23(a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow, exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights;
(iii) a sternlight;
(iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and
(v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23.
 

International Inland
(c) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit, shall exhibit:

(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or 23(a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights; and
(iii) a sternlight.
(c) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by Rules 24(b) and (i), shall exhibit:
 
(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or 23(a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights; and
(iii) two towing lights in a vertical line.


(d) A power-driven vessel to which Rule 24(a) or (c) applies shall also comply with Rule 23(a)(i) and 23(a)(ii).

(e) A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in Rule 24(g), shall exhibit:

(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight;
(iii) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(f) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel, except as provided provided in Rule 24(f)(iii)

(i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end, sidelights, and [ a special flashing light ];
(ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights, and [ a special flashing light ];
(iii) when vessels are towed alongside on both sides of the towing vessel a sternlight shall be exhibited on the stern of the outboard vessel on each side of the towing vessel, and a single set of sidelights as far forward and as far outboard as is practicable, and [ a single special flashing light ];

(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibit:

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(i) if it is less than 25 meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end.
(i) if it is less than 25 meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end.
(ii) if it is 25 meters or more in breadth, two or more additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;
(ii) if it is 25 meters or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth;
(iii) if it exceeds 100 meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in Rule 24(i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters.
(iii) if it exceeds 100 meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in Rule 24(i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters. Provided, that any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object;
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed and if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters an additional diamond shape where it can best be seen and located as far forward as is practicable.
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed, and
 
(v) the towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.

(h) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24(e) or (g), all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object being towed or at least indicate the presence of [ such | the unlighted ] vessel or object.

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  (i) Notwithstanding Rule 24(c), on the Western Rivers (except below the Huey P. Long Bridge on the Mississippi River) and on waters specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as Rule 24(b) applies, shall exhibit:

(i) sidelights; and
(ii) two towing lights in a vertical line.
(i) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed in Rule 24(a) or (c), such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as authorized by Rule 36, in particular by illuminating the towline. (j) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by paragraph (a), (c) or (i) of this Rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being assisted. The searchlight authorized by Rule 36 (§83.36) may be used to illuminate the tow.

Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars Back

(a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight.

(b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length the lights prescribed in Rule 25(a) may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.

(c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 25(a), exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by Rule 25(b).

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(d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meter in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 25(a) or (b), but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.

(d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meter in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 25(a) or (b), but if she does not, she shall exhibit an all around white light or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall exhibit an all around white light or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards. A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not required to exhibit this shape, but may do so.


Rule 26 - Fishing Vessels Back

(a) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.

(b) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:

(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other;
(ii) a masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;
(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:

(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other;
(ii) when there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear.
(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(d) The additional signals described in Annex II to these Rules apply to a vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.

(e) A vessel [ when ] not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this Rule, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her length.
 

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  (f) Additional signals for fishing vessels in close proximity:

(i) The lights mentioned herein shall be placed where they can best be seen. They shall be at least (i) 0.9 meters apart but at a lower level than lights prescribed in this Rule. The lights shall be visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least 1 mile but at a lesser distance from the lights prescribed by these Rules for fishing vessels.

(ii) Signals for trawlers
.
 
(1) Vessels when engaged in trawling, whether using demersal or pelagic gear, may exhibit:
 
(A) when shooting their nets: two white lights in a vertical line;
(B) when hauling their nets: one white light over one red light in a vertical line;
(C) when the net has come fast upon an obstruction: two red lights in a vertical line.

(2) Each vessel engaged in pair trawling may exhibit:
 
(A) by night, a searchlight directed forward and in the direction of the other vessel of the pair;
(B) when shooting or hauling their nets or when their nets have come fast upon an obstruction, the lights prescribed in Rule 26(a).

(iii) Signals for purse seiners.
 
(1) Vessels engaged in fishing with purse seine gear may exhibit two yellow lights in a vertical line. These lights shall flash alternately every second and with equal light and occultation duration. These lights may be exhibited only when the vessel is hampered by its fishing gear.

Rule 27 - Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver Back

(a) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen;
(ii) two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen;
(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(b) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in mineclearance operations, shall exhibit:

(i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
(ii) three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond.
(iii) when making way through the water, a masthead light(s), sidelights and a sternlight in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i);
(iv) when at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii), the light, lights, or shapes prescribed in Rule 30.

(c) A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 24(b)(i) and (ii), exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 24.

(d) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in her ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in Rules 27(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) and shall in addition when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

(i) two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists;
(ii) two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass; and
(iii) when at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 30.
 

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(iv) Dredge pipelines that are floating or supported on trestles shall display the following lights at night and in periods of restricted visibility.
 
(1) One row of yellow lights. The lights must be:
 
(A) Flashing 50 to 70 times per minute,
(B) Visible all around the horizon,
(C) Visible for at least 2 miles,

(D) Not less than 1 and not more than 3.5 meters above the water,
(E) Approximately equally spaced, and
(F) Not more than 10 meters apart where the pipeline crosses a navigable channel. Where the pipeline does not cross a navigable channel the lights must be sufficient in number to clearly show the pipeline’s length and course.

 
(2) Two red lights at each end of the pipeline, including the ends in a channel where the pipeline is separated to allow vessels to pass (whether open or closed). The lights must be:
 
(A) Visible all around the horizon, and
(B) Visible for at least 2 miles, and
One meter apart in a vertical line with the lower light at the same height above the water as the flashing yellow light.

(e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in Rule 27(d), the following shall be exhibited:

(i) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
(ii) a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than 1 meter in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility.

(f) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the lights or shape prescribed for a vessel at anchor in Rule 30 as appropriate, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach within 1000 meters of the mineclearance vessel.

(g) Vessels of less than 12 meters in length, except those engaged in diving operations, shall not be required to exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule.

(h) The signals prescribed in this Rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in Annex IV to these Rules.

Rule 28 - Vessels Constrained by Their Draft Back

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A vessel constrained by her draft may, in addition to the lights prescribed for power-driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they can best be seen three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder.  

Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels Back

(a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

(i) at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red;
(ii) when underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight;
(iii) when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 29(a)(i), the light, lights, or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for [ vessels at anchor | anchored vessels ].

(b) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.

Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground Back

(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i), an all-round white light.

(b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in Rule 30(a).

(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

(d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 30(a) or (b) and in addition, if practicable, where they can best be seen;

(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line;
(ii) three balls in a vertical line.

(e) A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the shape prescribed in Rule 30(a) and (b).

(f) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length, when aground, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 30(d)(i) and (ii).
 

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  (g) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the Coast Guard, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this Rule.
  (h) The following barges shall display at night and if practicable in periods of restricted visibility the lights described in Rule 30(i):

(i) Every barge projecting into a buoyed or restricted channel.
(ii) Every barge so moored that it reduces the available navigable width of any channel to less than 80 meters.
(iii) Barges moored in groups more than two barges wide or to a maximum width of over 25 meters.
(iv) Every barge not moored parallel to the bank or dock.
  (i) Barges described in Rule 30(h) shall carry two unobstructed all-round white lights of an intensity to be visible for at least 1 nautical mile and meeting the technical requirements as prescribed in Annex I (33 CFR part 84).
  (j) A barge or a group of barges at anchor or made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device, in lieu of the provisions of Rule 30, may carry unobstructed all-round white lights of an intensity to be visible for at least 1 nautical mile that meet the requirements of Annex I (33 CFR part 84) and shall be arranged as follows:

(i) Any barge that projects from a group formation, shall be lighted on its outboard corners.
(ii) On a single barge moored in water where other vessels normally navigate on both sides of the barge, lights shall be placed to mark the corner extremities of the barge.
 
On barges moored in group formation, moored in water where other vessels normally navigate on both sides of the group, lights shall be placed to mark the corner extremities of the group.
  (k) The following are exempt from the requirements of Rule 30:

(i) A barge or group of barges moored in a slip or slough used primarily for mooring purposes.
(ii) A barge or group of barges moored behind a pierhead.
(iii) A barge less than 20 meters in length when moored in a special anchorage area designated in accordance with 33 CFR § 109.10.
  (l) Barges moored in well-illuminated areas are exempt from the lighting requirements of Rule 30. These areas are as follows:

CHICAGO SANITARY SHIP CANAL
(1) Mile 293.2 to 293.9
(2) Mile 295.2 to 296.1
(3) Mile 297.5 to 297.8                          
(4) Mile 298 to 298.2                             
(5) Mile 298.6 to 298.8
(6) Mile 299.3 to 299.4
(7) Mile 299.8 to 300.5                             
(8) Mile 303 to 303.2
(9) Mile 303.7 to 303.9     
(10) Mile 305.7 to 305.8                           
(11) Mile 310.7 to 310.9                          
(12) Mile 311 to 311.2
(13) Mile 312.5 to 312.6                
(14) Mile 313.8 to 314.2                           
(15) Mile 314.6                                       
(16) Mile 314.8 to 315.3                          
(17) Mile 315.7 to 316                              
(18) Mile 316.8                                         
(19) Mile 316.85 to 317.05                       
(20) Mile 317.5
(21) Mile 318.4 to 318.9        
(22) Mile 318.7 to 318.8                           
(23) Mile 320 to 320.3
(24) Mile 320.6                                     
(25) Mile 322.3 to 322.4
(26) Mile 322.8
(27) Mile 322.9 to 327.2

CALUMET SAG CHANNEL
(28) Mile 316.5

LITTLE CALUMET RIVER
(29) Mile 321.2
(30) Mile 322.3

CALUMET RIVER
(31) Mile 328.5 to 328.7
(32) Mile 329.2 to 329.4
(33) Mile 330 west bank to 330.2
(34) Mile 331.4 to 331.6
(35) Mile 332.2 to 332.4
(36) Mile 332.6 to 332.8

CUMBERLAND RIVER
(37) Mile 126.8
(38) Mile 191

Rule 31 - Seaplanes Back

Where it is impracticable for a seaplane or a WIG craft to exhibit lights or shapes of the characteristics or in the positions prescribed in Rules 20-31 shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as is possible.

PART D - SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS

Rule 32 - Definitions Back

(a) The word "whistle" means any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Rules.

(b) The term "short blast" means a blast of about one second's duration.

(c) The term "prolonged blast" means a blast of from four to six seconds' duration.

Rule 33 - Equipment for Sound Signals Back

(a) A vessel of 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 meters or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, in addition be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.

(b) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in Rule 33(a) but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient signal.

Rule 34 - Maneuvering and Warning Signals Back

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(a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:

(i) one short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
(ii) two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to port";
(iii) three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion

(a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:

(i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:

  • one short blast to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
  • two short blasts to mean " I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
  • three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".

(ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in Rule 34(d) and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.

(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in Rule 34(a) by light signals, repeated as appropriate, while the maneuver is being carried out:

(i) these signals shall have the following significance:

  • one flash to mean "I am altering my course to starboard";
  • two flashes to mean "I am altering my course to port";
  • three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".

(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall not be less than ten seconds.

(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.

(b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in Rule 34(a) by light signals:


(i) these signals shall have the following significance:

  • one flash to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side";
  • two flashes to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side";
  • three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion".

(ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second;




(iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white or yellow light, visible at a minimum range of 2 miles, synchronized with the whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Rules.

(c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:

(i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9 (e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:

(ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle:

(c) When in sight of one another:


(i) a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:

  • one short blast to mean "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side"
  • two short blasts to mean "I intend to overtake you on your port side".



(ii) the power-driven vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar signal. If in doubt she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in Rule 34(d).

(d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. [ Such | This ] signal may be supplemented by at least five short and rapid flashes.

(e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.

(f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.

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  (g) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, she shall sound one prolonged blast.
  (h) A vessel that reaches agreement with another vessel in a head-on, crossing, or overtaking situation, as for example, by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act (85 Stat. 164; 33 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.), is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this Rule, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, then whistle signals shall be exchanged in a timely manner and shall prevail.

Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility Back

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows:

(a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.

(b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of no more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them.

International Inland
(c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draft, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in Rule 35(a) or (b), sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts. (c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver whether underway or at anchor, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing whether underway or at anchor and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in Rule 35(a) or (b), sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
(d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in Rule 35(g) sound the signal prescribed in Rule 35(c).  

(e) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2 minutes sound four blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.

(f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in Rule 35(a) or (b).

(g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than 1 minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel 100 meters or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession, namely one short, one long and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.

(h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in Rule 35(g) and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.

(i) A vessel of 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in Rule 35(g) and (h). However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

(j) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to give the above mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

(k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may, in addition to the signals prescribed in Rule 35(a), (b) or (g), sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.

International Inland
  (l) The following vessels shall not be required to sound signals as prescribed in Rule 35(g) when anchored in a special anchorage area designated by the Coast Guard:

(i) a vessel of less than 20 meters in length; and
(ii) a barge canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft.

Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention Back

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.

International Inland
Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.  

Rule 37 - Distress Signals Back

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV [ to | of ] these Rules.

PART E - EXEMPTIONS

Rule 38 - Exemptions Back

International Inland
Any vessel (or class of vessel) provided that she complies with the requirements of the International Regulations for the Preventing of Collisions at Sea, 1960, the keel of which is laid or is at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations may be exempted from compliance therewith as follows: Any vessel or class of vessels, the keel of which was laid or which is at a corresponding stage of construction before December 24, 1980, provided that she complies with the requirements of —
(a) The installation of lights with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until 4 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations. (a) The Act of June 7, 1897 (30 Stat. 96), as amended (33 U.S.C. 154-232) for vessels navigating the waters subject to that statute;
(b) The installation of lights with color specifications as prescribed in Section 7 of Annex I to these Regulations, until 4 years after the entry into force of these Regulations. (b) Section 4233 of the Revised Statutes (33 U.S.C. 301-356) for vessels navigating the waters subject to that statute;
(c) The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion from Imperial to metric units and rounding off measurement figures, permanent exemption. (c) The Act of February 8, 1895 (28 Stat. 645), as amended (33 U.S.C. 241-295) for vessels navigating the waters subject to that statute; or

(d) (i) The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of less than 150 meters in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3 (a) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.

(ii) The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of 150 meters or more in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3 (a) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.

 

(d) Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Act of April 25, 1940 (54 Stat. 163), as amended (46 U.S.C. 526 b, c, and d) for motorboats navigating the waters subject to that statute; shall be exempted from compliance with the technical Annexes to these Rules (33 CFR §§ 83-88) as follows:

(i) The installation of lights with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, vessels of less than 20 meters in length are permanently exempt;

(ii) The installation of lights with color specifications as prescribed in Section 7 of Annex I to these Rules, until 4 years after the effective date of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-591), except that vessels of less than 20 meters in length are permanently exempt;

(iii) The repositioning of lights as a result of a conversion to metric units and rounding off of measurement figures, are permanently exempt.

(iv) The horizontal repositioning of masthead lights prescribed by Annex I to these Rules,

 vessels of less than 150 meters in length are permanently exempted.

(v) Power-driven vessels of 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length are permanently exempt from the provisions of Rule 23(a)(i) and 23(a)(iv) provided that, in place of these lights, the vessel exhibits a white light aft visible all-around the horizon; and
(e) The repositioning of masthead lights resulting from the prescriptions of Section 2(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.  
(f) The repositioning of sidelights resulting from the prescriptions of Section 2(g) and 3(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.  
(g) The requirements for sound signal appliances prescribed in Annex II to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.  
(h) The repositioning of all-round lights resulting from the prescription of Section 9(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.  

 

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ANNEXES, INTERPRETIVE RULES, and other ASSOCIATED NAVIGATION REGULATIONS

Annex I - Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes - International | Inland (33 CFR 84)
Annex II - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity - International | Inland (33 CFR 85)
Annex III - Technical Details of Sound Appliances - International | Inland (33 CFR 86)
Annex IV - Distress Signals - International | Inland (33 CFR 87)
Annex V - Pilot Rules - Inland Only (33 CFR 88)

Interpretive Rules - International (33 CFR 82) | Inland (33 CFR 90)

COLREGS Demarcation Line (33 CFR 80)

Alternate Compliance - International (33 CFR 81) | Inland (33 CFR 89) including Waters Specified by the Secretary

Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations - (33 CFR 26)

Vessel Traffic Management - (33 CFR 161) including Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Call Signs, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas

Penalty Provisions and Duties

All efforts are made to ensure these Interactive Navigation Rules are complete and accurate; however, the U.S. Coast Guard and Starpath School of Navigation makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this publication and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this product.

Those seeking official versions of the Navigation Rules should refer to the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-75, 91 Stat. 308, 33 U.S.C. 1-8), and, the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-591, 94 Stat. 3415, 33 CFR 83).

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COLREGS Annex I -- Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes

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1. Definition

The term "height above the hull" means height above the uppermost continuous deck. This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the light.

2. Vertical positioning and spacing of lights

(a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the masthead lights shall be placed as follows:

(i) the forward masthead light, or if only one masthead light is carried, then that light, at a height above the hull of not less than 6 meters, and, if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 6 meters, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so however that the light need not be placed at a greater height above the hull than 12 meters;

(ii) when two masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at least 4.5 meters vertically higher than the forward one.

(b) The vertical separation of masthead lights of power-driven vessels shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be seen over and separate from the forward light at a distance of 1000 meters from the stem when viewed from sea level.

(c) The masthead light of a power-driven vessel of 12 meters but less than 20 meters in length shall be placed at a height above the gunwale of not less than 2.5 meters.

(d) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may carry the uppermost light at a height of less than 2.5 meters above the gunwale. When however a masthead light is carried in addition to sidelights and a sternlight or the all-round light prescribed on Rule 23(d)(i) is carried in addition to sidelights, then such masthead light or all-round light shall be carried at least 1 meter higher than the sidelights.

(e) One of the two or three masthead lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel when engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in the same position as either the forward masthead light or the after masthead light; provided that, if carried on the aftermast, the lowest after masthead light shall be at least 4.5 meters vertically higher than the forward masthead light.

(f) (i) The masthead light or lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so placed as to be above and clear of all other lights and obstructions except as described in subparagraph (ii).

(ii) When it is impracticable to carry the all-round lights prescribed by Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 below the masthead lights, they may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in between the forward masthead light(s) and after masthead light(s) provided that in the latter case the requirements of Section 3(c) of this Annex shall be complied with.

(g) The sidelights of a power-driven vessel shall be placed at a height above the hull not greater than three quarters of that of the forward masthead light. They shall not be so low as to be interfered with by deck lights.

(h) The sidelights, if in a combined lantern and carried on a power-driven vessel of less than 20 meters in length, shall be placed not less than 1 meter below the masthead light.

(i) When the Rules prescribe two or three lights to be carried in a vertical line, they shall be spaced as follows:

(i) on a vessel of 20 meters in length or more such lights shall be spaced not less than 2 meters apart, and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 4 meters above the hull;

(ii) on a vessel of less than 20 meters in length such lights shall be spaced not less than 1 meter apart and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 2 meters above the gunwale;

(iii) when three lights are carried they shall be equally spaced.

(j) The lower of the two all-round lights prescribed for a vessel when engaged in fishing shall be at a height above the sidelights not less than twice the distance between the two vertical lights.

(k) The forward anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i), when two are carried, shall not be less than 4.5 meters above the after one. On a vessel of 50 meters or more in length this forward anchor light shall be placed at a height of not less than 6 meters above the hull.

3. Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights

(a) When two masthead lights are prescribed for a power-driven vessel, the horizontal distance between them shall not be less than one half of the length of the vessel but need not be more than 100 meters. The forward light shall be placed not more than one quarter of the length of the vessel from the stem.

(b) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the sidelights shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights. They shall be placed at or near the side of the vessel.

(c) When the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 are placed vertically between the forward masthead light(s) and the after masthead light(s) these all-round lights shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 meters from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel in the athwartship direction.

(d) When only one masthead light is prescribed for a power-driven vessel, this light shall be exhibited forward of amidships; except that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable.

4. Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations

(a) The light indicating the direction of the outlying gear from a vessel engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule 26(c)(ii) shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 meters and not more than 6 meters away from the two all-round red and white lights. This light shall be placed not higher than the all-round white light prescribed in Rule 26(c)(i) and not lower than the sidelights.

(b) The lights and shapes on a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations to indicate the obstructed side and/or the side on which it is safe to pass, as prescribed in Rule 27(d)(i) and (ii), shall be placed at the maximum practical horizontal distance, but in no case less than 2 meters, from the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii). In no case shall the upper of the these lights or shapes be at a greater height than the lower of the three lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii)

5. Screens for sidelights

The sidelights of vessels of 20 meters or more in length shall be fitted with inboard screens painted matt black, and meeting the requirements of Section 9 of this Annex. On vessels of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights, if necessary to meet the requirements of Section 9 of this Annex, shall be fitted with inboard matt black screens. With a combined lantern, using a single vertical filament and a very narrow division between the green and red sections, external screens need not be fitted.

6. Shapes

(a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes:

(i) a ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 meter;

(ii) a cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 meter and a height equal to its diameter;

(iii) a cylinder shall have a diameter of at least 0.6 meter and a height of twice its diameter;

(iv) a diamond shape shall consist of two cones as defined in (ii) above having a common base.

(b) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least 1.5 meters.

(c) In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the distance apart may be correspondingly reduced.

7. Color specification of lights

The chromaticity of all navigation lights shall conform to the following standards, which lie within the boundaries of the area of the diagram specified for each color by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). The boundaries of the area for each color are given by indicating the corner coordinates, which are as follows:

(i) White:

x 0.525 0.525 0.452 0.310 0.310 0.443

y 0.382 0.440 0.440 0.348 0.283 0.382

(ii) Green:

x 0.028 0.009 0.300 0.203

y 0.385 0.723 0.511 0.356

(iii) Red:

x 0.680 0.660 0.735 0.721

y 0.320 0.320 0.265 0.259

(iv) Yellow

x 0.612 0.618 0.575 0.575

y 0.382 0.382 0.425 0.406

8. Intensity of lights

(a) The minimum luminous intensity of lights shall be calculated by using the formula:

I = 3.43 x 10^6 x T x D^2 x K^(-D), where ^ means exponent

where:

I is luminous intensity in candelas under service conditions,

T is threshold factor 2 x 10^(-7) lux,

D is range of visibility (luminous range) of the light in nautical miles,

K is atmospheric transmissivity.

For prescribed lights the value of K shall be 0.8, corresponding to a meteorological visibility of approximately 13 nautical miles.

(b) A selection of figures derived from the formula is given in the following table:

Range of visibility (luminous range) of light in nautical miles
Luminous intensity of light in candelas for K = 0.8
D
I
1
0.9
2
4.3
3
12
4
27
5
52
6
94

Note: The maximum luminous intensity of navigation lights should be limited to avoid undue glare. This shall not be achieved by a variable control of the luminous intensity.

9. Horizontal sectors

(a) (i) In the forward direction, sidelights as fitted on the vessel shall show the minimum required intensities. The intensities shall decrease to reach practical cut-off between 1 degree and 3 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.

(ii) For sternlights and masthead lights and at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam for sidelights, the minimum required intensities shall be maintained over the arc of the horizon up to 5 degrees within the limits of the sectors prescribed in Rule 21. From 5 degrees within the prescribed sectors the intensity may decrease by 50 percent up to the prescribed limits; it shall decrease steadily to reach practical cut-off at not more than 5 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.

(b) (i) All-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than 6 degrees, except anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30, which need not be placed at an impracticable height above the hull.

(ii) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b)(i) of this section by exhibiting only one all-round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that they appear, as far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile.

10. Vertical sectors

(a) The vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted, with the exception of lights on sailing vessels underway shall ensure that:

(i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal.

(ii) at least 60 percent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 7.5 degrees above to 7.5 degrees below the horizontal.

(b) In the case of sailing vessels underway the vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted shall ensure that:

(i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;

(ii) at least 50 percent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 25 degrees above to 25 degrees below the horizontal.

(c) In the case of lights other than electric these specifications shall be met as closely as possible.

11. Intensity of non-electric lights

Non-electric lights shall so far as practicable comply with the minimum intensities, as specified in the Table given in Section 8 of this Annex.

12. Maneuvering light

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2(f) of this Annex the maneuvering light described in Rule 34(b) shall be placed in the same fore and aft vertical plane as the masthead light or lights and, where practicable, at a minimum height of 2 meters vertically above the forward masthead light, provided that it shall be carried not less than 2 meters vertically above or below the after masthead light. On a vessel where only one masthead light is carried the maneuvering light, if fitted, shall be carried where it can best be seen, not less than 2 meters vertically apart from the masthead light.

13. High Speed Craft*

(a) The masthead light of high-speed craft may be placed at a height related to the breadth of the craft lower than prescribed in paragraph 2(a)(i) of this annex, provided that the base angle of the isosceles triangles formed by the sidelights and masthead light, when seen in the end elevation, is not less than 27 degrees.

(b) On high-speed craft of 50 meters or more in length, the vertical separation between foremast and mainmast light of 4.5 meters required by paragraph 2(a)(ii) of this Annex may be modified provided that such distance shall not be less than the value determined by the following formula:

y = [(a + 17Y)C + 2]/1000

where:

y is the height of the mainmast light above the foremast light in meters;
a is the height of the foremast light above the water surface in service condition in meters;
Y is the trim in service condition in degrees;
C is the horizontal separation of masthead lights in meters.

* Refer to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 and the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000

14. Approval

The construction of lights and shapes and the installation of lights on board the vessel shall be to the satisfaction of the appropriate authority of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly.

 


PART 84—ANNEX I: POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF LIGHTS AND SHAPES

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Contents
§84.01  Definitions.
§84.02  Vertical positioning and spacing of lights.
§84.03  Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights.
§84.04 Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations.
§84.05 Screens.
§84.06 Shapes.
§84.13 Color specification of lights.
§84.14 Intensity of lights.
§84.15 Horizontal sectors.
§84.16 Vertical sectors.
§84.17 Intensity of non-electric lights.
§84.18 Maneuvering light.
§84.19 High-speed craft.
§84.20 Approval.

Authority: Sec. 303, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1042 (33 U.S.C. 2071); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: 79 FR 37921, July 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

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§84.01 Definitions.

(a) The term height above the hull means height above the uppermost continuous deck. This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the light.

(b) High-speed craft means a craft capable of maximum speed in meters per second (m/s) equal to or exceeding: 3.7∇0.1667; where ∇ = displacement corresponding to the design waterline (cubic meters).

Note to paragraph (b): The same formula expressed in pounds and knots is maximum speed in knots (kts) equal to exceeding 1.98 (lbs) 3.7∇0.1667; where ∇ = displacement corresponding to design waterline in pounds.

(c) The term practical cut-off means, for vessels 20 meters or more in length, 12.5 percent of the minimum luminous intensity (Table 84.14(b)) corresponding to the greatest range of visibility for which the requirements of Annex I (33 CFR part 84) are met.

(d) The term Rule or Rules has the same meaning as in 33 CFR 83.03(r).

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§84.02 Vertical positioning and spacing of lights.

(a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the masthead lights shall be placed as follows:

(i) The forward masthead light, or if only one masthead light is carried, then that light, at a height above the hull of not less than 5 meters, and, if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 5 meters, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so however that the light need not be placed at a greater height above the hull than 8 meters.

(ii) When two masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at least 2 meters vertically higher than the forward one.

(b) The vertical separation of the masthead lights of power-driven vessels shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be seen over and separate from the forward light at a distance of 1000 meters from the stem when viewed from water level.

(c) The masthead light of a power-driven vessel of 12 meters but less than 20 meters in length shall be placed at a height above the gunwale of not less than 2.5 meters.

(d) The masthead light, or the all-round light described in Rule 23(d)(§83.23(d) of this chapter), of a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length shall be carried at least one meter higher than the sidelights.

(e) One of the two or three masthead lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel when engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in the same position as either the forward masthead light or the after masthead light, provided that the lowest after masthead light shall be at least 2 meters vertically higher than the highest forward masthead light.

(f)(i) The masthead light or lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) (§83.23(a) of this chapter) shall be so placed as to be above and clear of all other lights and obstructions except as described in paragraph (f)(ii) of this section.

(ii) When it is impracticable to carry the all-round lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i)(§83.27(b)(i) of this chapter) below the masthead lights, they may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in between the forward masthead light(s) and after masthead light(s), provided that in the latter case the requirement of §84.03(d) shall be complied with.

(g) The sidelights of a power-driven vessel shall be placed at least one meter lower than the forward masthead light. They shall not be so low as to be interfered with by deck lights.

(h) [Reserved]

(i) When the Rules in this subchapter E prescribe two or three lights to be carried in a vertical line, they shall be spaced as follows:

(i) On a vessel of 20 meters in length or more such lights shall be spaced not less than 1 meter apart, and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 4 meters above the hull.

(ii) On a vessel of less than 20 meters in length such lights shall be spaced not less than 1 meter apart and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 2 meters above the gunwale.

(iii) When three lights are carried they shall be equally spaced.

(j) The lower of the two all-round lights prescribed for a vessel when engaged in fishing shall be at a height above the sidelights not less than twice the distance between the two vertical lights.

(k) The forward anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i) (§83.30(a)(i)), when two are carried, shall not be less than 4.5 meters above the after one. On a vessel of 50 meters or more in length this forward anchor light shall be placed at a height or not less than 6 meters above the hull.

[79 FR 37921, July 2, 2014, as amended by USCG-2012-0102, 79 FR 68622, Nov. 18, 2014]

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§84.03 Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights.

(a) Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, when two masthead lights are prescribed for a power-driven vessel, the horizontal distance between them must not be less than one quarter of the length of the vessel but need not be more than 50 meters. The forward light must be placed not more than one half of the length of the vessel from the stem.

(b) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the sidelights shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights. They shall be placed at or near the side of the vessel.

(c) When the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) (§83.27(b)(i) of this chapter) are placed vertically between the forward masthead light(s) and the after masthead light(s), these all-round lights shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 meters from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel in the athwartship direction.

(d) When only one masthead light is prescribed for a power-driven vessel, this light must be exhibited forward of amidships. For a vessel of less than 20 meters in length, the vessel shall exhibit one masthead light as far forward as is practicable.

(e) On power-driven vessels 50 meters but less than 60 meters in length operated on the Western Rivers, and those waters specified in §89.25 of this chapter, the horizontal distance between masthead lights shall not be less than 10 meters.

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§84.04 Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations.

(a) The light indicating the direction of the outlying gear from a vessel engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule 26(c)(ii) (§83.26(c)(ii) of this chapter) shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 meters and not more than 6 meters away from the two all-round red and white lights. This light shall be placed not higher than the all-round white light prescribed in Rule 26(c)(i)(§83.26(c)(i) of this chapter) and not lower than the sidelights.

(b) The lights and shapes on a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations to indicate the obstructed side and/or the side on which it is safe to pass, as prescribed in Rule 27(d)(i) and (ii)(§83.27(d)(i) and (ii) of this chapter), shall be placed at the maximum practical horizontal distance, but in no case less than 2 meters, from the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii)(§83.27(b)(i)and (ii) of this chapter). In no case shall the upper of these lights or shapes be at a greater height than the lower of the three lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii) (§83.27(b)(i) and (ii) of this chapter).

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§84.05 Screens.

(a) The sidelights of vessels of 20 meters or more in length shall be fitted with matt black inboard screens and meet the requirements of §84.15. On vessels of less than 20 meters in length, the sidelights, if necessary to meet the requirements of §84.15, shall be fitted with matt black inboard screens. With a combined lantern, using a single vertical filament and a very narrow division between the green and red sections, external screens need not be fitted.

(b) On power-driven vessels less than 12 meters in length constructed after July 31, 1983, the masthead light, or the all-round light described in Rule 23(d)(§83.23(d) of this chapter) shall be screened to prevent direct illumination of the vessel forward of the operator's position.

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§84.06 Shapes.

(a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes:

(i) A ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 meter.

(ii) A cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 meters and a height equal to its diameter.

(iii) A diamond shape shall consist of two cones (as defined in paragraph (a)(ii) of this section) having a common base.

(b) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least 1.5 meters.

(c) In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the distance apart may be correspondingly reduced.

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§84.13 Color specification of lights.

(a) The chromaticity of all navigation lights shall conform to the following standards, which lie within the boundaries of the area of the diagram specified for each color by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), in the “Colors of Light Signals”, which is incorporated by reference. It is Publication CIE No. 2.2. (TC-1.6), 1975, and is available from the Illumination Engineering Society, 345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 and is available for inspection at the Coast Guard, Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center, Aids to Navigation and Marine Environmental Response Product Line (CG-SILC-ATON/MER), 2703 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, Mailstop 7714, Washington, DC 20593-7714. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register.

(b) The boundaries of the area for each color are given by indicating the corner coordinates, which are as follows:

(i) White:

x 0.525 0.525 0.452 0.310 0.310 0.443

y 0.382 0.440 0.440 0.348 0.283 0.382

(ii) Green:

x 0.028 0.009 0.300 0.203

y 0.385 0.723 0.511 0.356

(iii) Red:

x 0.680 0.660 0.735 0.721

y 0.320 0.320 0.265 0.259

(iv) Yellow:

x 0.612 0.618 0.575 0.575

y 0.382 0.382 0.425 0.406

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§84.14 Intensity of lights.

(a) The minimum luminous intensity of lights shall be calculated by using the formula:

I = 3.43 × 106 × T × D2 × K−D

Where:

I is luminous intensity in candelas under service conditions,

T is threshold factor 2 × 10−7lux,

D is range of visibility (luminous range) of the light in nautical miles,

K is atmospheric transmissivity. For prescribed lights the value of K shall be 0.8, corresponding to a meteorological visibility of approximately 13 nautical miles.

(b) A selection of figures derived from the formula is given in the following table (Table 84.14(b)):

Table 84.14(b)

Range of visibility
(luminous range) of light
in nautical miles D
Minimum luminous intensity of light in candelas for K = 0.8 I
1 0.9
2 4.3
3 12
4 27
5 52
6 94

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§84.15 Horizontal sectors.

(a)(i) In the forward direction, sidelights as fitted on the vessel shall show the minimum required intensities. The intensities shall decrease to reach practical cut-off between 1 and 3 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.

(ii) For sternlights and masthead lights and at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam for sidelights, the minimum required intensities shall be maintained over the arc of the horizon up to 5 degrees within the limits of the sectors prescribed in Rule 21 (§83.21 of this chapter). From 5 degrees within the prescribed sectors the intensity may decrease by 50 percent up to the prescribed limits; it shall decrease steadily to reach practical cut-off at not more than 5 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.

(b) All-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than 6 degrees, except anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30 (§83.30 of this chapter), which need not be placed at an impracticable height above the hull, and the all-round white light described in Rule 23(e) (§83.23(e) of this chapter), which may not be obscured at all.

(c) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b) of this section by exhibiting only one all-round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened to appear, as far as practicable, as one light at a minimum distance of one nautical mile.

Note to paragraph (c): Two unscreened all-round lights that are 1.28 meters apart or less will appear as one light to the naked eye at a distance of one nautical mile.

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§84.16 Vertical sectors.

(a) The vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted, with the exception of lights on sailing vessels underway and on unmanned barges, shall ensure that:

(i) At least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;

(ii) At least 60 percent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 7.5 degrees above to 7.5 degrees below the horizontal.

(b) In the case of sailing vessels underway, the vertical sectors of electric lights, as fitted, shall ensure that:

(i) At least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;

(ii) At least 50 percent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 25 degrees above to 25 degrees below the horizontal.

(c) In the case of unmanned barges the minimum required intensity of electric lights as fitted shall be maintained on the horizontal.

(d) In the case of lights other than electric lights these specifications shall be met as closely as possible.

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§84.17 Intensity of non-electric lights.

Non-electric lights shall so far as practicable comply with the minimum intensities, as specified in the Table 84.14(b).

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§84.18 Maneuvering light.

Notwithstanding the provisions of §84.02(f), the maneuvering light described in Rule 34(b)(§83.34(b) of this chapter) shall be placed approximately in the same fore and aft vertical plane as the masthead light or lights and, where practicable, at a minimum height of one-half meter vertically above the forward masthead light, provided that it shall be carried not less than one-half meter vertically above or below the after masthead light. On a vessel where only one masthead light is carried the maneuvering light, if fitted, shall be carried where it can best be seen, not less than one-half meter vertically apart from the masthead light.

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§84.19 High-speed craft.

(a) The masthead light of high-speed craft may be placed at a height related to the breadth of the craft lower than that prescribed in §84.02(a)(i), provided that the base angle of the isosceles triangle formed by the sidelights and masthead light, when seen in end elevation is not less than 27°.

(b) On high-speed craft of 50 meters or more in length, the vertical separation between foremast and mainmast light of 4.5 meters required by §84.02(k) may be modified provided that such distance shall not be less than the value determined by the following formula:

y = 2 + [ (a + 17 x Ψ) x C ] /1000

Where:

y is the height of the mainmast light above the foremast light in meters;

a is the height of the foremast light above the water surface in service condition in meters;

Ψ is the trim in service condition in degrees;

C is the horizontal separation of masthead lights in meters.

Note to §84.19: Refer to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 and the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000.

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§84.20 Approval.

The construction of lights and shapes and the installation of lights on board the vessel must satisfy the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.

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COLREGS Annex II -- Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity Back to Annexes

1. General

The lights mentioned herein shall, if exhibited in pursuance of Rule 26(d), be placed where they can best be seen. They shall be at least 0.9 meter apart but at a lower level than lights prescribed in Rule 26(b)(i) and (c)(i). The lights shall be visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least 1 mile but at a lesser distance than the lights prescribed by these Rules for fishing vessels.

2. Signals for trawlers

(a) Vessels of 20 meters or more in length when engaged in trawling, whether using demersal or pelagic gear, shall exhibit:

(i) when shooting their nets: two white lights in a vertical line;

(ii) when hauling their nets: one white light over one red light in a vertical line,

(iii) when the net has come fast upon an obstruction: two red lights in a vertical line.

(b) Each vessel of 20 meters or more in length engaged in pair trawling shall exhibit:

(i) by night, a searchlight directed forward and in the direction of the other vessel of the pair;

(ii) when shooting or hauling their nets or when their nets have come fast upon an obstruction, the lights prescribed in 2(a) above.

(c) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length engaged in trawling, whether using demersal or pelagic gear or engaged in pair trawling, may exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, as appropriate.

3. Signals for purse seiners

Vessels engaged in fishing with purse seine gear may exhibit two yellow lights in a vertical line. These lights shall flash alternately every second and with equal light and occultation duration. These lights may be exhibited only when the vessel is hampered by its fishing gear.

 


 

PART 85 [RESERVED] Back to Annexes

 


 

COLREGS Annex III -- Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances Back to Annexes

1. Whistles

(a) Frequencies and range of audibility. The fundamental frequency of the signal shall lie within the range 70-700 Hz. The range of audibility of the signal from a whistle shall be determined by those frequencies, which may include the fundamental and/or one or more higher frequencies, which lie within the range 180-700 Hz (+/- 1%) for a vessel of 20 meters or more in length, or 180-2100 Hz (+/- 1%) for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length and which provide the sound pressure levels specified in paragraph 1(c) below.

(b) Limits of fundamental frequencies. To ensure a wide variety of whistle characteristics, the fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be between the following limits:

(i) 70-200 Hz, for a vessel 200 meters or more in length;

(ii) 130-350 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters but less than 200 meters in length;

(iii) 250-700 Hz, for a vessel less than 75 meters in length.

(c) Sound signal intensity and range of audibility. A whistle fitted in a vessel shall provide, in the direction of maximum intensity of the whistle and at a distance of 1 meter from it, a sound pressure level in at least one 1/3-octave band within the range of frequencies 180-700 Hz (+/- 1%) for a vessel of 20 meters or more in length, or 180-2100 Hz (+/- 1%) for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length, of not less than the appropriate figure given in the table below. (^ means exponent)

Length of vessel in meters
1/3-octave band level at 1 meter in dB referred to 2x10^(-5) N/m^2
Audibility range in nautical miles

200 or more
75 but less than 200
20 but less than 75

143
138
130
2
1.5
1
Less than 20

120 [1]
115 [2]
111 [3]

0.5

[1] When the measured frequencies lie within the range 180-450 Hz
[2] When the measured frequencies lie within the range 450-800 Hz
[3] When the measured frequencies lie within the range 800-2100 Hz

The range of audibility in the table above is for information and is approximately the range at which a whistle may be heard on its forward axis with 90 percent probability in conditions of still air on board a vessel having average background noise level at the listening posts (taken to be 68 dB in the octave band centered on 250 Hz and 63 dB in the octave band centered on 500 Hz).

In practice the range at which a whistle may be heard is extremely variable and depends critically on weather conditions; the values given can be regarded as typical but under conditions of strong wind or high ambient noise level at the listening post the range may be much reduced.


(d) Directional properties. The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than 4 dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis at any direction in the horizontal plane within +/- 45 degrees of the axis. The sound pressure level at any other direction in the horizontal plane shall be not more than 10 dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis, so that the range in any direction will be at least half the range on the forward axis. The sound pressure level shall be measured in that one-third octave band which determines the audibility range.

(e) Positioning of whistles. When a directional whistle is to be used as the only whistle on a vessel, it shall be installed with its maximum intensity directed straight ahead.

A whistle shall be placed as high as practicable on a vessel, in order to reduce interception of the emitted sound by obstructions and also to minimize hearing damage risk to personnel. The sound pressure level of the vessel's own signal at listening posts shall not exceed 110 dB (A) and so far as practicable should not exceed 100 dB (A).

(f) Fitting of more than one whistle. If whistles are fitted at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, it shall be so arranged that they are not sounded simultaneously.

(g) Combined whistle systems. If due to the presence of obstructions the sound field of a single whistle or of one of the whistles referred to in paragraph 1(f) above is likely to have a zone of greatly reduced signal level, it is recommended that a combined whistle system be fitted so as to overcome this reduction. For the purposes of the Rules a combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single whistle. The whistles of a combined system shall be located at a distance apart of not more than 100 meters and arranged to be sounded simultaneously. The frequency of any one whistle shall differ from those of the others by at least 10 Hz.

2. Bell or gong

(a) Intensity of signal. A bell or gong, or other device having similar sound characteristics shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than 110 dB at a distance of 1 meter from it.

(b) Construction. Bells and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant material and designed to give a clear tone. The diameter of the mouth of the bell shall be not less than 300 mm for vessels of 20 meters or more in length. Where practicable, a power-driven bell striker is recommended to ensure constant force but manual operation shall be possible. The mass of the striker shall be not less than 3 percent of the mass of the bell.

3. Approval

The construction of sound signal appliances, their performance and their installation on board the vessel shall be to the satisfaction of the appropriate authority of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly.

 


PART 86—ANNEX III: TECHNICAL DETAILS OF SOUND SIGNAL APPLIANCES

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Contents
§86.01 Whistles.
§86.02 Bell or gong.
§86.03 Approval. [Reserved]

Authority: Sec. 303, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1042 (33 U.S.C. 2071); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: 79 FR 37924, July 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

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§86.01 Whistles.

(a) Frequencies and range of audibility. The fundamental frequency of the signal shall lie within the range 70-700 Hz. The range of audibility of the signal from a whistle shall be determined by those frequencies, which may include the fundamental and/or one or more higher frequencies, which lie within the range 180-700 Hz (±1%) for a vessel of 20 meters or more in length, or 180-2100 Hz (±1%) for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length and which provide the sound pressure levels specified in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) Limits of fundamental frequencies. To ensure a wide variety of whistle characteristics, the fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be between the following limits:

(i) 70-200 Hz, for a vessel 200 meters or more in length.

(ii) 130-350 Hz, for a vessel 75 meters but less than 200 meters in length.

(iii) 250-700 Hz, for a vessel less than 75 meters in length.

(c) Sound signal intensity and range of audibility.

A whistle fitted in a vessel shall provide, in the direction of maximum intensity of the whistle and at a distance of 1 meter from it, a sound pressure level in at least one 1⁄3 rd-octave band within the range of frequencies 180-700 Hz (±1%) for a vessel of 20 meters or more in length, or 180-2100 Hz (±1%) for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length, of not less than the appropriate figure given in Table 86.01(c) of this section. The range of audibility in Table 86.01(c) is the approximate range at which a whistle may be heard on its forward axis with 90% probability in conditions of still air on board a vessel having average background noise level at the listening posts (taken to be 68 dB in the octave band centered on 250 Hz and 63 dB in the octave band centered on 500 Hz). It is shown for information purposes only. In practice, the range at which a whistle may be heard is extremely variable and depends critically on weather conditions; the values given can be regarded as typical but under conditions of strong wind or high ambient noise level at the listening post the range may be reduced.

Table 86.01(c)

Length of vessel in meters 1/3rd-octave band level at 1 meter in dB referred to 2 × 10−5N/m2 Audibility range in
nautical miles
200 or more 143 2
75 but less than 200 138 1.5
20 but less than 75 130 1
Less than 20 1120
2115
3111
0.5

1When the measured frequencies lie within the range 180-450 Hz.

2When the measured frequencies lie within the range 450-800 Hz.

3When the measured frequencies lie within the range 800-2100 Hz.

(d) Directional properties. The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than 4 dB below the sound pressure level, specified in paragraph (c) of this section, in any direction in the horizontal plane within ±45 degrees of the forward axis. The sound pressure level of the whistle in any other direction in the horizontal plane shall not be more than 10 dB less than the sound pressure level specified for the forward axis, so that the range of audibility in any direction will be at least half the range required on the forward axis. The sound pressure level shall be measured in that one 1⁄3 rd-octave band which determines the audibility range.

(e) Positioning of whistles. (i) When a directional whistle is to be used as the only whistle on the vessel and is permanently installed, it shall be installed with its forward axis directed forward.

(ii) A whistle shall be placed as high as practicable on a vessel, in order to reduce interception of the emitted sound by obstructions and also to minimize hearing damage risk to personnel. The sound pressure level of the vessel's own signal at listening posts shall not exceed 110 dB(A) and so far as practicable should not exceed 100 dB(A).

(f) Fitting of more than one whistle. If whistles are fitted at a distance apart of more than 100 meters, they shall not be sounded simultaneously.

(g) Combined whistle systems. (i) A combined whistle system is a number of whistles (sound emitting sources) operated together. For the purposes of the Rules of Subchapter E a combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single whistle.

(ii) The whistles of a combined system shall:

(1) Be located at a distance apart of not more than 100 meters;

(2) Be sounded simultaneously;

(3) Each have a fundamental frequency different from those of the others by at least 10 Hz; and

(4) Have a tonal characteristic appropriate for the length of vessel which shall be evidenced by at least two-thirds of the whistles in the combined system having fundamental frequencies falling within the limits prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, or if there are only two whistles in the combined system, by the higher fundamental frequency falling within the limits prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section.

Note to paragraph (g): If, due to the presence of obstructions, the sound field of a single whistle or of one of the whistles referred to in paragraph (f) of this section is likely to have a zone of greatly reduced signal level, a combined whistle system should be fitted so as to overcome this reduction.

(h) Towing vessel whistles. A power-driven vessel normally engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside may, at all times, use a whistle whose characteristic falls within the limits prescribed by paragraph (b) of this section for the longest customary composite length of the vessel and its tow.

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§86.02 Bell or gong.

(a) Intensity of signal. A bell or gong, or other device having similar sound characteristics shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than 110 dB at 1 meter.

(b) Construction. Bells and gongs shall be made of corrosion-resistant material and designed to give clear tone. The diameter of the mouth of the bell shall be not less than 300 mm for vessels of 20 meters or more in length. Where practicable, a power-driven bell striker is recommended to ensure constant force but manual operation shall be possible. The mass of the striker shall be not less than 3 percent of the mass of the bell.

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§86.03 Approval. [Reserved]

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COLREGS Annex IV -- Distress Signals Back to Annexes

1. Need of assistance See Distress signal image.

The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance:

(a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;

(b) a continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus;

(c) rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;

(d) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method

consisting of the group • • • — — — • • • (SOS) in the Morse Code;

(e) a signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word "Mayday";

(f) the International Code Signal of distress indicated by NC;

(g) a signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or

anything resembling a ball;

(h) flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);

(i) a rocket parachute or a hand flare showing a red light;

(j) a smoke signal giving off orange colored smoke;

(k) slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;

(l) a distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC) transmitted on (i) VHF channel 70, or (ii) MF/HF on the frequencies 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz, or 16804.5 kHz; see IMO Resolution A.1004(25)

(m) a ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship's Inmarsat or other mobile satellite service provider ship earth station;

(n) signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB).

(o) approved signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including survival craft radar transponders.

2. The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.

3. Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual, Annex III, and the following signals:

(a) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);

(b) a dye marker.

 


PART 87—ANNEX IV: DISTRESS SIGNALS

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Contents
§87.01 Need of assistance.
§87.02 Exclusive use.
§87.03 Supplemental signals.

Authority: Sec. 303, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1042 (33 U.S.C. 2071); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: 79 FR 37925, July 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

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§87.01 Need of assistance.

The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance:

(a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;

(b) A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus;

(c) Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals;

(d) A signal made by any method consisting of the group • • • — — — • • • (SOS) in the Morse Code;

(e) A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “Mayday”;

(f) The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.;

(g) A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;

(h) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.);

(i) A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light;

(j) A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke;

(k) Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side;

(l) A distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC) transmitted on:

(i) VHF channel 70, or

(ii) MF/HF on the frequencies 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz or 16804.5 kHz;

(m) A ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship's Inmarsat or other mobile satellite service provider ship earth station;

(n) Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons;

(o) Signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including survival craft radar transponders meeting the requirements of 47 CFR 80.1095; and

(p) A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute.

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§87.02 Exclusive use.

The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.

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§87.03 Supplemental signals.

Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the International Code of Signals, the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, Volume III, the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations and the following signals:

(a) A piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symbol (for identification from the air);

(b) A dye marker.

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PART 88—ANNEX V: PILOT RULES

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Contents
§88.01 Purpose and applicability.
§88.03 Definitions.
§88.05 Law enforcement vessels.
§88.07 Public safety activities.

Authority: Sec. 303, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1042 (33 U.S.C. 2071); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: 79 FR 37925, July 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

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§88.01 Purpose and applicability.

This part applies to all vessels operating on United States inland waters and to United States vessels operating on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent there is no conflict with Canadian law.

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§88.03 Definitions.

The terms used in this part have the same meaning as the terms defined in part 83 of this subchapter.

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§88.05 Law enforcement vessels.

(a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.

(b) The blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States and the States and their political subdivisions.

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§88.07 Public safety activities.

(a) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the Inland Navigation Rules, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way.

(b) Public safety activities include but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water celebrations; traffic control; salvage; firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and rescue.

[79 FR 37925, July 2, 2014, as amended by USCG-2012-0102, 79 FR 68622, Nov. 18, 2014]

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PART 82—72 COLREGS: INTERPRETATIVE RULES

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Contents
§82.1 Purpose.
§82.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.
§82.5 Lights for moored vessels.
§82.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.

Authority: 14 U.S.C. 2, 633; 33 U.S.C. 1602; E.O. 11964, 42 FR 4327, 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 88; 49 CFR 1.46(n).

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§82.1 Purpose.

This part contains the interpretative rules concerning the 72 COLREGS that are adopted by the Coast Guard for the guidance of the public.

[CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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§82.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.

Rule 24(b) of the 72 COLREGS states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights under Rule 23. A “composite unit” is interpreted to be a pushing vessel that is rigidly connected by mechanical means to a vessel being pushed so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. “Mechanical means” does not include the following:

(a) Lines.

(b) Hawsers.

(c) Wires.

(d) Chains.

[CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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§82.5 Lights for moored vessels.

For the purposes of Rule 30 of the 72 COLREGS, a vessel at anchor includes a barge made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device attached to the sea or river floor. Such a barge may be lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on the corners in accordance with 33 CFR 88.13.

[CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998]

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§82.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.

An unmanned barge being towed may use the exception of COLREGS Rule 24(h). However, this exception only applies to the vertical sector requirements.

[CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998]

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PART 90—INLAND RULES: INTERPRETATIVE RULES

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Contents
§90.1 Purpose.
§90.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.
§90.5 Lights for moored vessels.
§90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46(n)(14).

Source: CGD 83-011, 48 FR 51622, Nov. 10, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

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§90.1 Purpose.

This part contains the interpretative rules for the Inland Rules. These interpretative rules are intended as a guide to assist the public and promote compliance with the Inland Rules.

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§90.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit.

Rule 24(b) of the Inland Rules states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23. A “composite unit” is interpreted to be the combination of a pushing vessel and a vessel being push ahead that are rigidly connected by mechanical means so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. Mechanical means does not include lines, wires, hawsers, or chains.

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§90.5 Lights for moored vessels.

A vessel at anchor includes a vessel made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar device attached to the ocean floor. Such vessels may be lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on the corners in accordance with 33 CFR 88.13.

[CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4, 1998]

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§90.7 Sidelights for unmanned barges.

An unmanned barge being towed may use the exception of COLREGS Rule 24(h). However, this exception only applies to the vertical sector requirements for sidelights.

[CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5732, Feb. 4, 1998]

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33 CFR, PART 80—COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES

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Contents

General

§80.01 General basis and purpose of demarcation lines.

Atlantic Coast

first district

§80.105 Calais, ME to Cape Small, ME.
§80.110 Casco Bay, ME.
§80.115 Portland Head, ME to Cape Ann, MA.
§80.120 Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.
§80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.
§80.130 Boston Harbor entrance.
§80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.
§80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.
§80.150 Block Island, RI.
§80.155 Watch Hill, RI to Montauk Point, NY.
§80.160 Montauk Point, NY to Atlantic Beach, NY.
§80.165 New York Harbor.
§80.170 Sandy Hook, NJ to Tom's River, NJ.

fifth district

§80.501 Tom's River, NJ to Cape May, NJ.
§80.503 Delaware Bay.
§80.505 Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VA.
§80.510 Chesapeake Bay Entrance, VA.
§80.515 Cape Henry, VA to Cape Hatteras, NC.
§80.520 Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Lookout, NC.
§80.525 Cape Lookout, NC to Cape Fear, NC.
§80.530 Cape Fear, NC to Little River Inlet, NC.

seventh district

§80.703 Little River Inlet, SC to Cape Romain, SC.
§80.707 Cape Romain, SC to Sullivans Island, SC.
§80.710 Charleston Harbor, SC.
§80.712 Morris Island, SC to Hilton Head Island, SC.
§80.715 Savannah River.
§80.717 Tybee Island, GA to St. Simons Island, GA.
§80.720 St. Simons Island, GA to Amelia Island, FL.
§80.723 Amelia Island, FL to Cape Canaveral, FL.
§80.727 Cape Canaveral, FL to Miami Beach, FL.
§80.730 Miami Harbor, FL.
§80.735 Miami, FL to Long Key, FL.

Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

seventh district

§80.738 Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Gulf Coast

seventh district

§80.740 Long Key, FL to Cape Sable, FL.
§80.745 Cape Sable, FL to Cape Romano, FL.
§80.748 Cape Romano, FL to Sanibel Island, FL.
§80.750 Sanibel Island, FL to St. Petersburg, FL.
§80.753 St. Petersburg, FL to the Anclote, FL.
§80.755 Anclote, FL to the Suncoast Keys, FL.
§80.757 Suncoast Keys, FL to Horseshoe Point, FL.
§80.760 Horeshoe Point, FL to Rock Island, FL.

eighth district

§80.805 Rock Island, FL to Cape San Blas, FL.
§80.810 Cape San Blas, FL to Perdido Bay, FL.
§80.815 Mobile Bay, AL to the Chandeleur Islands, LA.
§80.825 Mississippi Passes, LA.
§80.830 Mississippi Passes, LA to Point Au Fer, LA.
§80.835 Point Au Fer, LA to Calcasieu Pass, LA.
§80.840 Sabine Pass, TX to Galveston, TX.
§80.845 Galveston, TX to Freeport, TX.
§80.850 Brazos River, TX to the Rio Grande, TX.

Pacific Coast

eleventh district

§80.1102 Santa Catalina Island, CA.
§80.1104 San Diego Harbor, CA.
§80.1106 Mission Bay, CA.
§80.1108 Oceanside Harbor, CA.
§80.1110 Dana Point Harbor, CA.
§80.1112 Newport Bay, CA.
§80.1114 San Pedro Bay—Anaheim Bay, CA.
§80.1116 Redondo Harbor, CA.
§80.1118 Marina Del Rey, CA.
§80.1120 Port Hueneme, CA.
§80.1122 Channel Islands Harbor, CA.
§80.1124 Ventura Marina, CA.
§80.1126 Santa Barbara Harbor, CA.
§80.1130 San Luis Obispo Bay, CA.
§80.1132 Estero-Morro Bay, CA.
§80.1134 Monterey Harbor, CA.
§80.1136 Moss Landing Harbor, CA.
§80.1138 Santa Cruz Harbor, CA.
§80.1140 Pillar Point Harbor, CA.
§80.1142 San Francisco Harbor, CA.
§80.1144 Bodega and Tomales Bay, CA.
§80.1146 Albion River, CA.
§80.1148 Noyo River, CA.
§80.1150 Arcata-Humboldt Bay, CA.
§80.1152 Crescent City Harbor, CA.

thirteenth district

§80.1305 Chetco River, OR.
§80.1310 Rogue River, OR.
§80.1315 Coquille River, OR.
§80.1320 Coos Bay, OR.
§80.1325 Umpqua River, OR.
§80.1330 Siuslaw River, OR.
§80.1335 Alsea Bay, OR.
§80.1340 Yaquina Bay, OR.
§80.1345 Depoe Bay, OR.
§80.1350 Netarts Bay, OR.
§80.1355 Tillamook Bay, OR.
§80.1360 Nehalem River, OR.
§80.1365 Columbia River Entrance, OR/WA.
§80.1370 Willapa Bay, WA.
§80.1375 Grays Harbor, WA.
§80.1380 Quillayute River, WA.
§80.1385 Strait of Juan de Fuca.
§80.1390 Haro Strait and Strait of Georgia.
§80.1395 Puget Sound and adjacent waters.

Pacific Islands

fourteenth district

§80.1410 Hawaiian Island Exemption from General Rule.
§80.1420 Mamala Bay, Oahu, HI.
§80.1430 Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, HI.
§80.1440 Port Allen, Kauai, HI.
§80.1450 Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai, HI.
§80.1460 Kahului Harbor, Maui, HI.
§80.1470 Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii, HI.
§80.1480 Hilo Harbor, Hawaii, HI.
§80.1490 Apra Harbor, U.S. Territory of Guam.
§80.1495 U.S. Pacific Island Possessions.

Alaska

seventeenth district

§80.1705 Alaska.

Authority: 14 U.S.C. 2; 14 U.S.C. 633; 33 U.S.C. 151(a).

Source: CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981.

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General

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§80.01 General basis and purpose of demarcation lines.

(a) The regulations in this part establish the lines of demarcation delineating those waters upon which mariners shall comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) and those water upon which mariners shall comply with the Inland Navigation Rules.

(b) The waters inside of the lines are Inland Rules waters. The waters outside the lines are COLREGS waters.

(c) Geographic coordinates expressed in terms of latitude or longitude, or both, are not intended for plotting on maps or charts whose referenced horizontal datum is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), unless such geographic coordinates are expressly labeled NAD 83. Geographic coordinates without the NAD 83 reference may be plotted on maps or charts referenced to NAD 83 only after application of the appropriate corrections that are published on the particular map or chart being used.

[CGD 82-029, 47 FR 19519, May 6, 1982, as amended by CGD 83-003, 48 FR 7442, Feb. 18, 1983; CGD 86-082, 52 FR 33810, Sept. 8, 1987]

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Atlantic Coast

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first district

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§80.105 Calais, ME to Cape Small, ME.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Maine from International Bridge at Calais, ME to the southwesternmost extremity of Bald Head at Cape Small.

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§80.110 Casco Bay, ME.

(a) A line drawn from the southwesternmost extremity of Bald Head at Cape Small to the southeasternmost extremity of Ragged Island; thence to the southern tangent of Jaquish Island thence to Little Mark Island Monument Light; thence to the northernmost extremity of Jewell Island.

(b) A line drawn from the tower on Jewell Island charted in approximate position latitude 43°40.6′ N., longitude 70°05.9′ W. to the northeasternmost extremity of Outer Green Island.

(c) A Line drawn from the southwesternmost extremity of Outer Green Island to Ram Island Ledge Light; thence to Portland Head Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.115 Portland Head, ME to Cape Ann, MA.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts from Portland Head to Halibut Point at Cape Ann.

(b) A line drawn from the southernmost tower on Gerrish Island charted in approximate position latitude 43°04.0′ N., longitude 70°41.2′ W. to Whaleback Light; thence to Jaffrey Point Light 2A; thence to the northeasternmost extremity of Frost Point.

(c) A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Farm Point to Annisquam Harbor Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.120 Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from Halibut Point at Cape Ann to Marblehead Neck.

(b) A line drawn from Gloucester Breakwater Light to the twin towers charted in approximate position latitude 42°35.1′ N., longitude 70°41.6′ W.

(c) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Gales Point to the easternmost extremity of House Island; thence to Bakers Island Light; thence to Marblehead Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from Marblehead Neck to the easternmost tower at Nahant, charted in approximate position latitude 42°25.4′ N., longitude 70°54.6′ W.

[CGD 79-066, 45 FR 15176, Mar. 10, 1980. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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§80.130 Boston Harbor entrance.

A line drawn from the easternmost tower at Nahant, charted in approximate position latitude 42°25.4′ N., longitude 70°54.6′ W., to Boston Lighted Horn Buoy “B”; thence to the esternmost radio tower at Hull, charted in approximate position latitude 42°16.7′ N., longitude 70°52.6′ W.

[CGD 79-066, 45 FR 15176, Mar. 10, 1980. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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§80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

(a) Except inside lines described in this section, the 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from the easternmost radio tower at Hull, charted in approximate position latitude 42°16.7′ N., longitude 70°52.6′ W., to Race Point on Cape Cod.

(b) A line drawn from Canal Breakwater Light 4 south to the shoreline.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977, as amended by CGD 79-066, 45 FR 15176, Mar. 10, 1980. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the sounds, bays, harbors, and inlets along the coast of Cape Cod and the southern coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island from Race Point to Watch Hill.

(b) A line drawn from Nobska Point Light to Tarpaulin Cove Light on the southeastern side of Naushon Island; thence from the southernmost tangent of Naushon Island to the easternmost extremity of Nashawena Island; thence from the southwestern most extremity of Nashawena Island to the easternmost extremity of Cuttyhunk Island; thence from the southwestern tangent of Cuttyhunk Island to the tower on Gooseberry Neck charted in approximate position latitude 41°29.1′ N., longitude 71°02.3′ W.

(c) A line drawn from Sakonnet Breakwater Light 2 tangent to the southernmost part of Sachuest Point charted in approximate position latitude 41°28.5′ N., longitude 71°14.8′ W.

(d) An east-west line drawn through Beavertail Light between Brenton Point and the Boston Neck shoreline.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977, as amended by CGD 79-036, 44 FR 22458, Apr. 16, 1979. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.150 Block Island, RI.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors of Block Island.

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§80.155 Watch Hill, RI to Montauk Point, NY.

(a) A line drawn from Watch Hill Light to East Point on Fishers Island.

(b) A line drawn from Race Point to Race Rock Light; thence to Little Gull Island Light thence to East Point on Plum Island.

(c) A line drawn from Plum Island Harbor East Dolphin Light to Plum Island Harbor West Dolphin Light.

(d) A line drawn from Plum Island Light to Orient Point Light; thence to Orient Point.

(e) A line drawn from the lighthouse ruins at the southwestern end of Long Beach Point to Cornelius Point.

(f) A line drawn from Coecles Harbor Entrance Light to Sungic Point.

(g) A line drawn from Nicholl Point to Cedar Island Light.

(h) A line drawn from Threemile Harbor West Breakwater Light to Threemile Harbor East Breakwater Light.

(i) A line drawn from Montauk West Jetty Light 1 to Montauk East Jetty Light 2.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987; USCG-2012-0306, 77 FR 37312, June 21, 2012]

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§80.160 Montauk Point, NY to Atlantic Beach, NY.

(a) A line drawn from the Shinnecock Inlet East Breakwater Light to Shinnecock Inlet West Breakwater Light 1.

(b) A line drawn from Moriches Inlet East Breakwater Light to Moriches Inlet West Breakwater Light.

(c) A line drawn from the western most point on Fire Island to the southernmost extremity of the spit of land at the western end of Oak Beach.

(d) A line drawn from Jones Inlet Light 322° true across the southwest tangent of the island on the north side of Jones Inlet to the shoreline.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981; CGD 84-091, and amended by 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.165 New York Harbor.

A line drawn from East Rockaway Inlet Breakwater Light to Sandy Hook Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.170 Sandy Hook, NJ to Tom's River, NJ.

(a) A line drawn from Shark River Inlet North Breakwater Light 2 to Shark River Inlet South Breakwater Light 1.

(b) A line drawn from Manasquan Inlet North Breakwater Light 4 to Manasquan Inlet South Breakwater Light 3.

(c) A line drawn from Barnegat Inlet North Breakwater Light 4A to the seaward extremity of the submerged Barnegat Inlet South Breakwater; thence along the submerged breakwater to the shoreline.

[CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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fifth district

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§80.501 Tom's River, NJ to Cape May, NJ.

(a) A line drawn from the seaward tangent of Long Beach Island to the seaward tangent to Pullen Island across Beach Haven and Little Egg Inlets.

(b) A line drawn from the seaward tangent of Pullen Island to the seaward tangent of Brigantine Island across Brigantine Inlet.

(c) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of Absecon Inlet.

(d) A line drawn from the southernmost point of Longport at latitude 39°18.2′ N., longitude 74°33.1′ W. to the northeasternmost point of Ocean City at latitude 39°17.6′ N., longitude 74°33.1′ W. across Great Egg Harbor Inlet.

(e) A line drawn parallel with the general trend of highwater shoreline across Corson Inlet.

(f) A line formed by the centerline of the Townsend Inlet Highway Bridge.

(g) A line formed by the shoreline of Seven Mile Beach and Hereford Inlet Light.

(h) A line drawn from Cape May Inlet East Jetty Light 4 to Cape May Inlet West Jetty Light 5.

[CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987, as amended by CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998; USCG-2000-7223, 65 FR 40055, June 29, 2000; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.503 Delaware Bay.

A line drawn from Cape May Light to Harbor of Refuge Light; thence to the northernmost extremity of Cape Henlopen.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.505 Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VA.

(a) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of Indian River Inlet North Jetty to Indian River Inlet South Jetty Light.

(b) A line drawn from Ocean City Inlet Light 6, 225° true across Ocean City Inlet to the submerged south breakwater.

(c) A line drawn from Assateague Beach Tower Light to the tower charted at latitude 37°52.6′ N., longitude 75°26.7′ W.

(d) A line formed by the range of Wachapreague Inlet Light 3 and Parramore Beach Lookout Tower drawn across Wachapreague Inlet.

(e) A line drawn from the lookout tower charted on the northern end of Hog Island to the seaward tangent of Parramore Beach.

(f) A line drawn 207° true from the lookout tower charted on the southern end of Hog Island across Great Machipongo Inlet.

(g) A line formed by the range of the two cupolas charted on the southern end of Cobb Island drawn across Sand Shoal Inlet.

(h) Except as provided elsewhere in this section from Cape Henlopen to Cape Charles, lines drawn parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across the entrances to small bays and inlets.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.510 Chesapeake Bay Entrance, VA.

A line drawn from Cape Charles Light to Cape Henry Light.

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§80.515 Cape Henry, VA to Cape Hatteras, NC.

(a) A line drawn from Rudee Inlet Jetty Light 2 to Rudee Inlet Jetty Light 1.

(b) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge across Oregon Inlet.

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§80.520 Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Lookout, NC.

(a) A line drawn from Hatteras Inlet Lookout Tower at latitude 35°11.85′ N., longitude 75°43.9′ W. 255° true to the eastern end of Ocracoke Island.

(b) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Ocracoke Island at latitude 35°04.0′ N., longitude 76°00.8′ W. to the northeasternmost extremity of Portsmouth Island at latitude 35°03.7′ N., longitude 76°02.3′ W.

(c) A line drawn across Drum Inlet parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline.

[USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.525 Cape Lookout, NC to Cape Fear, NC.

(a) A line drawn from Cape lookout Light to the seaward tangent of the southeastern end of Shackleford Banks.

(b) A line drawn from Morehead City Channel Range Front Light to the seaward extremity of the Beaufort Inlet west jetty.

(c) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Bogue Banks at latitude 34°38.7′ N., longitude 77°06.0′ W., across Bogue Inlet to the northernmost extremity of Bear Beach at latitude 34°38.5′ N., longitude 77°07.1′ W.

(d) A line drawn from the easternmost extremity on the southern side of New River Inlet at latitude 34°31.5′ N., longitude 77°20.6′ W., to the seaward tangent of the shoreline on the northeast side on New River Inlet.

(e) A line drawn across New Topsail Inlet between the closest extremities of the shore on either side of the inlet parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline.

(f) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the jetty on the northeast side of Masonboro Inlet to the seaward extremity of the jetty on the southeast side of the Inlet.

(g) Except as provided elsewhere in this section from Cape Lookout to Cape Fear, lines drawn parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across the entrance of small bays and inlets.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.530 Cape Fear, NC to Little River Inlet, NC.

(a) A line drawn from the abandoned lighthouse charted in approximate position latitude 33°52.4′ N., longitude 78°00.1′ W., across the Cape Fear River Entrance to Oak Island Light.

(b) Except as provided elsewhere in this section from Cape Fear to Little River Inlet, lines drawn parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across the entrance to small inlets.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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seventh district

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§80.703 Little River Inlet, SC to Cape Romain, SC.

(a) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of the sand spit on Bird Island to the easternmost extremity of Waties Island across Little River Inlet.

(b) From Little River Inlet, a line drawn parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across Hog Inlet; thence a line drawn across the seaward ends of the Murrels Inlet jetties; thence a line drawn parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across Midway Inlet, Pawleys Inlet, and North Inlet.

(c) A line drawn from the charted position of Winyah Bay North Jetty End Buoy 2N south to the Winyah Bay South Jetty.

(d) A line drawn from Santee Point to the seaward tangent of Cedar Island.

(e) A line drawn from Cedar Island Point west to Murphy Island.

(f) A north-south line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Cape Island Point to Murphy Island.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 89-068, 55 FR 31831, Aug. 6, 1990; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.707 Cape Romain, SC to Sullivans Island, SC.

(a) A line drawn from the westernmost point on Cape Romain to the southeasternmost point on Raccoon Key.

(b) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Raccoon Key to the northernmost extremity of Northeast Point.

(c) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Bull Island to the easternmost extremity of Capers Island.

(d) A line formed by the overhead power cable from Capers Island to Dewees Island.

(e) A line formed by the overhead power cable from Dewees Island to Isle of Palms.

(f) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge between Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island over Breach Inlet.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.710 Charleston Harbor, SC.

(a) A line formed by the submerged north jetty from the shore to the west end of the north jetty.

(b) A line drawn from across the seaward extremity of the Charleston Harbor Jetties.

(c) A line drawn from the west end of the South Jetty across the South Entrance to Charleston Harbor to shore on a line formed by the submerged south jetty.

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§80.712 Morris Island, SC to Hilton Head Island, SC.

(a) A line drawn from the easternmost tip of Folly Island to 32°41′37″ N., 079°53′03″ W. (abandoned lighthouse tower) on the northside of Lighthouse Inlet; thence west to the shoreline of Morris Island.

(b) A line drawn from the seaward tangent of Folly Island across Stono River to the shoreline of Sandy Point.

(c) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Seabrook Island 257° true across the North Edisto River Entrance to the shore of Botany Bay Island.

(d) A line drawn from the microwave antenna tower on Edisto Beach charted in approximate position latitude 32°28.3′ N. longitude 80°19.2′ W. across St. Helena Sound to the abandoned lighthouse tower on Hunting Island.

(e) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge between Hunting Island and Fripp Island.

(f) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Bull Point on Capers Island to Port Royal Sound Channel Range Rear Light, latitude 32°13.7′ N., longitude 80°36.0′ W.; thence 259° true to the easternmost extremity of Hilton Head at latitude 32°13.0′ N., longitude 80°40.1′ W.

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 58681, Sept. 30, 2014]

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§80.715 Savannah River.

A line drawn from the southernmost tank on Hilton Head Island charted in approximate position latitude 32°06.7′ N., longitude 80°49.3′ W., to Bloody Point Range Rear Light; thence to Tybee Light.

[USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.717 Tybee Island, GA to St. Simons Island, GA.

(a) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Savannah Beach on Tybee Island 255° true across Tybee Inlet to the shore of Little Tybee Island south of the entrance to Buck Hammock Creek.

(b) A straight line drawn from the northeasternmost extremity of Wassaw Island 031° true through Tybee River Daybeacon 1 to the shore of Little Tybee Island.

(c) A line drawn approximately parallel with the general trend of the highwater shorelines from the seaward tangent of Wassaw Island to the seaward tangent of Bradley Point on Ossabaw Island.

(d) A north-south line (longitude 81°08.4′ W.) drawn from the southernmost extremity of Ossabaw Island to St. Catherines Island.

(e) A north-south line (longitude 81°10.6′ W.) drawn from the southernmost extremity of St. Catherines Island to Northeast Point on Blackbeard Island.

(f) A line following the general trend of the seaward highwater shoreline across Cabretta Inlet.

(g) A north-south line (longitude 81°16.9′ W.) drawn from the south-westernmost point on Sapelo Island to Wolf Island.

(h) A north-south line (longitude 81°17.1′ W.) drawn from the south-easternmost point of Wolf Island to the northeasternmost point on Little St. Simons Island.

(i) A line drawn from the northeasternmost extremity of Sea Island 045° true to Little St. Simons Island.

(j) An east-west line from the southernmost extremity of Sea Island across Goulds Inlet to St. Simons Island.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39171, July 1, 2013]

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§80.720 St. Simons Island, GA to Amelia Island, FL.

(a) A line drawn from St. Simons Light to the northernmost tank on Jekyll Island charted in approximate position latitude 31°05.9′ N., longitude 81°24.5′ W.

(b) A line drawn from the southernmost tank on Jekyll Island charted in approximate position latitude 31°01.6′ N., longitude 81°25.2′ W., to coordinate latitude 30°59.4′ N., longitude 81°23.7′ W. (0.5 nautical mile east of the charted position of St. Andrew Sound Lighted Buoy 32); thence to the abandoned lighthouse tower on the north end of Little Cumberland Island charted in approximate position latitude 30°58.5′ N., longitude 81°24.8′ W.

(c) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the St. Marys River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.723 Amelia Island, FL to Cape Canaveral, FL.

(a) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Amelia Island to the northeasternmost extremity of Little Talbot Island.

(b) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge from Little Talbot Island to Fort George Island.

(c) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the St. Johns River Entrance Jetties.

(d) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the St. Augustine Inlet Jetties.

(e) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge over Matanzas Inlet.

(f) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Jetties.

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§80.727 Cape Canaveral, FL to Miami Beach, FL.

(a) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Port Canaveral Entrance Channel Jetties.

(b) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Sebastian Inlet Jetties.

(c) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Fort Pierce Inlet Jetties.

(d) A north-south line (longitude 80°09.7′ W.) drawn across St. Lucie Inlet.

(e) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of Jupiter Inlet North Jetty to the northeast extremity of the concrete apron on the south side of Jupiter Inlet.

(f) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Lake Worth Inlet Jetties.

(g) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Boynton Inlet Jetties.

(h) A line drawn from Boca Raton Inlet North Jetty Light 2 to Boca Raton Inlet South Jetty Light 1.

(i) A line drawn from Hillsboro Inlet Light to Hillsboro Inlet Entrance Light 2; thence to Hillsboro Inlet Entrance Light 1; thence west to the shoreline.

(j) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Port Everglades Entrance Jetties.

(k) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge over Bakers Haulover Inlet.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.730 Miami Harbor, FL.

A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Miami Harbor Government Cut Jetties.

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§80.735 Miami, FL to Long Key, FL.

(a) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Fisher Island 212° true to the point latitude 25°45.0′ N., longitude 80°08.6′ W., on Virginia Key.

(b) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne.

(c) A line drawn from Cape Florida Light to the northernmost extremity on Soldier Key.

(d) A line drawn from the southernmost extremity on Soldier Key to the northernmost extremity of the Ragged Keys.

(e) A line drawn from the Ragged Keys to the southernmost extremity of Angelfish Key following the general trend of the seaward shoreline.

(f) A line drawn on the centerline of the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) and bridges from latitude 25°19.3′ N., longitude 80°16.0′ W., at Little Angelfish Creek to the radar dome charted on Long Key at approximate position latitude 24°49.3′ N., longitude 80°49.2′ W.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; 51 FR 21748, June 16, 1986; CGD 89-068, 55 FR 31831, Aug. 6, 1990; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

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seventh district

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§80.738 Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on all other bays, harbors and lagoons of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(b) A line drawn from Puerto San Juan Light to position18°28.5′ N., 066°08.4′ W, at the northwest extent of Isla de Cabras across the entrance of San Juan Harbor.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by USCG-2008-0179, 73 FR 35002, June 19, 2008; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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Gulf Coast

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seventh district

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§80.740 Long Key, FL to Cape Sable, FL.

A line drawn from the microwave tower charted on Long Key at approximate position latitude 24°48.8′ N., longitude 80°49.6′ W., to Long Key Light 1; thence to Arsenic Bank Light 2; thence to Sprigger Bank Light 5; thence to Schooner Bank Light 6; thence to Oxfoot Bank Light 10; thence to East Cape Light 2; thence through East Cape Daybeacon 1A to the shoreline at East Cape.

[USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.745 Cape Sable, FL to Cape Romano, FL.

(a) A line drawn following the general trend of the mainland, highwater shoreline from Cape Sable at East Cape to Little Shark River Light 1; thence to westernmost extremity of Shark Point; thence following the general trend of the mainland, highwater shoreline crossing the entrances of Harney River, Broad Creek, Broad River, Rodgers River First Bay, Chatham River, Huston River, to the shoreline at coordinate latitude 25°41.8′ N., longitude 81°17.9′ W.

(b) The 72 COLREGS shall apply to the waters surrounding the Ten Thousand Islands and the bays, creeks, inlets, and rivers between Chatham Bend and Marco Island except inside lines specifically described in this part.

(c) A north-south line drawn at longitude 81°20.2′ W., across the entrance to Lopez River.

(d) A line drawn across the entrance to Turner River parallel to the general trend of the shoreline.

(e) A line formed by the centerline of Highway 92 Bridge at Goodland.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.748 Cape Romano, FL to Sanibel Island, FL.

(a) A line drawn across Big Marco Pass parallel to the general trend of the seaward, highwater shoreline.

(b) A line drawn from the northwesternmost extremity of Coconut Island 000°T across Capri Pass.

(c) Lines drawn across Hurricane and Little Marco Passes parallel to the general trend of the seaward, highwater shoreline.

(d) A line from the seaward extremity of Gordon Pass South Jetty 014° true to the shoreline at approximate coordinate latitude 26°05.7′ N., longitude 81°48.1′ W.

(e) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of Doctors Pass Jetties.

(f) Lines drawn across Wiggins, Big Hickory, New, and Big Carlos Passes parallel to the general trend of the seaward highwater shoreland.

(g) A straight line drawn from Sanibel Island Light through Matanzas Pass Channel Light 2 to the shore of Estero Island.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977, as amended by CGD 78-052, 44 FR 69298, Dec. 3, 1979. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7786, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.750 Sanibel Island, FL to St. Petersburg, FL.

(a) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge over Blind Pass, between Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, and lines drawn across Redfish and Captiva Passes parallel to the general trend of the seaward, highwater shorelines.

(b) A line drawn from La Costa Test Pile North Light to Port Boca Grande Light.

(c) Lines drawn across Gasparilla and Stump Passes parallel to the general trend of the seaward, highwater shorelines.

(d) A line across the seaward extremity of Venice Inlet Jetties.

(e) A line drawn across Midnight Pass parallel to the general trend of the seaward, highwater shoreline.

(f) A line drawn from Big Sarasota Pass Light 14 to the southernmost extremity of Lido Key.

(g) A line drawn across New Pass tangent to the seaward, highwater shoreline of Longboat Key.

(h) A line drawn across Longboat Pass parallel to the seaward, highwater shoreline.

(i) A line drawn from the northwesternmost extremity of Bean Point to the southeasternmost extremity of Egmont Key.

(j) A straight line drawn from Egmont Key Light through Egmont Channel Range Rear Light to the shoreline on Mullet Key.

(k) A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Mullet Key across Bunces Pass and South Channel to Pass-a-Grille Channel Light 8; thence to Pass-a-Grille Channel Daybeacon 9; thence to the southwesternmost extremity of Long Key.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; CGD 93-071, 58 FR 65668, Dec. 16, 1993]

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§80.753 St. Petersburg, FL to the Anclote, FL.

(a) A line drawn across Blind Pass, between Treasure Island and Long Key, parallel with the general trend of the seaward, highwater shorline.

(b) Lines formed by the centerline of the highway bridges over Johns and Clearwater Passes.

(c) A line drawn across Dunedin and Hurricane Passes parallel with the general trend of the seaward, highwater shoreline.

(d) A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Honeymoon Island to Anclote Anchorage South Entrance Light 7; thence to Anclote Key 28°10.0′ N. 82°50.6′ W; thence a straight line through Anclote River Cut B Range Rear Light to the shoreline.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 21748, June 16, 1986; CGD 93-071, 58 FR 65668, Dec. 16, 1993]

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§80.755 Anclote, FL to the Suncoast Keys, FL.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the bays, bayous, creeks, marinas, and rivers from Anclote to the Suncoast Keys.

(b) A north-south line drawn at longitude 82°38.3′ W. across the Chassahowitzka River Entrance.

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§80.757 Suncoast Keys, FL to Horseshoe Point, FL.

(a) Except inside lines specifically decribed in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the bays, bayous, creeks, and marinas from the Suncoast Keys to Horseshoe Point.

(b) A line formed by the centerline of Highway 44 Bridge over the Salt River.

(c) A north-south line drawn through Crystal River Entrance Daybeacon 25 across the river entrance.

(d) A north-south line drawn through the Cross Florida Barge Canal Daybeacon 48 across the canal.

(e) A north-south line drawn through Withlacoochee River Daybeacon 40 across the river.

(f) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of South Point north to the shoreline across the Waccasassa River Entrance.

(g) A line drawn from position latitude 29°16.6′ N., longitude 83°06.7′ W., 300° true to the shoreline of Hog Island.

(h) A north-south line drawn through Suwannee River Mcgriff Pass Daybeacons 30 and 31 across the Suwannee River.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.760 Horeshoe Point, FL to Rock Island, FL.

(a) Except inside lines specifically described provided in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the bays, bayous, creeks, marinas, and rivers from Horseshoe Point to the Rock Islands.

(b) A north-south line drawn through Steinhatchee River Light 21.

(c) A line drawn from Fenholloway River Approach Light FR east across the entrance to Fenholloway River.

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eighth district

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§80.805 Rock Island, FL to Cape San Blas, FL.

(a) A south-north line drawn from the Econfina River Light to the opposite shore.

(b) A line drawn from Gamble Point Light to the southernmost extremity of Cabell Point.

(c) A line drawn from St. Mark's Range Rear Light to St. Mark's Channel Light 11; thence to the southernmost extremity of Live Oak Point; thence in a straight line through Shell Point Light to the southernmost extremity of Ochlockonee Point; thence to Bald Point along longitude 84°20.5′ W.

(d) A line drawn from the south shore of Southwest Cape at longitude 84°22.7′ W., to Dog Island Reef East Light 1; thence a straight line to the easternmost extremity of Dog Island.

(e) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Dog Island to the easternmost extremity of St. George Island.

(f) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the St. George Island Channel Jetties.

(g) A line drawn from the northwesternmost extremity of Sand Island to West Pass Light 7.

(h) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of St. Vincent Island to the southeast, highwater shoreline of Indian Peninsula at Longitude 85°13.5′ W.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2008-0179, 73 FR 35002, June 19, 2008; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.810 Cape San Blas, FL to Perdido Bay, FL.

(a) A line drawn from St. Joseph Bay Entrance Range A Rear Light through St. Joseph Bay Entrance Range B Front Light to St. Joseph Point.

(b) A line drawn across the mouth of Salt Creek as an extension of the general trend of the shoreline to continue across the inlet to St. Andrews sound in the middle of Crooked Island.

(c) A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of Crooked Island 000° T. to the mainland.

(d) A line drawn from the easternmost extremity of Shell Island 120° true to the shoreline across the east entrance to St. Andrews Bay.

(e) A line drawn between the seaward end of the St. Andrews Bay Entrance Jetties.

(f) A line drawn between the seaward end of the Choctawatchee Bay Entrance Jetties.

(g) An east-west line drawn from Fort McRee Leading Light across the Pensacola Bay Entrance along latitude 30°19.5′ N.

(h) A line drawn between the seaward end of the Perdido Pass Jetties.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.815 Mobile Bay, AL to the Chandeleur Islands, LA.

(a) A line drawn across the inlets to Little Lagoon as an extension of the general trend of the shoreline.

(b) A line drawn from 30°14′41.4″ N., 088°01′26.5″ W. (Mobile Point Light) to 30°15′13.3″ N., 088°03′22.6″ W. (Dauphin Island Channel Light 1) to the eastern corner of Fort Gaines at Pelican Point.

(c) A line drawn from the western-most extremity of Dauphin Island to the easternmost extremity of Petit Bois Island.

(d) A line drawn from Horn Island Pass Entrance Range Front Light on Petit Bois Island to the easternmost extremity of Horn Island.

(e) An east-west line (latitude 30°14.7′ N.) drawn between the westernmost extremity of Horn Island to the easternmost extremity of Ship Island.

(f) A curved line drawn following the general trend of the seaward, highwater shoreline of Ship Island.

(g) A line drawn from the Ship Island Light to Chandeleur Light; thence in a curved line following the general trend of the seaward, highwater shorelines of the Chandeleur Islands to the island at latitude 29°44.1′ N., longitude 88°53.0′ W.; thence to latitude 29°26.5′ N., longitude 88°55.6′ W.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; CGD 89-068, 55 FR 31831, Aug. 6, 1990; 55 FR 33577, Aug. 14, 1990; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.825 Mississippi Passes, LA.

(a) A line drawn from latitude 29°26.5′ N., longitude 88°55.6′ W. to latitude 29°10.6′ N., longitude 88°59.8′ W.; thence to latitude 29°03.5′ N., longitude 89°03.7′ W.; thence to latitude 28°58.8′ N., longitude 89°04.3′ W.

(b) A line drawn from latitude 28°58.8′ N., longitude 89°04.3′ W.; to latitude 28°57.3′ N., longitude 89°05.3′ W.; thence to latitude 28°56.95′ N., longitude 89°05.6′ W.; thence to latitude 29°00.4′ N., longitude 89°09.8′ W.; thence following the general trend of the seaward highwater shoreline in a northwesterly direction to latitude 29°03.4′ N., longitude 89°13.0′ W.; thence west to latitude 29°03.5′ N., longitude 89°15.5′ W.; thence following the general trend of the seaward highwater shoreline in a southwesterly direction to latitude 28°57.7′ N., longitude 89°22.3′ W.

(c) A line drawn from latitude 28°57.7′ N., longitude 89°22.3′ W.; to latitude 28°51.4′ N., longitude 89°24.5′ W.; thence to latitude 28°52.65′ N., longitude 89°27.1′ W.; thence to the seaward extremity of the Southwest Pass West Jetty located at latitude 28°54.5′ N., longitude 89°26.1′ W.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; CGD 89-068, 55 FR 31831, Aug. 6, 1990; USCG-2012-0306, 77 FR 37312, June 21, 2012]

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§80.830 Mississippi Passes, LA to Point Au Fer, LA.

(a) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Southwest Pass West Jetty located at coordinate latitude 28°54.5′ N., longitude 89°26.1′ W.; thence following the general trend of the seaward, highwater jetty and shoreline in a north, northeasterly direction to Old Tower latitude 28°58.8′ N., longitude 89°23.3′ W.; thence to westernmost point near Pass du Bois; thence to coordinate latitude 29°05.2′ N., longitude 89°24.3′ W.; thence a curved line following the general trend of the highwater shoreline to Point Au Fer Island except as otherwise described in this section.

(b) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Empire Waterway (Bayou Fontanelle) entrance jetties.

(c) An east-west line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Grand Terre Islands in the direction of 194° true to the Grand Isle Fishing Jetty Light.

(d) A line drawn between the seaward extremity of the Belle Pass Jetties.

(e) A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of the Timbalier Island to the easternmost extremity of Isles Dernieres.

(f) A south-north line drawn from Caillou Bay Light 13 across Caillou Boca.

(g) A line drawn 107° true from Caillou Bay Boat Landing Light across the entrances to Grand Bayou du Large and Bayou Grand Caillou.

(h) A line drawn on an axis of 103° true through Taylors Bayou Entrance Light 2 across the entrances to Jack Stout Bayou, Taylors Bayou, Pelican Pass, and Bayou de West.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.835 Point Au Fer, LA to Calcasieu Pass, LA.

(a) A line drawn from Point Au Fer to Atchafalaya Channel Light 34; thence to Atchafalaya Channel Light 33; thence to latitude 29°25.0′ N., longitude 91°31.7′ W.; thence to Atchafalaya Bay Light 1 latitude 29°25.3′ N., longitude 91°35.8′ W.; thence to South Point.

(b) Lines following the general trend of the highwater shoreline drawn across the bayou and canal inlets from the Gulf of Mexico between South Point and Calcasieu Pass except as otherwise described in this section.

(c) A line drawn on an axis of 140° true through Southwest Pass Vermillion Bay Light 4 across Southwest Pass.

(d) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Freshwater Bayou Canal Entrance Jetties.

(e) A line drawn from Mermentau Channel East Jetty Light 6 to Mermentau Channel West Jetty Light 7.

(f) A line drawn from the radio tower charted in approximate position latitude 29°45.7′ N., longitude 93°06.3′ W., 115° true across Mermentau Pass.

(g) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Calcasieu Pass Jetties.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.840 Sabine Pass, TX to Galveston, TX.

(a) A line drawn from the Sabine Pass East Jetty Light to the seaward end of the Sabine Pass West Jetty.

(b) Lines drawn across the small boat passes through the Sabine Pass East and West Jetties.

(c) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge over Rollover Pass at Gilchrist.

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§80.845 Galveston, TX to Freeport, TX.

(a) A line drawn from Galveston North Jetty Light 6A to Galveston South Jetty Light 5A.

(b) A line formed by the centerline of the highway bridge over San Luis Pass.

(c) Lines formed by the centerlines of the highway bridges over the inlets to Christmas Bay (Cedar Cut) and Drum Bay.

(d) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Freeport North Jetty to Freeport Entrance Light 6; thence Freeport Entrance Light 7; thence the seaward extremity of Freeport South Jetty.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.850 Brazos River, TX to the Rio Grande, TX.

(a) Except as otherwise described in this section lines drawn continuing the general trend of the seaward, highwater shorelines across the inlets to Brazos River Diversion Channel, San Bernard River, Cedar Lakes, Brown Cedar Cut, Colorado River, Matagorda Bay, Cedar Bayou, Corpus Christi Bay, and Laguna Madre.

(b) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of Matagorda Ship Channel North Jetties.

(c) A line drawn from the seaward tangent of Matagorda Peninsula at Decros Point to Matagorda Light.

(d) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Aransas Pass Jetties.

(e) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Port Mansfield Entrance Jetties.

(f) A line drawn across the seaward extremity of the Brazos Santiago Pass Jetties.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986]

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Pacific Coast

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eleventh district

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§80.1102 Santa Catalina Island, CA.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply to the harbors on Santa Catalina Island.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1104 San Diego Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Zuniga Jetty Light “V” to Zuniga Jetty Light “Z”; thence to Point Loma Light.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1106 Mission Bay, CA.

A line drawn from Mission Bay South Jetty Light 2 to Mission Bay North Jetty Light 1.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1108 Oceanside Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Oceanside South Jetty Light 4 to Oceanside Breakwater Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1110 Dana Point Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Dana Point Jetty Light 4 to Dana Point Breakwater Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987; USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39172, July 1, 2013]

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§80.1112 Newport Bay, CA.

A line drawn from Newport Bay East Jetty Light 4 to Newport Bay West Jetty Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1114 San Pedro Bay—Anaheim Bay, CA.

(a) A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Anaheim Bay Entrance Jetties; thence to Long Beach Breakwater East End Light 1.

(b) A line drawn from Long Beach Channel Entrance Light 2 to Long Beach Light.

(c) A line drawn from Los Angeles Main Entrance Channel Light 2 to Los Angeles Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, as amended by CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986. Further redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1116 Redondo Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Redondo Beach East Jetty Light 2 to Redondo Beach West Jetty Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1118 Marina Del Rey, CA.

(a) A line drawn from Marina Del Rey Breakwater South Light 1 to Marina Del Rey Light 4.

(b) A line drawn from Marina Del Rey Breakwater North Light 2 to Marina Del Rey Light 3.

(c) A line drawn from Marina Del Rey Light 4 to the seaward extremity of the Ballona Creek South Jetty.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1120 Port Hueneme, CA.

(a) A line drawn from Port Hueneme East Jetty Light 4 to Port Hueneme West Jetty Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1122 Channel Islands Harbor, CA.

(a) A line drawn from Channel Islands Harbor South Jetty Light 2 to Channel Islands Harbor Breakwater South Light 1.

(b) A line drawn from Channel Islands Harbor Breakwater North Light to Channel Islands Harbor North Jetty Light 5.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1124 Ventura Marina, CA.

A line drawn from Ventura Marina South Jetty Light 6 to Ventura Marina Breakwater South Light 3; thence to Ventura Marina North Jetty Light 7.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7787, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1126 Santa Barbara Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Santa Barbara Harbor Light 4 to Santa Barbara Harbor Breakwater Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1130 San Luis Obispo Bay, CA.

A line drawn from the southernmost extremity of Fossil Point to the seaward extremity of Whaler Island Breakwater.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1132 Estero-Morro Bay, CA.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Morro Bay East Breakwater to the Morro Bay West Breakwater Light.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1134 Monterey Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Monterey Harbor Light 6 to the northern extremity of Monterey Municipal Wharf 2.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1136 Moss Landing Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the pier located 0.3 mile south of Moss Landing Harbor Entrance to the seaward extremity of the Moss Landing Harbor North Breakwater.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1138 Santa Cruz Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Santa Cruz Harbor East Breakwater to Santa Cruz Harbor West Breakwater Light; thence to Santa Cruz Light.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 21748, June 16, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1140 Pillar Point Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Pillar Point Harbor Light 6 to Pillar Point Harbor Entrance Light.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1142 San Francisco Harbor, CA.

A straight line drawn from Point Bonita Light through Mile Rocks Light to the shore.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1144 Bodega and Tomales Bay, CA.

(a) An east-west line drawn from Sand Point to Avalis Beach.

(b) A line drawn from the seaward extremity of Bodega Harbor North Breakwater to Bodega Harbor Entrance Light 1.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; 42 FR 63169, Dec. 15, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1146 Albion River, CA.

A line drawn on an axis of 030° true through Albion River Light 1 across Albion Cove.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1148 Noyo River, CA.

A line drawn from Noyo River Entrance Daybeacon 4 to Noyo River Entrance Light 5.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1150 Arcata-Humboldt Bay, CA.

A line drawn from Humboldt Bay Entrance Light 4 to Humboldt Bay Entrance Light 3.

[CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981, and CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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§80.1152 Crescent City Harbor, CA.

A line drawn from Crescent City Entrance Light to the southeasternmost extremity of Whaler Island.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986. Redesignated by CGD 87-008b, 52 FR 25218, July 6, 1987]

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thirteenth district

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§80.1305 Chetco River, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Chetco River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1310 Rogue River, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Rogue River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1315 Coquille River, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Coquille River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1320 Coos Bay, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Coos Bay Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1325 Umpqua River, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Umpqua River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1330 Siuslaw River, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Siuslaw River Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1335 Alsea Bay, OR.

A line drawn from the seaward shoreline on the north of the Alsea Bay Entrance 165° true across the channel entrance.

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§80.1340 Yaquina Bay, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Yaquina Bay Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1345 Depoe Bay, OR.

A line drawn across the Depoe Bay Channel entrance parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline.

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§80.1350 Netarts Bay, OR.

A line drawn from the northernmost extremity of the shore on the south side of Netarts Bay north to the opposite shoreline.

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§80.1355 Tillamook Bay, OR.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities of the Tillamook Bay Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1360 Nehalem River, OR.

A line drawn approximately parallel with the general trend of the highwater shoreline across the Nehalem River Entrance.

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§80.1365 Columbia River Entrance, OR/WA.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Columbia River North Jetty (above water) 155° true to the seaward extremity of the Columbia River South Jetty (above water).

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§80.1370 Willapa Bay, WA.

A line drawn from Willapa Bay Light 169.8° true to the westernmost tripod charted 1.6 miles south of Leadbetter Point.

[CGD 89-068, 55 FR 31831, Aug. 6, 1990]

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§80.1375 Grays Harbor, WA.

A line drawn across the seaward extremities (above water) of the Grays Harbor Entrance Jetties.

[CGD 84-091, 51 FR 7788, Mar. 6, 1986]

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§80.1380 Quillayute River, WA.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Quillayute River Entrance East Jetty to the overhead power cable tower charted on James Island; thence a straight line through Quillayute River Entrance Light 3 to the shoreline.

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§80.1385 Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on all waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

[CGD 81-087, 46 FR 61457, Dec. 17, 1981; 47 FR 3351, Jan. 25, 1982, and 49 FR 3177, Jan. 26, 1984]

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§80.1390 Haro Strait and Strait of Georgia.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on all waters of the Haro Strait and the Strait of Georgia.

[CGD 81-087, 46 FR 61457, Dec. 17, 1981; 47 FR 3351, Jan. 25, 1982, and 49 FR 3177, Jan. 26, 1984]

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§80.1395 Puget Sound and adjacent waters.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on all waters of Puget Sound and adjacent waters, including Lake Union, Lake Washington, Hood Canal, and all tributaries.

[CGD 81-087, 46 FR 61457, Dec. 17, 1981; 47 FR 3351, Jan. 25, 1982, and 49 FR 3177, Jan. 26, 1984]

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Pacific Islands

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fourteenth district

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§80.1410 Hawaiian Island Exemption from General Rule.

Except as provided elsewhere in this part for Mamala Bay and Kaneohe Bay on Oahu; Port Allen and Nawiliwili Bay on Kauai; Kahului Harbor on Maui; and Kawailae and Hilo Harbors on Hawaii, the 72 COLREGS shall apply on all other bays, harbors, and lagoons of the Hawaiian Island (including Midway).

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§80.1420 Mamala Bay, Oahu, HI.

A line drawn from 21°17′46.9″ N., 158°06′22.2′ W. (Barbers Point Light) to 21°15′20.5″ N., 157°48′34.3″ W. (Diamond Head Light).

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1430 Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, HI.

A line drawn from 21°27′44.1″ N., 157°45′48.6″ W. (Pyramid Rock Light), across Kaneohe Bay through the center of Mokolii Island to the shoreline.

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1440 Port Allen, Kauai, HI.

A line drawn from 21°53′34.3″ N., 159°36′15.6″ W. (Puolo Point Light) to 21°53′49.0″ N., 159°35′27.2″ W. (Hanapepe Breakwater Light 2).

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1450 Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai, HI.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of Nawiliwili Harbor Breakwater Light to 21°57′23.8″ N., 159°20′52.7″ W. (Kukii Point Light).

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1460 Kahului Harbor, Maui, HI.

A line drawn from 20°54′04.1″ N., 156°28′26.8″ W. (Kahului Entrance Breakwater Light 4), to 20°54′02.3″ N., 156°28′17.4″ W. (Kahului Entrance Breakwater Light 3).

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1470 Kawaihae Harbor, Hawaii, HI.

A line drawn from 20°02′29.1″ N., 155°49′58.2″ W. (Kawaihae Light), to the seaward extremity of the Kawaihae South Breakwater.

[USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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§80.1480 Hilo Harbor, Hawaii, HI.

A line drawn from the seaward extremity of the Hilo Breakwater 265° true (as an extension of the seaward side of the breakwater) to the shoreline 0.2 nautical mile north of Alealea Point.

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§80.1490 Apra Harbor, U.S. Territory of Guam.

A line drawn from the westernmost extremity of Orote Island to the westernmost extremity of Glass Breakwater.

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§80.1495 U.S. Pacific Island Possessions.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the bays, harbors, lagoons, and waters surrounding the U.S. Pacific Island Possessions of American Samoa, Baker, Howland, Jarvis, Johnson, Palmyra, Swains and Wake Islands.

[CGD 94-011, 63 FR 5731, Feb. 4, 1998]

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Alaska

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seventeenth district

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§80.1705 Alaska.

The 72 COLREGS shall apply on all the sounds, bays, harbors, and inlets of Alaska.

[CGD 79-036, 44 FR 22458, Apr. 16, 1979. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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PART 81—72 COLREGS: IMPLEMENTING RULES

Back to Annexes
Contents
§81.1 Definitions.
§81.3 General.

Alternative Compliance

§81.5 Application for a Certificate of Alternative Compliance.
§81.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Contents.
§81.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Termination.
§81.18 Notice and record of certification of vessels of special construction or purpose.

Exemptions

§81.20 Lights and sound signal appliances.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1607; E.O. 11964; 49 CFR 1.46.

Source: CGD 76-130, 42 FR 17111, Mar. 31, 1977, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981.

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§81.1 Definitions.

As used in this part:

72 COLREGS refers to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, done at London, October 20, 1972, as rectified by the Proces-Verbal of December 1, 1973, as amended.

A vessel of special construction or purpose means a vessel designed or modified to perform a special function and whose arrangement is thereby made relatively inflexible.

Interference with the special function of the vessel occurs when installation or use of lights, shapes, or sound-signaling appliances under 72 COLREGS prevents or significantly hinders the operation in which the vessel is usually engaged.

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13799, Apr. 1, 1982]

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§81.3 General.

Vessels of special construction or purpose which cannot fully comply with the light, shape, and sound signal provisions of 72 COLREGS without interfering with their special function may instead meet alternative requirements. The Chief of the Marine Safety Division in each Coast Guard District Office makes this determination and requires that alternative compliance be as close as possible with the 72 COLREGS. These regulations set out the procedure by which a vessel may be certified for alternative compliance. The information collection and recordkeeping requirements in §§81.5 and 81.18 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control No. 1625-0019.

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13799, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by USCG-2006-25150, 71 FR 39208, July 12, 2006]

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Alternative Compliance

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§81.5 Application for a Certificate of Alternative Compliance.

(a) The owner, builder, operator, or agent of a vessel of special construction or purpose who believes the vessel cannot fully comply with the 72 COLREGS light, shape, or sound signal provisions without interference with its special function may apply for a determination that alternative compliance is justified. The application must be in writing, submitted to the Chief of the Marine Safety Division of the Coast Guard District in which the vessel is being built or operated, and include the following information:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(2) The identification of the vessel by its:

(i) Official number;

(ii) Shipyard hull number;

(iii) Hull identification number; or

(iv) State number, if the vessel does not have an official number or hull identification number.

(3) Vessel name and home port, if known.

(4) A description of the vessel's area of operation.

(5) A description of the provision for which the Certificate of Alternative Compliance is sought, including:

(i) The 72 COLREGS Rule or Annex section number for which the Certificate of Alternative Compliance is sought;

(ii) A description of the special function of the vessel that would be interfered with by full compliance with the provision of that Rule or Annex section; and

(iii) A statement of how full compliance would interfere with the special function of the vessel.

(6) A description of the alternative installation that is in closest possible compliance with the applicable 72 COLREGS Rule or Annex section.

(7) A copy of the vessel's plans or an accurate scale drawing that clearly shows:

(i) The required installation of the equipment under the 72 COLREGS,

(ii) The proposed installation of the equipment for which certification is being sought, and

(iii) Any obstructions that may interfere with the equipment when installed in:

(A) The required location; and

(B) The proposed location.

(b) The Coast Guard may request from the applicant additional information concerning the application.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625-0019)

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13799, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by USCG-2006-25150, 71 FR 39208, July 12, 2006]

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§81.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Contents.

The Chief of the Marine Safety Division issues the Certificate of Alternative Compliance to the vessel based on a determination that it cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS light, shape, and sound signal provisions without interference with its special function. This Certificate includes—

(a) Identification of the vessel as supplied in the application under §81.5(a)(2);

(b) The provision of the 72 COLREGS for which the Certificate authorizes alternative compliance;

(c) A certification that the vessel is unable to comply fully with the 72 COLREGS lights, shape, and sound signal requirements without interference with its special function;

(d) A statement of why full compliance would interfere with the special function of the vessel;

(e) The required alternative installation;

(f) A statement that the required alternative installation is in the closest possible compliance with the 72 COLREGS without interfering with the special function of the vessel;

(g) The date of issuance;

(h) A statement that the Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates when the vessel ceases to be usually engaged in the operation for which the certificate is issued.

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13800, Apr. 1, 1982]

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§81.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Termination.

The Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates if the information supplied under §81.5(a) or the Certificate issued under §81.9 is no longer applicable to the vessel.

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13800, Apr. 1, 1982]

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§81.18 Notice and record of certification of vessels of special construction or purpose.

(a) In accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1605(c), a notice is published in the Federal Register of the following:

(1) Each Certificate of Alternative Compliance issued under §81.9; and

(2) Each Coast Guard vessel determined by the Commandant to be a vessel of special construction or purpose.

(b) Copies of Certificate of Alternative Compliance and documentation concerning Coast Guard vessels are available for inspection at Marine Transportation Systems Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, (CG-5PW), Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509.

(c) The owner or operator of a vessel issued a Certificate shall ensure that the vessel does not operate unless the Certificate of Alternative Compliance or a certified copy of that Certificate is on board the vessel and available for inspection by Coast Guard personnel.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625-0019)

[CGD 77-136, 47 FR 13800, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by CGD 88-052, 53 FR 25119, July 1, 1988; CGD 96-026, 61 FR 33663, June 28, 1996; CGD 78-82, 43 FR 54186, Nov. 20, 1978; USCG-2006-25150, 71 FR 39208, July 12, 2006; USCG-2010-0351, 75 FR 36281, June 25, 2010; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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Exemptions

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§81.20 Lights and sound signal appliances.

Each vessel under the 72 COLREGS, except the vessels of the Navy, is exempt from the requirements of the 72 COLREGS to the limitation for the period of time stated in Rule 38 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) if:

(a) Her keel is laid or is at a corresponding stage of construction before July 15, 1977; and

(b) She meets the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960 (77 Stat. 194, 33 U.S.C. 1051-1094).

[CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated at CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

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PART 89—INLAND NAVIGATION RULES: IMPLEMENTING RULES

Back to Annexes
Contents

Subpart A—Certificate of Alternative Compliance

§89.1 Definitions.
§89.3 General.
§89.5 Application for a Certificate of Alternative Compliance.
§89.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Contents.
§89.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Termination.
§89.18 Record of certification of vessels of special construction or purpose.

Subpart B—Waters Upon Which Certain Inland Navigation Rules Apply

§89.21 Purpose.
§89.23 Definitions.
§89.25 Waters upon which Inland Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply.
§89.27 Waters upon which Inland Rule 24(i) applies.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 49 CFR 1.46(n)(14).

Source: CGD 80-157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

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Subpart A—Certificate of Alternative Compliance

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§89.1 Definitions.

As used in this subpart:

Inland Rules refers to the Inland Navigation Rules contained in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-591) and the technical annexes established under that act.

A vessel of special construction or purpose means a vessel designed or modified to perform a special function and whose arrangement is thereby made relatively inflexible.

Interference with the special function of the vessel occurs when installation or use of lights, shapes, or sound-signaling appliances under the Inland Rules prevents or significantly hinders the operation in which the vessel is usually engaged.

[CGD 80-157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by CGD 83-028, 49 FR 33876, Aug. 27, 1984]

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§89.3 General.

Vessels of special construction or purpose which cannot fully comply with the light, shape, and sound signal provisions of the Inland Rules without interfering with their special function may instead meet alternative requirements. The Chief of the Marine Safety Division in each Coast Guard District Office makes this determination and requires that alternative compliance be as close as possible with the Inland Rules. These regulations set out the procedure by which a vessel may be certified for alternative compliance. The information collection and recordkeeping requirements in §§89.5 and 89.18 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control No. 1625-0019.

[CGD 80-157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by USCG-2006-25150, 71 FR 39208, July 12, 2006]

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§89.5 Application for a Certificate of Alternative Compliance.

(a) The owner, builder, operator, or agent of a vessel of special construction or purpose who believes the vessel cannot fully comply with the Inland Rules light, shape, or sound signal provisions without interference with its special function may apply for a determination that alternative compliance is justified. The application must be in writing, submitted to the Chief of the Marine Safety Division of the Coast Guard District in which the vessel is being built or operated, and include the following information:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(2) The identification of the vessel by its:

(i) Official number;

(ii) Shipyard hull number;

(iii) Hull identification number; or

(iv) State number, if the vessel does not have an official number or hull identification number.

(3) Vessel name and home port, if known.

(4) A description of the vessel's area of operation.

(5) A description of the provision for which the Certificate of Alternative Compliance is sought, including:

(i) The Inland Rules Rule or Annex section number for which the Certificate of Alternative Compliance is sought;

(ii) A description of the special function of the vessel that would be interfered with by full compliance with the provision of that Rule or Annex section; and

(iii) A statement of how full compliance would interfere with the special function of the vessel.

(6) A description of the alternative installation that is in closest possible compliance with the applicable Inland Navigation Rules Rule or Annex section.

(7) A copy of the vessel's plans or an accurate scale drawing that clearly shows:

(i) The required installation of the equipment under the Inland Rules,

(ii) The proposed installation of the equipment for which certification is being sought, and

(iii) Any obstructions that may interfere with the equipment when installed in:

(A) The required location; and

(B) The proposed location.

(b) The Coast Guard may request from the applicant additional information concerning the application.

[CGD 80-157, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982; 47 FR 18332, Apr. 29, 1982]

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§89.9 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Contents.

The Chief of the Marine Safety Division issues the Certificate of Alternative Compliance to the vessel based on a determination that it cannot comply fully with Inland Rules light, shape, and sound signal provisions without interference with its special function. This Certificate includes:

(a) Identification of the vessel as supplied in the application under §89.5(a)(2);

(b) The provision of the Inland Rules for which the Certificate authorizes alternative compliance;

(c) A certification that the vessel is unable to comply fully with the Inland Rules light, shape, and sound signal requirements without interference with its special function;

(d) A statement of why full compliance would interfere with the special function of the vessel;

(e) The required alternative installation;

(f) A statement that the required alternative installation is in the closest possible compliance with the Inland Rules without interfering with the special function of the vessel;

(g) The date of issuance;

(h) A statement that the Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates when the vessel ceases to be usually engaged in the operation for which the certificate is issued.

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§89.17 Certificate of Alternative Compliance: Termination.

The Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates if the information supplied under §89.5(a) or the Certificate issued under §89.9 is no longer applicable to the vessel.

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§89.18 Record of certification of vessels of special construction or purpose.

(a) Copies of Certificates of Alternative Compliance and documentation concerning Coast Guard vessels are available for inspection at the offices of the Marine Transportation Systems Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters (CG-5PW), Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509.

(b) The owner or operator of a vessel issued a Certificate shall ensure that the vessel does not operate unless the Certificate of Alternative Compliance or a certified copy of that Certificate is on board the vessel and available for inspection by Coast Guard personnel.

[CGD 80-187, 47 FR 13801, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended by CGD 88-052, 53 FR 25120, July 1, 1988; CGD 96-026, 61 FR 33663, June 28, 1996; CGD 97-023, 62 FR 33363, June 19, 1997; USCG-2002-12471, 67 FR 41332, June 18, 2002; USCG-2010-0351, 75 FR 36281, June 25, 2010; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38431, July 7, 2014]

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Subpart B—Waters Upon Which Certain Inland Navigation Rules Apply

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§89.21 Purpose.

Inland Navigation Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply to the Great Lakes, and along with 24(i), apply on the “Western Rivers” as defined in Rule 3(1), and to additional specifically designated waters. The purpose of this Subpart is to specify those additional waters upon which Inland Navigation Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), 15(b), and 24(i) apply.

[CGD 85-081, 51 FR 4592, Feb. 6, 1986]

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§89.23 Definitions.

As used in this subpart:

Inland Rules refers to the Inland Navigation Rules contained in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-591, 33 U.S.C. 2001 et. seq.) and the technical annexes established under that Act.

[CGD 83-028, 49 FR 33876, Aug. 27, 1984]

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§89.25 Waters upon which Inland Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply.

Inland Rules 9(a)(ii), 14(d), and 15(b) apply on the Great Lakes, the Western Rivers, and the following specified waters:

(a) Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

(b) Tombigbee River.

(c) Black Warrior River.

(d) Alabama River.

(e) Coosa River.

(f) Mobile River above the Cochrane Bridge at St. Louis Point.

(g) Flint River.

(h) Chattahoochee River.

(i) The Apalachicola River above its confluence with the Jackson River.

[CGD 91-050, 58 FR 27625, May 10, 1993, as amended by USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38432, July 7, 2014]

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§89.27 Waters upon which Inland Rule 24(i) applies.

(a) Inland Rule 24(i) applies on the Western Rivers and the specified waters listed in §89.25 (a) through (i).

(b) Inland Rule 24(i) applies on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from St. Marks, Florida, to the Rio Grande, Texas, including the Morgan City-Port Allen Alternate Route and the Galveston-Freeport Cutoff, except that a power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside shall exhibit the lights required by Inland Rule 24(c), while transiting within the following areas:

(1) St. Andrews Bay from the Hathaway Fixed Bridge at Mile 284.6 East of Harvey Locks (EHL) to the DuPont Fixed Bridge at Mile 295.4 EHL.

(2) Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound and Big Lagoon from the Light “10” off of Trout Point at Mile 176.9 EHL to the Pensacola Fixed Bridge at Mile 189.1 EHL.

(3) Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay from the Dauphin Island Causeway Fixed Bridge at Mile 127.7 EHL to Little Point Clear at Mile 140 EHL.

(4) Mississippi Sound from Grand Island Waterway Light “1” at Mile 53.8 EHL to Light “40” off the West Point of Dauphin Island at Mile 118.7 EHL.

(5) The Mississippi River at New Orleans, Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal and the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from the junction of the Harvey Canal and the Algiers Alternate Route at Mile 6.5 West of Harvey Locks (WHL) to the Michoud Canal at Mile 18 EHL.

(6) The Calcasieu River from the Calcasieu Lock at Mile 238.6 WHL to the Ellender Lift Bridge at Mile 243.6 WHL.

(7) The Sabine Neches Canal from mile 262.5 WHL to mile 291.5 WHL.

(8) Bolivar Roads from the Bolivar Assembling Basin at Mile 346 WHL to the Galveston Causeway Bridge at Mile 357.3 WHL.

(9) Freeport Harbor from Surfside Beach Fixed Bridge at Mile 393.8 WHL to the Bryan Beach Pontoon Bridge at Mile 397.6 WHL.

(10) Matagorda Ship Channel area of Matagorda Bay from Range “K” Front Light at Mile 468.7 WHL to the Port O'Connor Jetty at Mile 472.2 WHL.

(11) Corpus Christi Bay from Redfish Bay Day Beacon “55” at Mile 537.4 WHL when in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway main route or from the north end of Lydia Ann Island Mile 531.1A when in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Alternate Route to Corpus Christi Bay LT 76 at Mile 543.7 WHL.

(12) Port Isabel and Brownsville Ship Channel south of the Padre Island Causeway Fixed Bridge at Mile 665.1 WHL.

[CGD 91-050, 58 FR 27625, May 10, 1993]

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PART 26—VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE RADIOTELEPHONE REGULATIONS

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Contents
§26.01 Purpose.
§26.02 Definitions.
§26.03 Radiotelephone required.
§26.04 Use of the designated frequency.
§26.05 Use of radiotelephone.
§26.06 Maintenance of radiotelephone; failure of radiotelephone.
§26.07 Communications.
§26.08 Exemption procedures.
§26.09 List of exemptions.

Authority: 14 U.S.C. 2, 33 U.S.C. 1201-1208; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170. Rule 1, International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

Source: CGD 71-114R, 37 FR 12720, June 28, 1972, unless otherwise noted.

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§26.01 Purpose.

(a) The purpose of this part is to implement the provisions of the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act. This part:

(1) Requires the use of the vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone;

(2) Provides the Coast Guard's interpretation of the meaning of important terms in the Act;

(3) Prescribes the procedures for applying for an exemption from the Act and the regulations issued under the Act and a listing of exemptions.

(b) Nothing in this part relieves any person from the obligation of complying with the rules of the road and the applicable pilot rules.

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§26.02 Definitions.

For the purpose of this part and interpreting the Act:

Act means the “Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act”, 33 U.S.C. sections 1201-1208;

Length is measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer;

Power-driven vessel means any vessel propelled by machinery; and

Secretary means the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating;

Territorial sea means all waters as defined in §2.22(a)(1) of this chapter.

Towing vessel means any commercial vessel engaged in towing another vessel astern, alongside, or by pushing ahead.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) means a service implemented under Part 161 of this chapter by the United States Coast Guard designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The VTS has the capability to interact with marine traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.

Vessel Traffic Service Area or VTS Area means the geographical area encompassing a specific VTS area of service as described in Part 161 of this chapter. This area of service may be subdivided into sectors for the purpose of allocating responsibility to individual Vessel Traffic Centers or to identify different operating requirements.

Note: Although regulatory jurisdiction is limited to the navigable waters of the United States, certain vessels will be encouraged or may be required, as a condition of port entry, to report beyond this area to facilitate traffic management within the VTS area.

(Rule 1, International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (as rectified); E.O. 11964 (14 U.S.C. 2); 49 CFR 1.46(b))

[CGD 71-114R, 37 FR 12720, June 28, 1972, as amended by CGD 77-118a, 42 FR 35784, July 11, 1977; CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36322, July 15, 1994; USCG-2001-9044, 68 FR 42601, July 18, 2003]

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§26.03 Radiotelephone required.

(a) Unless an exemption is granted under §26.09 and except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, this part applies to:

(1) Every power-driven vessel of 20 meters or over in length while navigating;

(2) Every vessel of 100 gross tons and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire while navigating;

(3) Every towing vessel of 26 feet or over in length while navigating; and

(4) Every dredge and floating plant engaged in or near a channel or fairway in operations likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels except for an unmanned or intermittently manned floating plant under the control of a dredge.

(b) Every vessel, dredge, or floating plant described in paragraph (a) of this section must have a radiotelephone on board capable of operation from its navigational bridge, or in the case of a dredge, from its main control station, and capable of transmitting and receiving on the frequency or frequencies within the 156-162 Mega-Hertz band using the classes of emissions designated by the Federal Communications Commission for the exchange of navigational information.

(c) The radiotelephone required by paragraph (b) of this section must be carried on board the described vessels, dredges, and floating plants upon the navigable waters of the United States.

(d) The radiotelephone required by paragraph (b) of this section must be capable of transmitting and receiving on VHF FM channel 22A (157.1 MHz).

(e) While transiting any of the following waters, each vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section also must have on board a radiotelephone capable of transmitting and receiving on VHF FM channel 67 (156.375 MHz):

(1) The lower Mississippi River from the territorial sea boundary, and within either the Southwest Pass safety fairway or the South Pass safety fairway specified in 33 CFR 166.200, to mile 242.4 AHP (Above Head of Passes) near Baton Rouge;

(2) The Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet from the territorial sea boundary, and within the Mississippi River-Gulf outlet Safety Fairway specified in 33 CFR 166.200, to that channel's junction with the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal; and

(3) The full length of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from its junction with the Mississippi River to that canal's entry to Lake Pontchartrain at the New Seabrook vehicular bridge.

(f) In addition to the radiotelephone required by paragraph (b) of this section, each vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section while transiting any waters within a Vessel Traffic Service Area, must have on board a radiotelephone capable of transmitting and receiving on the VTS designated frequency in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas).

Note: A single VHF-FM radio capable of scanning or sequential monitoring (often referred to as “dual watch” capability) will not meet the requirements for two radios.

[CGD 91-046, 57 FR 14485, Apr. 21, 1992; 57 FR 21740, May 22, 1992, as amended by CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36322, July 15, 1994; CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28328, May 31, 1995; CGD 92-052, 61 FR 45325, Aug. 29, 1996; CGD-1999-6141, 64 FR 69635, Dec. 14, 1999; USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39364, July 1, 2003]

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§26.04 Use of the designated frequency.

(a) No person may use the frequency designated by the Federal Communications Commission under section 8 of the Act, 33 U.S.C. 1207(a), to transmit any information other than information necessary for the safe navigation of vessels or necessary tests.

(b) Each person who is required to maintain a listening watch under section 5 of the Act shall, when necessary, transmit and confirm, on the designated frequency, the intentions of his vessel and any other information necessary for the safe navigation of vessels.

(c) Nothing in these regulations may be construed as prohibiting the use of the designated frequency to communicate with shore stations to obtain or furnish information necessary for the safe navigation of vessels.

(d) On the navigable waters of the United States, channel 13 (156.65 MHz) is the designated frequency required to be monitored in accordance with §26.05(a) except that in the area prescribed in §26.03(e), channel 67 (156.375 MHz) is the designated frequency.

(e) On those navigable waters of the United States within a VTS area, the designated VTS frequency is an additional designated frequency required to be monitored in accordance with §26.05.

(85 Stat. 164; 33 U.S.C. 1201-1208; 49 CFR 1.46(n)(2))

[CGD 71-114R, 37 FR 12720, June 28, 1982, as amended by CGD 83-036, 48 FR 30107, June 30, 1983; CGD 91-046, 57 FR 14486, Apr. 21, 1992; 57 FR 21741, May 22, 1992; CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36323, July 15, 1994; CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28329, May 31, 1995]

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§26.05 Use of radiotelephone.

Section 5 of the Act states that the radiotelephone required by this Act is for the exclusive use of the master or person in charge of the vessel, or the person designated by the master or person in charge to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, who shall maintain a listening watch on the designated frequency. Nothing herein shall be interpreted as precluding the use of portable radiotelephone equipment to satisfy the requirements of this act.

[CGD 93-072, 59 FR 39963, Aug. 5, 1994]

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§26.06 Maintenance of radiotelephone; failure of radiotelephone.

Section 6 of the Act states:

(a) Whenever radiotelephone capability is required by this Act, a vessel's radiotelephone equipment shall be maintained in effective operating condition. If the radiotelephone equipment carried aboard a vessel ceases to operate, the master shall exercise due diligence to restore it or cause it to be restored to effective operating condition at the earliest practicable time. The failure of a vessel's radiotelephone equipment shall not, in itself, constitute a violation of this Act, nor shall it obligate the master of any vessel to moor or anchor his vessel; however, the loss of radiotelephone capability shall be given consideration in the navigation of the vessel.

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§26.07 Communications.

No person may use the services of, and no person may serve as, a person required to maintain a listening watch under section 5 of the Act, 33 U.S.C. 1204, unless the person can communicate in the English language.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36323, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28329, May 31, 1995]

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§26.08 Exemption procedures.

(a) The Commandant has redelegated to the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, with the reservation that this authority shall not be further redelegated, the authority to grant exemptions from provisions of the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act and this part.

(b) Any person may petition for an exemption from any provision of the Act or this part;

(c) Each petition must be submitted in writing to Commandant (CG-DCO-D), Attn: Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7318, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7318, and must state:

(1) The provisions of the Act or this part from which an exemption is requested; and

(2) The reasons why marine navigation will not be adversely affected if the exemption is granted and if the exemption relates to a local communication system how that system would fully comply with the intent of the concept of the Act but would not conform in detail if the exemption is granted.

[CGD 71-114R, 37 FR 12720, June 28, 1972, as amended by CGD 73-256, 39 FR 9176, Mar. 8, 1974; CGD 88-052, 53 FR 25119, July 1, 1988; CGD 95-057, 60 FR 34150, June 30, 1995; CGD 96-026, 61 FR 33663, June 28, 1996; CGD 97-023, 62 FR 33362, June 19, 1997; USCG-2002-12471, 67 FR 41331, June 18, 2002; USCG-2010-0351, 75 FR 36278, June 25, 2010; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38428, July 7, 2014]

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§26.09 List of exemptions.

(a) All vessels navigating on those waters governed by the navigation rules for Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters (33 U.S.C. 241 et seq.) are exempt from the requirements of the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act and this part until May 6, 1975.

(b) Each vessel navigating on the Great Lakes as defined in the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.) and to which the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act (33 U.S.C. 1201-1208) applies is exempt from the requirements in 33 U.S.C. 1203, 1204, and 1205 and the regulations under §§26.03, 26.04, 26.05, 26.06, and 26.07. Each of these vessels and each person to whom 33 U.S.C. 1208(a) applies must comply with Articles VII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XV, and XVI and Technical Regulations 1-9 of “The Agreement Between the United States of America and Canada for Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio, 1973.”

[CGD 72-223R, 37 FR 28633, Dec. 28, 1972, as amended by CGD 74-291, 39 FR 44980, Dec. 30, 1974; CGD 83-003, 48 FR 7442, Feb. 18, 1983; CGD 91-046, 57 FR 14486, Apr. 21, 1992]

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PART 161—VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

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Contents

Subpart A—Vessel Traffic Services

General Rules

§161.1 Purpose and Intent.
§161.2 Definitions.
§161.3 Applicability.
§161.4 Requirement to carry the rules.
§161.5 Deviations from the rules.
§161.6 Preemption.

Services, VTS Measures, and Operating Requirements

§161.10 Services.
§161.11 VTS measures.
§161.12 Vessel operating requirements.
§161.13 VTS Special Area operating requirements.

Subpart B—Vessel Movement Reporting System

§161.15 Purpose and intent.
§161.16 Applicability.
§161.17 Definitions.
§161.18 Reporting requirements.
§161.19 Sailing Plan (SP).
§161.20 Position Report (PR).
§161.21 Automated reporting.
§161.22 Final Report (FR).
§161.23 Reporting exemptions.

Subpart C—Vessel Traffic Service and Vessel Movement Reporting System Areas and Reporting Points

§161.25 Vessel Traffic Service New York Area.
§161.30 Vessel Traffic Service Louisville.
§161.35 Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston.
§161.40 Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay.
§161.45 Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River.
§161.50 Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco.
§161.55 Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound and the Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service for the Juan de Fuca Region.
§161.60 Vessel Traffic Service Prince William Sound.
§161.65 Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River.
§161.70 Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1223, 1231; 46 U.S.C. 70114, 70119; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

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Subpart A—Vessel Traffic Services

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General Rules

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§161.1 Purpose and Intent.

(a) The purpose of this part is to promulgate regulations implementing and enforcing certain sections of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) setting up a national system of Vessel Traffic Services that will enhance navigation, vessel safety, and marine environmental protection, and promote safe vessel movement by reducing the potential for collisions, rammings, and groundings, and the loss of lives and property associated with these incidents within VTS areas established hereunder.

(b) Vessel Traffic Services provide the mariner with information related to the safe navigation of a waterway. This information, coupled with the mariner's compliance with the provisions set forth in this part, enhances the safe routing of vessels through congested waterways or waterways of particular hazard. Under certain circumstances, a VTS may issue directions to control the movement of vessels in order to minimize the risk of collision between vessels, or damage to property or the environment.

(c) The owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel is operated and maneuvered, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under all circumstances. Compliance with these rules or with a direction of the VTS is at all times contingent upon the exigencies of safe navigation.

(d) Nothing in this part is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any neglect to comply with this part or any other applicable law or regulation (e.g., the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules) or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.

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§161.2 Definitions.

For the purposes of this part:

Cooperative Vessel Traffic Services (CVTS) means the system of vessel traffic management established and jointly operated by the United States and Canada within adjoining waters. In addition, CVTS facilitates traffic movement and anchorages, avoids jurisdictional disputes, and renders assistance in emergencies in adjoining United States and Canadian waters.

Hazardous Vessel Operating Condition means any condition related to a vessel's ability to safely navigate or maneuver, and includes, but is not limited to:

(1) The absence or malfunction of vessel operating equipment, such as propulsion machinery, steering gear, radar system, gyrocompass, depth sounding device, automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA), radiotelephone, Automatic Identification System equipment, navigational lighting, sound signaling devices or similar equipment.

(2) Any condition on board the vessel likely to impair navigation, such as lack of current nautical charts and publications, personnel shortage, or similar condition.

(3) Vessel characteristics that affect or restrict maneuverability, such as cargo or tow arrangement, trim, loaded condition, underkeel or overhead clearance, speed capabilities, power availability, or similar characteristics, which may affect the positive control or safe handling of the vessel or the tow.

Navigable waters means all navigable waters of the United States including the territorial sea of the United States, extending to 12 nautical miles from United States baselines, as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988.

Precautionary Area means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic may be recommended.

Towing Vessel means any commercial vessel engaged in towing another vessel astern, alongside, or by pushing ahead.

Vessel Movement Center (VMC) means the shore-based facility that operates the vessel tracking system for a Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) area or sector within such an area. The VMC does not necessarily have the capability or qualified personnel to interact with marine traffic, nor does it necessarily respond to traffic situations developing in the area, as does a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).

Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) means a mandatory reporting system used to monitor and track vessel movements. This is accomplished by a vessel providing information under established procedures as set forth in this part in the areas defined in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas).

Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) User means a vessel, or an owner, operator, charterer, Master, or person directing the movement of a vessel that is required to participate in a VMRS.

Vessel Traffic Center (VTC) means the shore-based facility that operates the vessel traffic service for the Vessel Traffic Service area or sector within such an area.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) means a service implemented by the United States Coast Guard designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The VTS has the capability to interact with marine traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.

Vessel Traffic Service Area or VTS Area means the geographical area encompassing a specific VTS area of service. This area of service may be subdivided into sectors for the purpose of allocating responsibility to individual Vessel Traffic Centers or to identify different operating requirements.

Note: Although regulatory jurisdiction is limited to the navigable waters of the United States, certain vessels will be encouraged or may be required, as a condition of port entry, to report beyond this area to facilitate traffic management within the VTS area.

VTS Special Area means a waterway within a VTS area in which special operating requirements apply.

VTS User means a vessel or an owner, operator, charterer, Master, or person directing the movement of a vessel within a VTS area that is:

(1) Subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act;

(2) Required to participate in a VMRS; or

(3) Equipped with a required Coast Guard type-approved Automatic Identification System (AIS).

VTS User's Manual means the manual established and distributed by the VTS to provide the mariner with a description of the services offered and rules in force for that VTS. Additionally, the manual may include chartlets showing the area and sector boundaries, general navigational information about the area, and procedures, radio frequencies, reporting provisions and other information which may assist the mariner while in the VTS area.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGE 97-023, 62 FR 33364, June 19, 1997; USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39364, July 1, 2003; USCG-1998-4399, 75 FR 66314, Oct. 28, 2010; USCG-2005-21869, 80 FR 5334, Jan. 30, 2015; 80 FR 17327, Apr. 1, 2015]

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§161.3 Applicability.

The provisions of this subpart shall apply to each VTS User and may also apply to any vessel while underway or at anchor on the navigable waters of the United States within a VTS area, to the extent the VTS considers necessary.

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§161.4 Requirement to carry the rules.

Each VTS User shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of these rules.

Note: These rules are contained in the applicable U.S. Coast Pilot, the VTS User's Manual which may be obtained by contacting the appropriate VTS, and periodically published in the Local Notice to Mariners. The VTS User's Manual and the World VTS Guide, an International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized publication, contain additional information which may assist the prudent mariner while in the appropriate VTS area.

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§161.5 Deviations from the rules.

(a) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part, either for an extended period of time or if anticipated before the start of a transit, must be submitted in writing to the appropriate District Commander. Upon receipt of the written request, the District Commander may authorize a deviation if it is determined that such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances. An application for an authorized deviation must state the need and fully describe the proposed alternative to the required measure.

(b) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part due to circumstances that develop during a transit or immediately preceding a transit may be made to the appropriate Vessel Traffic Center (VTC). Requests to deviate must be made as far in advance as practicable. Upon receipt of the request, the VTC may authorize a deviation if it is determined that, based on vessel handling characteristics, traffic density, radar contacts, environmental conditions and other relevant information, such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2005-21531, 70 FR 36350, June 23, 2005; USCG-2005-21869, 80 FR 5334, Jan. 30, 2015]

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§161.6 Preemption.

The regulations in this part have preemptive impact over State laws or regulations on the same subject matter. The Coast Guard has determined, after considering the factors developed by the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89 (2000), that by enacting Chapter 25 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.), Congress intended that Coast Guard regulations preempt State laws or regulations regarding vessel traffic services in United States ports and waterways.

[USCG-1998-4399, 75 FR 66314, Oct. 28, 2010]

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Services, VTS Measures, and Operating Requirements

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§161.10 Services.

To enhance navigation and vessel safety, and to protect the marine environment, a VTS may issue advisories, or respond to vessel requests for information, on reported conditions within the VTS area, such as:

(a) Hazardous conditions or circumstances;

(b) Vessel congestion;

(c) Traffic density;

(d) Environmental conditions;

(e) Aids to navigation status;

(f) Anticipated vessel encounters;

(g) Another vessel's name, type, position, hazardous vessel operating conditions, if applicable, and intended navigation movements, as reported;

(h) Temporary measures in effect;

(i) A description of local harbor operations and conditions, such as ferry routes, dredging, and so forth;

(j) Anchorage availability; or

(k) Other information or special circumstances.

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§161.11 VTS measures.

(a) A VTS may issue measures or directions to enhance navigation and vessel safety and to protect the marine environment, such as, but not limited to:

(1) Designating temporary reporting points and procedures;

(2) Imposing vessel operating requirements; or

(3) Establishing vessel traffic routing schemes.

(b) During conditions of vessel congestion, restricted visibility, adverse weather, or other hazardous circumstances, a VTS may control, supervise, or otherwise manage traffic, by specifying times of entry, movement, or departure to, from, or within a VTS area.

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§161.12 Vessel operating requirements.

(a) Subject to the exigencies of safe navigation, a VTS User shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by a VTS.

(b) If, in a specific circumstance, a VTS User is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by the VTS, the VTS User may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property or the environment. The deviation shall be reported to the VTS as soon as is practicable.

(c) When not exchanging voice communications, a VTS User must maintain a listening watch as required by §26.04(e) of this chapter on the VTS frequency designated in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas). In addition, the VTS User must respond promptly when hailed and communicate in the English language.

Note to §161.12(c): As stated in 47 CFR 80.148(b), a very high frequency watch on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is not required on vessels subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act and participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system when the watch is maintained on both the vessel bridge-to-bridge frequency and a designated VTS frequency.

Table 161.12(c)—VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas

Center MMSI1 call sign Designated frequency
(channel designation)—
purpose2
Monitoring area34
Berwick Bay—003669950:
Berwick Traffic 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The waters south of 29°45.00′ N., west of 91°10.00′ W., north of 29°37.00′ N., and east of 91°18.00′ W.
Buzzards Bay:
Buzzards Bay Control5 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The waters east and north of a line drawn from the southern tangent of Sakonnet Point, Rhode Island, in approximate position latitude 41°27.20′ N., longitude 71°11.70′ W., to the Buzzards Bay Entrance Light in approximate position latitude 41°23.8′ N., longitude 71°02.00′ W., and then to the southwestern tangent of Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, at approximate position latitude 41°24.60′ N., longitude 70°57.00′ W., and including all of the Cape Cod Canal to its eastern entrance, except that the area of New Bedford Harbor within the confines (north of) the hurricane barrier, and the passages through the Elizabeth Islands, is not considered to be “Buzzards Bay”.
Houston-Galveston—003669954 The navigable waters north of 29°00.00′ N., west of 94°20.00′ W., south of 29°49.00′ N., and east of 95°20.00′ W.
Houston Traffic 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11)
156.250 MHz (Ch. 5A).—For Sailing Plans only
The navigable waters north of a line extending due west from the southernmost end of Exxon Dock #1 (20°43.37′ N., 95°01.27′ W.).
Houston Traffic 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12)
156.250 MHz (Ch. 5A).—For Sailing Plans only
The navigable waters south of a line extending due west from the southernmost end of Exxon Dock #1 (29°43.37′ N., 95°01.27′ W.).
Los Angeles-Long Beach—03660465:
San Pedro Traffic 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) Vessel Movement Reporting System Area: The navigable waters within a 25 nautical mile radius of Point Fermin Light (33°42.30′ N., 118°17.60′ W.).
Louisville—003669732:
Louisville Traffic 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13) The waters of the Ohio River between McAlpine Locks (Mile 606) and Twelve Mile Island (Mile 593), only when the McAlpine upper pool gauge is at approximately 13.0 feet or above.
Lower Mississippi River—0036699952:
New Orleans Traffic 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River below 29°55.30′ N., 89°55.60′ W. (Saxonholm Light) at 86.0 miles Above Head of Passes (AHP), extending down river to Southwest Pass, and, within a 12 nautical mile radius around 28°54.30′ N., 89°25.70′ W. (Southwest Pass Entrance Light) at 20.1 miles Below Head of Passes (BHP).
New Orleans Traffic 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River bounded on the north by a line drawn perpendicular on the river at 29°55.50′ N., 90°12.77′ W. (Upper Twelve Mile Point) at 109.0 miles AHP and on the south by a line drawn perpendicularly at 29°55.30′ N., 89°55.60′ W. (Saxonholm Light) at 86.0 miles AHP.
New Orleans Traffic 156.250 MHz (Ch. 05A) The navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River below 30°38.70′ N., 91°17.50′ W. (Port Hudson Light) at 254.5 miles AHP bounded on the south by a line drawn perpendicular on the river at 29°55.50′ N., 90°12.77′ W. (Upper Twelve Mile Point) at 109.0 miles AHP.
New York—003669951:
New York Traffic 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11)—For Sailing Plans only
156.600 MHz (Ch. 12).—For vessels at anchor
The area consists of the navigable waters of the Lower New York Bay bounded on the east by a line drawn from Norton Point to Breezy Point; on the south by a line connecting the entrance buoys at the Ambrose Channel, Swash Channel, and Sandy Hook Channel to Sandy Hook Point; and on the southeast including the waters of Sandy Hook Bay south to a line drawn at latitude 40°25.00′ N.; then west in the Raritan Bay to the Raritan River Railroad Bridge, then north into waters of the Arthur Kill and Newark Bay to the Lehigh Valley Draw Bridge at latitude 40°41.90′ N.; and then east including the waters of the Kill Van Kull (KVK) and the Upper New York Bay north to a line drawn east-west from the Holland Tunnel ventilator shaft at latitude 40°43.70′ N., longitude 74°01.60′ W., in the Hudson River; and then continuing east including the waters of the East River to the Throgs Neck Bridge, excluding the Harlem River.
New York Traffic 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The navigable waters of the Lower New York Bay west of a line drawn from Norton Point to Breezy Point; and north of a line connecting the entrance buoys of Ambrose Channel, Swash Channel, and Sandy Hook Channel, to Sandy Hook Point; on the southeast including the waters of the Sandy Hook Bay south to a line drawn at latitude 40°25.00′ N.; then west into the waters of Raritan Bay East Reach to a line drawn from Great Kills Light south through Raritan Bay East Reach LGB #14 to Comfort Point, NJ; then north including the waters of the Upper New York Bay south of 40°42.40′ N. (Brooklyn Bridge) and 40°43.70′ N. (Holland Tunnel Ventilator Shaft); west through the KVK into the Arthur Kill north of 40°38.25′ N. (Arthur Kill Railroad Bridge); then north into the waters of the Newark Bay, south of 40°41.95′ N. (Lehigh Valley Draw Bridge).
New York Traffic 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters of the Raritan Bay south to a line drawn at latitude 40°26.00′ N.; then west of a line drawn from Great Kills Light south through the Raritan Bay East Reach LGB #14 to Point Comfort, NJ; then west to the Raritan River Railroad Bridge; and north including the waters of the Arthur Kill to 40°28.25′ N. (Arthur Kill Railroad Bridge); including the waters of the East River north of 40°42.40′ N. (Brooklyn Bridge) to the Throgs Neck Bridge, excluding the Harlem River.
Port Arthur—003669955:
Port Arthur Traffic 156.050 MHz (Ch. 01A) The navigable waters of the Sabine-Neches Canal south of 29°52.70′ N.; Port Arthur Canal; Sabine Pass Channel; Sabine Bank Channel; Sabine Outer Bar Channel; the offshore safety fairway; and the ICW from High Island to its intersection with the Sabine-Neches Canal.
Port Arthur Traffic 156.275 MHz (Ch. 65A) The navigable waters of the Neches River; Sabine River; and Sabine-Neches Waterway north of 29°52.70′ N.; and the ICW from its intersection with the Sabine River to MM 260.
Port Arthur Traffic 156.675 MHz (Ch. 73)6 The navigable waters of the Calcasieu Channel; Calcasieu River Channel; and the ICW from MM 260 to MM 191.
Prince William Sound—003669958:
Valdez Traffic 156.650 MHz (CH. 13) The navigable waters south of 61°05.00′ N., east of 147°20.00′ W., north of 60°00.00′ N., and west of 146°30.00′ W.; and, all navigable waters in Port Valdez.
Puget Sound:7
Seattle Traffic—003669957 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The waters of Puget Sound, Hood Canal and adjacent waters south of a line connecting Nodule Point and Bush Point in Admiralty Inlet and south of a line drawn due east from the southernmost tip of Possession Point on Whidbey Island to the shoreline.
Seattle Traffic—003669957 156.250 MHz (Ch. 5A) The waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca east of 124°40.00′ W. excluding the waters in the central portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca north and east of Race Rocks; the navigable waters of the Strait of Georgia east of 122°52.00′ W.; the San Juan Island Archipelago, Rosario Strait, Bellingham Bay; Admiralty Inlet north of a line connecting Nodule Point and Bush Point and all waters east of Whidbey Island north of a line drawn due east from the southernmost tip of Possession Point on Whidbey Island to the shoreline.
Tofino Traffic—003160012 156.725 MHz (Ch. 74) The waters west of 124°40.00′ W. within 50 nautical miles of the coast of Vancouver Island including the waters north of 48°00.00′ N., and east of 127°00.00′ W.
Victoria Traffic—003160010 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The waters of the Strait of Georgia west of 122°52.00′ W., the navigable waters of the central Strait of Juan de Fuca north and east of Race Rocks, including the Gulf Island Archipelago, Boundary Pass and Haro Strait.
San Francisco—003669956:
San Francisco Traffic 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The navigable waters of the San Francisco Offshore Precautionary Area, the navigable waters shoreward of the San Francisco Offshore Precautionary Area east of 122°42.00′ W. and north of 37°40.00′ N. extending eastward through the Golden Gate, and the navigable waters of San Francisco Bay and as far east as the port of Stockton on the San Joaquin River, as far north as the port of Sacramento on the Sacramento River.
San Francisco Traffic 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters within a 38 nautical mile radius of Mount Tamalpais (37°55.80′ N., 122°34.60′ W.) west of 122°42.00′ W. and south of 37°40.00′ N. and excluding the San Francisco Offshore Precautionary Area.
St. Mary's River—003669953:
Soo Traffic 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The waters of the St. Mary's River and lower Whitefish Bay from 45°57.00′ N. (De Tour Reef Light) to the south, to 46°38.70′ N. (Ile Parisienne Light) to the north, except the waters of the St. Mary's Falls Canal and to the east along a line from La Pointe to Sims Point, within Potagannissing Bay and Worsley Bay.

Notes:

1Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a unique nine-digit number assigned that identifies ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls for use by a digital selective calling (DSC) radio, an INMARSAT ship earth station or AIS. AIS requirements are set forth in §161.21. The requirements set forth in §§161.21 and 164.46 of this subchapter apply in those areas denoted with an MMSI number, except for Louisville and Los Angeles/Long Beach.

2In the event of a communication failure, difficulties or other safety factors, the Center may direct or permit a user to monitor and report on any other designated monitoring frequency or the bridge-to-bridge navigational frequency, 156.650 MHz (Channel 13) or 156.375 MHz (Channel 67), to the extent that doing so provides a level of safety beyond that provided by other means. The bridge-to-bridge navigational frequency, 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13) is used in certain monitoring areas where the level of reporting does not warrant a designated frequency.

3All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

4Some monitoring areas extend beyond navigable waters. Although not required, users are strongly encouraged to maintain a listening watch on the designated monitoring frequency in these areas. Otherwise, they are required to maintain watch as stated in 47 CFR 80.148.

5In addition to the vessels denoted in Section 161.16 of this chapter, requirements set forth in subpart B of 33 CFR part 161 also apply to any vessel transiting VMRS Buzzards Bay required to carry a bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone by part 26 of this chapter.

6Until otherwise directed, full VTS services will not be available in the Calcasieu Channel, Calcasieu River Channel, and the ICW from MM 260 to MM 191. Vessels may contact Port Arthur Traffic on the designated VTS frequency to request advisories, but are not required to monitor the VTS frequency in this sector.

7A Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service was established by the United States and Canada within adjoining waters. The appropriate Center administers the rules issued by both nations; however, enforces only its own set of rules within its jurisdiction. Note, the bridge-to-bridge navigational frequency, 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13), is not so designated in Canadian waters, therefore users are encouraged and permitted to make passing arrangements on the designated monitoring frequencies.

(d) As soon as is practicable, a VTS User shall notify the VTS of any of the following:

(1) A marine casualty as defined in 46 CFR 4.05-1;

(2) Involvement in the ramming of a fixed or floating object;

(3) A pollution incident as defined in §151.15 of this chapter;

(4) A defect or discrepancy in an aid to navigation;

(5) A hazardous condition as defined in §160.202 of this chapter;

(6) Improper operation of vessel equipment required by part 164 of this chapter;

(7) A situation involving hazardous materials for which a report is required by 49 CFR 176.48; and

(8) A hazardous vessel operating condition as defined in §161.2.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994]

Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting §161.12, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov.

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§161.13 VTS Special Area operating requirements.

The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special Area:

(a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser as safety and good seamanship permits.

(b) A VMRS User shall: (1) Not enter or get underway in the area without prior approval of the VTS;

(2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists;

(3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area without prior approval of the VTS; and

(4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.

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Subpart B—Vessel Movement Reporting System

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§161.15 Purpose and intent.

(a) A Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) is a system used to monitor and track vessel movements within a VTS or VMRS area. This is accomplished by requiring that vessels provide information under established procedures as set forth in this part, or as directed by the Center.

(b) To avoid imposing an undue reporting burden or unduly congesting radiotelephone frequencies, reports shall be limited to information which is essential to achieve the objectives of the VMRS. These reports are consolidated into three reports (sailing plan, position, and final).

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003; USCG-2011-0257, 76 FR 31838, June 2, 2011]

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§161.16 Applicability.

Unless otherwise stated, the provisions of this subpart apply to the following vessels and VMRS Users:

(a) Every power-driven vessel of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or more in length, while navigating;

(b) Every towing vessel of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length, while navigating; or

(c) Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, when engaged in trade.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

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§161.17 Definitions.

As used in this subpart:

Center means a Vessel Traffic Center or Vessel Movement Center.

Published means available in a widely-distributed and publicly available medium (e.g., VTS User's Manual, ferry schedule, Notice to Mariners).

[USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

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§161.18 Reporting requirements.

(a) A Center may: (1) Direct a vessel to provide any of the information set forth in Table 161.18(a) (IMO Standard Ship Reporting System);

Table 161.18(a)—The IMO Standard Ship Reporting System

A ALPHA Ship Name, call sign or ship station identity, and flag.
B BRAVO Dates and time of event A 6 digit group giving day of month (first two digits), hours and minutes (last four digits). If other than UTC state time zone used.
C CHARLIE Position A 4 digit group giving latitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with N (north) or S (south) and a 5 digit group giving longitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with E (east) or W (west); or.
D DELTA Position True bearing (first 3 digits) and distance (state distance) in nautical miles from a clearly identified landmark (state landmark).
E ECHO True course A 3 digit group.
F FOXTROT Speed in knots and tenths of knots A 3 digit group.
G GOLF Port of Departure Name of last port of call.
H HOTEL Date, time and point of entry system Entry time expressed as in (B) and into the entry position expressed as in (C) or (D).
I INDIA Destination and expected time of arrival Name of port and date time group expressed as in (B).
J JULIET Pilot State whether a deep sea or local pilot is on board.
K KILO Date, time and point of exit from system Exit time expressed as in (B) and exit position expressed as in (C) or (D).
L LIMA Route information Intended track.
M MIKE Radio State in full names of communications stations/frequencies guarded.
N NOVEMBER Time of next report Date time group expressed as in (B).
O OSCAR Maximum present static draught in meters 4 digit group giving meters and centimeters.
P PAPA Cargo on board Cargo and brief details of any dangerous cargoes as well as harmful substances and gases that could endanger persons or the environment.
Q QUEBEC Defects, damage, deficiencies or limitations Brief detail of defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations.
R ROMEO Description of pollution or dangerous goods lost Brief details of type of pollution (oil, chemicals, etc) or dangerous goods lost overboard; position expressed as in (C) or (D).
S SIERRA Weather conditions Brief details of weather and sea conditions prevailing.
T TANGO Ship's representative and/or owner Details of name and particulars of ship's representative and/or owner for provision of information.
U UNIFORM Ship size and type Details of length, breadth, tonnage, and type, etc., as required.
V VICTOR Medical personnel Doctor, physician's assistant, nurse, no medic.
W WHISKEY Total number of persons on board State number.
X XRAY Miscellaneous Any other information as appropriate. [i.e., a detailed description of a planned operation, which may include: its duration; effective area; any restrictions to navigation; notification procedures for approaching vessels; in addition, for a towing operation: configuration, length of the tow, available horsepower, etc.; for a dredge or floating plant: configuration of pipeline, mooring configuration, number of assist vessels, etc.].

(2) Establish other means of reporting for those vessels unable to report on the designated frequency; or

(3) Require reports from a vessel in sufficient time to allow advance vessel traffic planning.

(b) All reports required by this part shall be made as soon as is practicable on the frequency designated in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas).

(c) When not exchanging communications, a VMRS User must maintain a listening watch as described in §26.04(e) of this chapter on the frequency designated in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas). In addition, the VMRS User must respond promptly when hailed and communicate in the English language.

Note: As stated in 47 CFR 80.148(b), a VHF watch on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is not required on vessels subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act and participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system when the watch is maintained on both the vessel bridge-to-bridge frequency and a designated VTS frequency.

(d) A vessel must report:

(1) Any significant deviation from its Sailing Plan, as defined in §161.19, or from previously reported information; or

(2) Any intention to deviate from a VTS issued measure or vessel traffic routing system.

(e) When reports required by this part include time information, such information shall be given using the local time zone in effect and the 24-hour military clock system.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

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§161.19 Sailing Plan (SP).

Unless otherwise stated, at least 15 minutes before navigating a VTS area, a vessel must report the:

(a) Vessel name and type;

(b) Position;

(c) Destination and ETA;

(d) Intended route;

(e) Time and point of entry; and

(f) Dangerous cargo on board or in its tow, as defined in §160.202 of this chapter.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2011-1024, 78 FR 51671, Aug. 21, 2013; USCG-2005-21869, 80 FR 5334, Jan. 30, 2015]

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§161.20 Position Report (PR).

A vessel must report its name and position:

(a) Upon point of entry into a VMRS area;

(b) At designated reporting points as set forth in subpart C; or

(c) When directed by the Center.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

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§161.21 Automated reporting.

(a) Unless otherwise directed, vessels equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) are required to make continuous, all stations, AIS broadcasts, in lieu of voice Position Reports, to those Centers denoted in Table 161.12(c) of this part.

(b) Should an AIS become non-operational, while or prior to navigating a VMRS area, it should be restored to operating condition as soon as possible, and, until restored a vessel must:

(1) Notify the Center;

(2) Make voice radio Position Reports at designated reporting points as required by §161.20(b) of this part; and

(3) Make any other reports as directed by the Center.

[USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

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§161.22 Final Report (FR).

A vessel must report its name and position:

(a) On arrival at its destination; or

(b) When leaving a VTS area.

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§161.23 Reporting exemptions.

(a) Unless otherwise directed, the following vessels are exempted from providing Position and Final Reports due to the nature of their operation:

(1) Vessels on a published schedule and route;

(2) Vessels operating within an area of a radius of three nautical miles or less; or

(3) Vessels escorting another vessel or assisting another vessel in maneuvering procedures.

(b) A vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section must:

(1) Provide a Sailing Plan at least 5 minutes but not more than 15 minutes before navigating within the VMRS area; and

(2) If it departs from its promulgated schedule by more than 15 minutes or changes its limited operating area, make the established VMRS reports, or report as directed.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 97-023, 62 FR 33364, June 19, 1997; USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39367, July 1, 2003]

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Subpart C—Vessel Traffic Service and Vessel Movement Reporting System Areas and Reporting Points

Note: All geographic coordinates contained in part 161 (latitude and longitude) are expressed in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

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§161.25 Vessel Traffic Service New York Area.

The area consists of the navigable waters of the Lower New York Harbor bounded on the east by a line drawn from Norton Point to Breezy Point; on the south by a line connecting the entrance buoys at the Ambrose Channel, Swash Channel, and Sandy Hook Channel to Sandy Hook Point; and on the southeast including the waters of Sandy Hook Bay south to a line drawn at latitude 40°25′ N.; then west into waters of the Raritan Bay to the Raritan River Rail Road Bridge; and then north including the waters of the Arthur Kill and Newark Bay to the Lehigh Valley Draw Bridge at latitude 40°41.9′ N.; and then east including the waters of the Kill Van Kull and Upper New York Bay north to a line drawn east-west from the Holland Tunnel Ventilator Shaft at latitude 40°43.7′ N., longitude 74°01.6′ W. in the Hudson River; and then continuing east including the waters of the East River to the Throgs Neck Bridge, excluding the Harlem River.

Note: Although mandatory participation in VTSNY is limited to the area within the navigable waters of the United States, VTSNY will provide services beyond those waters. Prospective users are encouraged to report beyond the area of required participation in order to facilitate advance vessel traffic management in the VTS area and to receive VTSNY advisories and/or assistance.

[CGD 92-052, 61 FR 45327, Aug. 29, 1996]

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§161.30 Vessel Traffic Service Louisville.

The VTS area consists of the navigable waters of the Ohio River between McAlpine Locks (Mile 606.8) and Twelve Mile Island (Mile 593), only when the McAlpine upper pool gauge is at 13.0 feet or above.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-1998-3799, 63 FR 35531, June 30, 1998]

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§161.35 Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston.

(a) The VTS area consists of the following major waterways and portions of connecting waterways: Galveston Bay Entrance Channel; Outer Bar Channel; Inner Bar Channel; Bolivar Roads Channel; Galveston Channel; Gulf ICW and Galveston-Freeport Cut-Off from Mile 346 to Mile 352; Texas City Channel; Texas City Turning Basin; Texas City Canal Channel; Texas City Canal Turning Basin; Houston Ship Channel; Bayport Channel; Bayport Turning Basin; Houston Turning Basin; and the following precautionary areas associated with these waterways.

(b) Precautionary areas.

Table 161.35(b)—VTS Houston/Galveston Precautionary Areas

Precautionary area name Radius (yds.) Center point
Latitude Longitude
Bolivar Roads 4000 29°20.9′ N 94°47.0′ W
Red Fish Bar 4000 29°29.8′ N 94°51.9′ W
Bayport Channel 4000 29°36.7′ N 94°57.2′ W
Morgans Point 2000 29°41.0′ N 94°59.0′ W
Upper San Jacinto Bay 1000 29°42.3′ N 95°01.1′ W
Baytown 1000 29°43.6′ N 95°01.4′ W
Lynchburg 1000 29°45.8′ N 95°04.8′ W
Carpenters Bayou 1000 29°45.3′ N 95°05.6′ W
Jacintoport 1000 29°44.8′ N 95°06.0′ W
Greens Bayou 1000 29°44.8′ N 95°10.2′ W
Hunting Bayou 1000 29°44.3′ N 95°12.1′ W
Sims Bayou 1000 29°43.2′ N 95°14.4′ W
Brady Island 1000 29°43.5′ N 95°16.4′ W
Buffalo Bayou 1000 29°45.0′ N 95°17.3′ W

Note: Each Precautionary Area encompasses a circular area of the radius denoted.

(c) Reporting points.

Table 161.35(c)—VTS Houston/Galveston Reporting Points

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/ longitude Notes
1 Galveston Bay Entrance Channel Galveston Bay Entrance CH Lighted Buoy (LB) “1C” 29°18.2′ N; 94°37.6′ W
2 Galveston Bay Entrance Channel Galveston Bay Entrance Channel LB 11 and 12 29°20.6′ N; 94°44.6′ W
E Bolivar Land Cut Mile 349 Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) 29°22.5′ N; 94°46.9′ W Tows entering HSC also report at HSC LB 25 & 26.
W Pelican Cut Mile 351 ICW 29°21.4′ N; 94°48.5′ W Tows entering HSC also report at HSC LB 25 & 26.
G Galveston Harbor Galveston Channel Lt. 2 29°20.2′ N; 94°46.6′ W Coast Guard Base.
T Texas City Channel Texas City Channel Lt. 12 29°22.4′ N; 94°50.9′ W
X Houston Ship Channel ICW Intersection Houston Ship Channel (HSC) LB 25 and 26 29°22.2′ N; 94°48.1′ W Tow entering HSC from ICW or Texas Cut Only.
3 Lower Galveston Bay HSC Lt. 31 and LB 32 29°23.8′ N; 94°48.9′ W
4 Red Fish Bar HSC Lt. 53 & 54 29°30.3′ N; 94°52.4′ W
P Bayport Ship Channel Bayport Ship Channel Lt. 8 and 9 29°36.8′ N; 94°59.5′ W Bayport Land Cut.
4A Upper Galveston Bay HSC Lt. 69 and 70 29°34.7′ N; 94°55.8′ W Tows only.
5 Morgan's Point HSC Lt. 91 29°41.0′ N; 94°59.0′ W
6 Exxon HSC Lt. 109A 29°43.5′ N; 95°01.4′ W
7 Lynchburg Ferry crossing 29°45.8′ N; 95°04.8′ W
8 Shell Oil Boggy Bayou 29°44.1′ N; 95°08.0′ W
9 Greens Bayou HSC Lt. 152 29°44.8′ N; 95°10.1′ W
10 Hunting Bayou Hunting Bayou Turning Basin. 29°44.4′ N; 95°12.1′ W
11 Lyondell Sims Bayou Turning Basin. 29°43.2′ N; 95°14.4′ W
12 I-610 Bridge I-610 Bridge 29°43.5′ N; 95°16.0′ W
13 Buffalo Bayou Houston Turning Basin 29°45.0′ N; 95° 17.4′ W

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28331, May 31, 1995; USCG-2000-7223, 65 FR 40058, June 29, 2000; USCG-2007-27887, 72 FR 45904, Aug. 16, 2007]

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§161.40 Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay.

(a) The VTS area consists of the navigable waters of the following segments of waterways: the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Morgan City to Port Allen Alternate Route from Mile Marker 0 to Mile Marker 5; the ICW from Mile Marker 93 west of Harvey Lock (WHL) to Mile Marker 102 WHL; the Atchafalaya River Route from Mile Marker 113 to Mile Marker 122; from Bayou Shaffer Junction (ICW Mile Marker 94.5 WHL) south one statute mile along Bayou Shaffer; and from Berwick Lock northwest one statute mile along the Lower Atchafalaya River.

(b) VTS Special Area. The Berwick Bay VTS Special Area consists of those waters within a 1000 yard radius of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Bridge located at Mile .03 MC/PA.

(c) Reporting Points.

Table 161.40(c)—VTS Berwick Bay Reporting Points

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/longitude Notes
1 Stouts Pass Stouts Point Light “1” Mile 113-Atchafalaya River 29°43′47″ N
91°13′25″ W
2 Berwick Lock Mile 1.9 MC/PA 29°43′10″ N
91°13′28″ W
If transiting the Lock.
3 Conrad's Point Junction Buoy “1” Mile 1.5 MC/PA 29°42′32″ N
91°13′14″ W
4 Swift Ships Flat Lake Junction Mile 3 MC/PA 29°43′26″ N
91°12′22″ W
5 Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Bridge Mile 0.3 MC/PA 29°41′34″ N
91°12′44″ W
6 20 Grant Point Junction Bayou Boeuf-Atchafalaya R. Mile 95.5 ICW 29°41′18″ N
91°12′36″ W
7 ICW Overhead Power Cable Mile 96.5 ICW 29°40′43″ N
91°13′18″ W
8 Wax Bayou Junction Light “A” Mile 98.2W ICW 29°39′29″ N
91°14′46″ W
9 Shaffer Junction ICW-Bayou Shaffer Mile 94.5 ICW 29°41′10″ N
91°11′38″ W

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28332, May 31, 1995; USCG-1998-3799, 63 FR 35531, June 30, 1998; USCG-2009-0416, 74 FR 27441, June 10, 2009]

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§161.45 Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River.

(a) The VTS area consists of the navigable waters of the St. Marys River and lower Whitefish Bay from 45°57′ N. (De Tour Reef Light) to the south, to 46°38.7′ N. (Ile Parisienne Light) to the north, except the waters of the St. Marys Falls Canal, and to the east along a line from La Pointe to Sims Point, within Potagannissing Bay and Worsley Bay.

(b) Reporting Points.

Table 161.45(b)—VTS St. Marys River Reporting Points

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/longitude Notes
1 Ile Parisienne Ile Parisienne Light 46°37.3′ N; 84°45.9′ W Downbound Only.
2 Gros Cap Reef Gros Cap Reefs Light 46°30.6′ N; 84°37.1′ W Upbound Only.
3 Round Island Round Island Light 32 46°26.9′ N; 84°31.7′W.
4 Pointe Louise Pointe Louise Light 46°27.8′ N; 84°28.2′W.
5* West End of Locks West Center Pierhead Light 46°30.2′ N; 84°22.2′ W Upbound Only.
6 East End of Locks East Center Pierhead Light 46°30.1′ N; 84°20.3′ W Downbound Only.
7 Mission Point Light 99 46°29.2′ N; 84°18.1′W.
8 Six Mile Point Six Mile Point 46°26.1′ N; 84°15.4′W.
9 Ninemile Point Light 80 46°23.5′ N; 84°14.1′W.
10 West Neebish Channel Light 29 46°16.9′ N; 84°12.5′ W Downbound Only.
11 Munuscong Lake Junction Lighted Junction Buoy 46°10.8′ N; 84°05.6′W.
12 De Tour Reef De Tour Reef Light 46°56.9′ N; 83°53.7′ W.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28332, May 31, 1995; USCG-1998-3799, 63 FR 35531, June 30, 1998]

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§161.50 Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco.

The VTS area consists of all the navigable waters of San Francisco Bay Region south of the Mare Island Causeway Bridge and the Petaluma River Entrance Channel Daybeacon 19 and Petaluma River Entrace Channel Light 20 and north of the Dumbarton Bridge; its seaward approaches within a 38 nautical mile radius of Mount Tamalpais (37-55.8′ N., 122-34.6′ W.); and its navigable tributaries as far east as the port of Stockton on the San Joaquin River, as far north as the port of Sacramento on the Sacramento River.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28332, May 31, 1995]

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§161.55 Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound and the Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service for the Juan de Fuca Region.

The Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound area consists of the navigable waters of the United States bounded by a line drawn from the Washington State coastline at 48°23′08″ N., 124°43′37″ W. on Cape Flattery to the Cape Flattery Light at 48°23′30″ N., 124°44′12″ W. on Tatoosh Island, due west to the U.S. Territorial Sea Boundary; thence northward along the U.S. Territorial Sea Boundary to its intersection with the U.S./Canada International Boundary; thence east along the U.S./Canada International Boundary through the waters known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and the Strait of Georgia to the Washington State coastline at 49°00′06″ N., 122°45′18″ W. (International Boundary Range C Rear Light). This area includes: Puget Sound, Hood Canal, Possession Sound, the San Juan Island Archipelago, Rosario Strait, Guemes Channel, Bellingham Bay, the U.S. waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia, and all waters adjacent to the above.

(a) Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound participates in a U.S./Canadian Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service (CVTS) to jointly manage vessel traffic in the Juan de Fuca Region. The CVTS for the Juan de Fuca Region consists of all waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its offshore approaches, southern Georgia Strait, the Gulf and San Juan Archipelagos, Rosario Strait, Boundary Pass and Haro Strait, bounded on the northwest by 48°35′45″ N.; and on the southwest by 48°23′30″ N.; and on the west by the rhumb line joining 48°35′45″ N., 124°47′30″ W. with 48°23′30″ N., 124°48′37″ W.; and on the northeast in the Strait of Georgia, by a line drawn along 49° N. from Vancouver Island to Semiahmoo Bay; and on the southeast, by a line drawn from McCurdy Point on the Quimper Peninsula to Point Partridge on Whidbey Island. Canadian and United States Vessel Traffic Centers (Tofino, B.C., Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada and Seattle, WA) manage traffic within the CVTS area irrespective of the International Boundary.

(b) VTS Special Area: The Eastern San Juan Island Archipelago VTS Special Area consists of all waters of the eastern San Juan Island Archipelago including: Rosario Strait bounded to the south by latitude 48°26.40′ N. (the center of the Precautionary Area “RB”) extending from Lopez Island to Fidalgo Island, and to the north by latitude 48°40.57′ N. (the center of the Precautionary Area “C”) extending from Orcas Island to Lummi Island; Guemes Channel; Bellingham Channel; Padilla Bay and southern Bellingham Bay (Samish Bay) south of latitude 48°38.42′N.

Note: The center of precautionary area “RB” is not marked by a buoy. All precautionary areas are depicted on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) nautical charts.

(c) Additional VTS Special Area Operating Requirements. The following additional requirements are applicable in the Eastern San Juan Island Archipelago VTS Special Area:

(1) A vessel engaged in towing shall not impede the passage of a vessel of 40,000 dead weight tons or more.

(2) A vessel of less than 40,000 dead weight tons is exempt from the provision set forth in §161.13(b)(1) of this part.

(3) A vessel of 100 meters or more in length is exempt from the provisions set forth in §161.13(b)(3) of this part.

(4) Approval will not be granted for:

(i) A vessel of 100 meters or more in length to meet or overtake a vessel of 40,000 dead weight tons or more;

(ii) A vessel of 40,000 dead weight tons or more to meet or overtake a vessel of 100 meters or more in length;

(iii) A vessel of 100 meters or more in length to cross or operate within 2,000 yards (except when crossing astern) of a vessel of 40,000 deadweight tons or more; or

(iv) A vessel of 40,000 dead weight tons or more to cross or operate within 2,000 yards (except when crossing astern) of a vessel of 100 meters or more in length.

(d) Reporting Point. Inbound vessels in the Strait of Juan de Fuca upon crossing 124-W.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG-1998-3799, 63 FR 35531, June 30, 1998; USCG-2011-1024, 78 FR 51671, Aug. 21, 2013; USCG-2014-0410, 79 FR 38442, July 7, 2014]

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§161.60 Vessel Traffic Service Prince William Sound.

(a) The VTS area consists of the navigable waters of the United States north of a line drawn from Cape Hinchinbrook Light to Schooner Rock Light, comprising that portion of Prince William Sound between 146°30′ W. and 147°20′ W. and includes Valdez Arm, Valdez Narrows and Port Valdez.

(b) The Valdez Arm VTS Special Area consists of the waters of the Valdez Arm Traffic Separation Scheme (described in §167.1703 of this chapter); the waters northeast of a line drawn from shoreline to shoreline through the points 60°58.04′ N, 146°46.52′ W and 60°58.93′ N, 146°48.86′ W; and southwest of a line bearing 307° True from Tongue Point at 61°02.10′ N, 146°40.00′ W.

(c) The Valdez Narrows VTS Special Area consists of those waters of Valdez Arm, Valdez Narrows, and Port Valdez northeast of a line bearing 307° True from Tongue Point at 61°02′06″ 146°40′ W.; and southwest of a line bearing 307° True from Entrance Island Light at 61°05′06″ N., 146°36′42″ W.

(d) Additional VTS Special Area Operating Requirements. The following additional requirements are applicable in the Valdez Narrows VTS Special Area:

(1) No VMRS User shall proceed north of 61° N. without prior approval of the VTS.

(2) For a vessel listed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section—

(i) Approval to enter this area will not be granted to a vessel when a tank vessel of more than 20,000 deadweight tons is navigating therein;

(ii) A northbound vessel shall remain south of 61° N. until the VTS has granted permission to proceed; and

(iii) A southbound vessel shall remain in Port Valdez east of 146°35′ W. and north of 61°06′ N. until the VTS has granted permission to proceed.

(3) Paragraph (c)(2) of this section applies to—

(i) A vessel of 1600 gross tons or more; and

(ii) A towing vessel of 8 meters or more in length, except for a vessel performing duties as an escort vessel as defined in 33 CFR Part 168.

(e) Reporting Points.

Table 161.60(d)—VTS Prince William Sound Reporting Points

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/longitude Notes
1A Cape Hinchinbrook Cape Hinchinbrook 60°16′18″ N; 146°45′30″ W Northbound Only.
1B Schooner Rock Schooner Rock 60°18′42″ N; 146°51′36″ W Southbound Only.
2A Naked Island Naked Island 60°40′00″ N; 147°01′24″ W Northbound Only.
2B Naked Island Naked Island 60°40′00″ N; 147°05′00″ W Southbound Only.
3A Bligh Reef Bligh Reef Light (Pilot Embark) 60°50′36″ N; 146°57′30″ W Northbound Only.
3B Bligh Reef Bligh Reef Light (Pilot Disembark) 60°51′00″ N; 147°01′24″ W Southbound Only.
4A Rocky Point Rocky Point 60°57′48″ N; 146°47′30″ W Northbound Only.
4B Rocky Point Rocky Point 60°57′48″ N; 146°50′00″ W Southbound Only.
5 Entrance Island Entrance Island Light 61°05′24″ N; 146°37′30″ W.

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95-033, 60 FR 28332, May 31, 1995; USCG-1998-3799, 63 FR 35532, June 30, 1998; USCG-2001-10254, 67 FR 53742, Aug. 19, 2002]

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§161.65 Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River.

(a) The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) area consists of navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) below 30°38.7′ N 91°17.5′ W (Port Hudson Light at 254.5 miles Above Head of Passes (AHP)), the Southwest Pass, and those within a 12-nautical mile radius around 28°54.3′ N 89°25.7′ W (Southwest Pass Entrance Light at 20.1 miles Below Head of Passes).

(b) The Algiers Point VTS Special Area consists of the navigable waters of the LMR bounded on the north by a line drawn from 29°57.62′ N 90°02.61′ W to 29°57.34′ N 90°02.60′ W and on the south by a line drawn from 29°56.89′ N 90°03.72′ W to 29°56.93′ N 90°03.34′ W (95.0 and 93.5 miles AHP) during periods of high water—that is, when the Carrolton Gage reads 8.0 feet or above on a rising stage or 9.0 feet or above on a falling stage, or under any other water conditions the Captain of the Port (COTP) deems necessary.

(c) Additional Algiers Point VTS Special Area Operating Requirements. The following additional requirements are applicable in the Algiers Point VTS Special Area:

(1) A vessel movement reporting system (VMRS) user must abide by the signals of the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf, 29°57.6′ N 90°03.4′ W, and Gretna, 29°55.5′ N 90°03.7′ W, Control Lights (94.3 and 96.6 miles AHP, respectively) in the following manner:

(i) Green Light—May proceed as intended.

(ii) Red Light—Do not proceed, unless otherwise directed by the VTS.

(iii) No Light—Do not proceed, immediately notify VTS and await further directions.

Note to §161.65(c)(1): To provide advance notification to downbound vessels, a traffic repeater signal of Gretna Light is located at Westwego, LA, 29°54.8′ N; 90°08.3′ W (101.4 miles AHP).

(2) A vessel awaiting a signal change or VTS directions must keep clear of other vessels transiting the area.

(d) The Eighty-one Mile Point VTS Special Area consists of navigable waters of the LMR between 167.5 miles AHP and 187.9 miles AHP.

(e) Additional Eighty-one Mile Point VTS Special Area Operating Requirements. The following additional requirements are applicable in the Eighty-one Mile Point VTS Special Area:

(1) Prior to proceeding upriver past 167.5 miles AHP, Sunshine Bridge, vessels must contact VTS New Orleans on VHF Channel 5A to check-in. Vessels must provide name and destination, confirm proper operation of their automated identification system (AIS) if required under 33 CFR 164.46, and, if applicable, size of tow and number of loaded and empty barges. At 173.7 miles AHP, Bringier Point Light, ascending vessels must contact VTS New Orleans and provide a follow-on position check. At both check-in and follow-on position check, VTS New Orleans will advise the vessel on traffic approaching Eighty-one Mile Point.

(2) Prior to proceeding downriver past 187.9 miles AHP COS-MAR Lights, vessels must contact VTS New Orleans on VHF Channel 5A to check-in. Vessels must provide name and destination, confirm proper operation of their AIS if required under 33 CFR 164.46, and, if applicable, size of tow and number of loaded and empty barges. At 183.9 miles AHP, Wyandotte Chemical Dock Lights, descending vessels must contact VTS New Orleans and provide a follow-on position check. At both check-in and follow-on position check, VTS New Orleans will advise the vessel on traffic approaching Eighty-one Mile Point.

(3) All vessels getting underway between miles 167.5 and 187.9 AHP must check-in with VTS New Orleans on VHF Channel 5A immediately prior to getting underway and must comply with the respective ascending and descending check-in and follow-on points listed in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section.

(4) Fleet vessels must checkin with VTS New Orleans if they leave their respective fleet or if they move into the main channel. Fleet vessels are not required to checkin if they are operating exclusively within their fleet.

(f) Reporting Points. Table 161.65(f) lists the VTS Lower Mississippi River Reporting Points.

Table 161.65(f)—VTS Lower Mississippi River Reporting Points

Designator Geographic name Geographic
description
Latitude/longitude/mile marker Notes
A Algiers Canal Forebay 88.0 AHP 29°55.40′ N; 89°57.7′ W Upbound transiting Algiers Point Special Area.
B Industrial Canal 92.7 AHP 29°57.2′ N; 90°01.68′ W Upbound transiting Algiers Point Special Area.
C Crescent Towing Smith Fleet 93.5 AHP 29°57.50′ N; 90°02.62′ W Upbound Towing vessels transiting Algiers Point Special Area.
D Marlex Terminal (Naval Ships) 99.0 AHP 29°54.65′ N; 90°05.87′ W Downbound transiting Algiers Point Special Area.
E Huey P Long Bridge 106.1 AHP 29°56.6′ N; 90°10.1′ W Downbound transiting Algiers Point Special Area.

[USCG-1998-4399, 75 FR 66314, Oct. 28, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 31230, May 31, 2011]

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§161.70 Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur.

(a) The VTS area consists of the navigable waters of the United States to the limits of the territorial seas bound by the following points: 30°10.00′ N., 92°37.00′ W.; then south to 29°10.00′ N., 92°37.00′ W.; then west to 29°10.00′ N., 93°52.25′ W.; then northwest to 29°33.70′ N., 94°21.25′ W.; then north to 30°10.00′ N., 94°21.25′ W.; then east along the 30°10′ N. latitude to the origination point.

Note: Although mandatory participation in VTS Port Arthur is limited to the area within the navigable waters of the United States, prospective users are encouraged to report at the safe water marks in order to facilitate vessel traffic management in the VTS Area and to receive advisories or navigational assistance.

(b) Precautionary areas.

Table 161.70(b)—VTS Port Arthur Precautionary Areas

Precautionary area name Radius Center point
latitude
Center point
longitude
Petco Bend(1) 2000 yds 30°00.80′ N. 93°57.60′ W.
Black Bayou(1) 2000 yds 30°00.00′ N. 93°46.20′ W.
Orange Cut(1) 2000 yds 30°03.25′ N. 93°43.20′ W.
Neches River Intersection(1) 2000 yds 29°58.10′ N. 93°51.25′ W.
Texaco Island Intersection(1) 2000 yds 29°49.40′ N. 94°57.55′ W.
Sabine-Neches Waterway N/A All waters of the Sabine-Neches Waterway between the Texaco Island Precautionary Area and the Humble Island Precautionary Area.

1 Precautionary Area encompasses a circular area of the radius denoted around the center point with the exception of the Sabine-Neches Waterway.

(c) Reporting points (Inbound).

Table 161.70(c)—Inbound

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/
longitude
Notes
1 Sabine Bank Channel “SB” Buoy Sabine Bank Sea Buoy 29°25.00′ N.
93°40.00′ W.
Sailing Plan Report
2 Sabine Pass Buoys “29/30” Sabine Pass Buoys “29/30” 29°35.90′ N.
93°48.20′ W.
3 Port Arthur Canal Light “43” Keith Lake 29°46.50′ N.
93°56.47′ W.
4 North Forty GIWW Mile 279 North Forty 29°56.40′ N.
93°52.10′ W.
5 FINA Highline Neches River Light “19” FINA Highline 29°59.10′ N.
93°54.30′ W.
6 Ready Reserve Fleet Highline Channel at Cove Mid-Point 30°00.80′ N.
93°59.90′ W.
7 Sabine River MM 268 268 Highline 30°02.20′ N.
93°44.30′ W.

(d) Reporting points (Outbound).

Table 161.70(d)—Outbound

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/
longitude
Notes
1 Sabine River Light “2” Black Bayou 30°00.00′ N.
93°46.25′ W.
2 Ready Reserve Fleet Highline Channel at Cove Mid-Point 30°00.80′ N.
93°59.90′ W.
3 FINA Highline Neches River Light “19” FINA Highline 29°59.09′ N.
93°54.30′ W.
4 GIWW Mile 285 The School House 29°52.70′ N.
93°55.55′ W.
Sector Shift
5 Port Arthur Canal Light “43” Keith Lake 29°46.50′ N.
93°56.47′ W.
6 Sabine Pass Buoys “29/30” Sabine Pass Buoys “29/30” 29°35.90′ N.
93°48.20′ W.
7 Sabine Bank Channel “SB” Buoy Sabine Bank Sea Buoy 29°25.00′ N.
93°40.00′ W.
Final Report

(e) Reporting points (Eastbound).

Table 161.70(e)—Eastbound (ICW)

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/
longitude
Notes
1 GIWW Mile 295 ICW MM 295 29°47.25′ N.
94°01.10′ W.
Sailing Plan Report.
2 North Forty GIWW Mile 279 North Forty 29°56.40′ N.
93°52.10′ W.
3 Sabine River MM 268 268 Highline 30°02.20′ N.
93°44.30′ W.
4 GIWW Mile 260 260 Highline 30°03.50′ N.
93°37.50′ W.
Final Report.

(f) Reporting points (Westbound).

Table 161.70(f)—Westbound (ICW)

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/
longitude
Notes
1 GIWW Mile 260 260 Highline 30°03.50′ N.
93°37.50′ W.
Sailing Plan Report.
2 Sabine River Light “2” Black Bayou 30°00.03′ N.
93°46.18′ W.
3 GIWW Mile 285 The School House 29°52.71′ N.
93°55.55′ W.
Sector Shift.
4 GIWW Mile 295 ICW MM 295 29°46.20′ N.
94°02.60′ W.
Final Report.

(g) Reporting points (Offshore Safety Fairway).

Table 161.70(g)—Offshore Safety Fairway

Designator Geographic name Geographic description Latitude/
longitude
Notes
1 Sabine Pass Safety Fairway—East East Dogleg 29°35.00′ N.
93°28.00′ W.
2 Sabine Pass Safety Fairway—West West Dogleg 29°28.00′ N.
93°58.00′ W.

[78 FR 51671, Aug. 21, 2013]

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33 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2010 Edition
Title 33 - NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
CHAPTER 30 - INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA
Sec. 1608 - Civil penalties
From the U.S. Government Printing Office,

§1608. Civil penalties

(a) Liability of vessel operator for violations

Whoever operates a vessel, subject to the provisions of this chapter, in violation of this chapter or of any regulation promulgated pursuant to section 1607 of this title, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each such violation.

(b) Liability of vessel for violations; seizure of vessel

Every vessel subject to the provisions of this chapter, other than a public vessel being used for noncommercial purposes, which is operated in violation of this chapter or of any regulation promulgated pursuant to section 1607 of this title, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each such violation, for which penalty the vessel may be seized and proceeded against in the district court of the United States of any district within which such vessel may be found.

(c) Assessment of penalties; notice; opportunity for hearing; remission, mitigation, and compromise of penalty; action for collection

The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may assess any civil penalty authorized by this section. No such penalty may be assessed until the person charged, or the owner of the vessel charged, as appropriate, shall have been given notice of the violation involved and an opportunity for a hearing. For good cause shown, the Secretary may remit, mitigate, or compromise any penalty assessed. Upon the failure of the person charged, or the owner of the vessel charged, to pay an assessed penalty, as it may have been mitigated or compromised, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to commence an action in the appropriate district court of the United States for collection of the penalty as assessed, without regard to the amount involved, together with such other relief as may be appropriate.

(Pub. L. 95–75, §9, July 27, 1977, 91 Stat. 310; Pub. L. 96–591, §6(3), (4), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3435.)

Amendments

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–591, §6(3), substituted “$5,000” for “$500”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–591, §6(4), substituted “not more than $5,000” for “$500”.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

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33 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2010 Edition
Title 33 - NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
CHAPTER 34 - INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES
SUBCHAPTER II - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 2072 - Violations of Inland Navigational Rules
From the U.S. Government Printing Office,

§2072. Violations of Inland Navigational Rules

(a) Liability of operator for civil penalty

Whoever operates a vessel in violation of this chapter, or of any regulation issued thereunder, or in violation of a certificate of alternative compliance issued under Rule 1 is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation.

(b) Liability of vessel for civil penalty; seizure of vessel

Every vessel subject to this chapter, other than a public vessel being used for noncommercial purposes, that is operated in violation of this chapter, or of any regulation issued thereunder, or in violation of a certificate of alternative compliance issued under Rule 1 is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation, for which penalty the vessel may be seized and proceeded against in the district court of the United States of any district within which the vessel may be found.

(c) Assessment of civil penalty by Secretary; collection

The Secretary may assess any civil penalty authorized by this section. No such penalty may be assessed until the person charged, or the owner of the vessel charged, as appropriate, shall have been given notice of the violation involved and an opportunity for a hearing. For good cause shown, the Secretary may remit, mitigate, or compromise any penalty assessed. Upon the failure of the person charged, or the owner of the vessel charged, to pay an assessed penalty, as it may have been mitigated or compromised, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to commence an action in the appropriate district court of the United States for collection of the penalty as assessed, without regard to the amount involved, together with such other relief as may be appropriate.

(d) Withholding of clearance

(1) If any owner, operator, or individual in charge of a vessel is liable for a penalty under this section, or if reasonable cause exists to believe that the owner, operator, or individual in charge may be subject to a penalty under this section, the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Secretary, shall with respect to such vessel refuse or revoke any clearance required by section 60105 of title 46.

(2) Clearance or a permit refused or revoked under this subsection may be granted upon filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 96–591, §4, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3433; Pub. L. 104–324, title III, §312(c), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3920.)

References in Text

Rule 1, referred to in pars. (a) and (b), was classified to section 2001 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–293, title III, §303(a), (c), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1042, effective May 17, 2010.

Codification

In subsec. (d)(1), “section 60105 of title 46” substituted for “section 4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (46 App. U.S.C. 91)” on authority of Pub. L. 109–304, §18(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1709, which Act enacted section 60105 of Title 46, Shipping.

Amendments

1996—Par. (d). Pub. L. 104–324 inserted heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Secretary of the Treasury shall withhold or revoke, at the request of the Secretary, the clearance, required by section 91 of title 46, Appendix, of any vessel, the owner or operator of which is subject to any of the penalties in this section. Clearance may be granted in such cases upon the filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary.”

Effective Date

Section effective 12 months after Dec. 24, 1981, see section 7 of Pub. L. 96–591, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 1604 of this title.

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46 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2011 Edition
Title 46 - SHIPPING
Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen
Part A - General Provisions
CHAPTER 23 - OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY
From the U.S. Government Printing Office,

CHAPTER 23—OPERATION OF VESSELS GENERALLY

Sec.
2301.
Application.
2302.
Penalties for negligent operations and interfering with safe operation.
2303.
Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information.
2303a.
Post serious marine casualty alcohol testing.
2304.
Duty to provide assistance at sea.
2305.
Injunctions.
2306.
Vessel reporting requirements.
2307.
Limitation of liability for Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service pilots.

  

Historical and Revision Notes

Chapter 23 lists requirements that relate to the general operation of all vessels. These include penalties and injunctive relief for negligent operation of a vessel. It also provides penalties for failure to render assistance.

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §431(b), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2128, added item 2307.

1998—Pub. L. 105–383, title III, §§302(b), 304(d)(2), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3418, 3420, added item 2302, struck out former item 2302 “Penalties for negligent operations”, and added item 2303a.

1984—Pub. L. 98–498, title II, §212(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2305, added item 2306.

§2301. Application

Except as provided in sections 2304 and 2306 of this title, this chapter applies to a vessel operated on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States (including the territorial sea of the United States as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988) and, for a vessel owned in the United States, on the high seas.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 508; Pub. L. 98–498, title II, §212(a)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2305; Pub. L. 105–383, title III, §301(b)(2), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3417; Pub. L. 109–304, §15(7), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1702.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section Source section (U.S. Code)
2301 46:480

Section 2301 provides that this chapter is applicable to all vessels, including foreign flag vessels, when operating on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Any vessel owned in the United States while operating on the high seas would be included. By ownership the Committee means those vessels that are documented or numbered under United States laws and those other vessels that are neither documented or numbered but are of national origin and are not documented under the laws of a foreign nation. This chapter is applicable to a foreign flag vessel that is in innocent passage through territorial waters of the United States, presently 3 miles seaward, whether or not it is bound to or from a port subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

References in Text

Presidential Proclamation No. 5928, referred to in text, is set out under section 1331 of Title 43, Public Lands.

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “sections 2304 and” for “section”.

1998—Pub. L. 105–383 inserted “(including the territorial sea of the United States as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988)” after “of the United States”.

1984—Pub. L. 98–498 substituted “Except as provided in section 2306 of this title, this chapter” for “This chapter”.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–498 effective 180 days after Oct. 19, 1984, see section 214 of Pub. L. 98–498, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2306 of this title.

§2302. Penalties for negligent operations and interfering with safe operation

(a) A person operating a vessel in a negligent manner or interfering with the safe operation of a vessel, so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of a person is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 in the case of a recreational vessel, or $25,000 in the case of any other vessel.

(b) A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor.

(c) An individual who is under the influence of alcohol, or a dangerous drug in violation of a law of the United States when operating a vessel, as determined under standards prescribed by the Secretary by regulation—

(1) is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000; or

(2) commits a class A misdemeanor.


(d) For a penalty imposed under this section, the vessel also is liable in rem unless the vessel is—

(1) owned by a State or a political subdivision of a State;

(2) operated principally for governmental purposes; and

(3) identified clearly as a vessel of that State or subdivision.


(e)(1) A vessel may not transport Government-impelled cargoes if—

(A) the vessel has been detained and determined to be substandard by the Secretary for violation of an international safety convention to which the United States is a party, and the Secretary has published notice of that detention and determination in an electronic form, including the name of the owner of the vessel; or

(B) the operator of the vessel has on more than one occasion had a vessel detained and determined to be substandard by the Secretary for violation of an international safety convention to which the United States is a party, and the Secretary has published notice of that detention and determination in an electronic form, including the name of the owner of the vessel.


(2) The prohibition in paragraph (1) expires for a vessel on the earlier of—

(A) 1 year after the date of the publication in electronic form on which the prohibition is based; or

(B) any date on which the owner or operator of the vessel prevails in an appeal of the violation of the relevant international convention on which the detention is based.


(3) As used in this subsection, the term “Government-impelled cargo” means cargo for which a Federal agency contracts directly for shipping by water or for which (or the freight of which) a Federal agency provides financing, including financing by grant, loan, or loan guarantee, resulting in shipment of the cargo by water.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 508; Pub. L. 98–557, §7(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2862; Pub. L. 101–380, title IV, §§4105(b)(2), 4302(a), Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat. 513, 537; Pub. L. 102–587, title V, §5102, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5071; Pub. L. 105–383, title III, §§302(a), 304(c), title IV, §408(a), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3417, 3419, 3430; Pub. L. 107–295, title III, §325, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2105.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section Source section (U.S. Code)
2302(a) 46:1461(d)

46:1484(b)

2302(b) 46:1461(d)

46:1483

2302(c) 46:1484(b)

Section 2302 states that the negligent operation of a vessel is prohibited. These acts are subject to civil and criminal penalties and the involved vessel is subject to an in rem action. The negligent operation provisions have their genesis in the Act of April 25, 1940, 54 Stat. 167, when Congress prescribed that no person shall operate any motorboat or any vessel in a reckless or negligent manner. This provision was directed at all vessels and not those solely engaged in recreational boating. When the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, P.L. 92–75, 85 Stat. 217 (46 U.S.C. 1461) was enacted it adopted the reckless or negligent operation provisions of the 1940 Act. It adopted for the first time a provision for assessing civil penalties in addition to criminal penalties. It dropped the word “reckless” because of redundancy. It also combined the two classes of vessels; “any motorboat or any vessel” into one class by using the word “vessel” and defined vessel as including every description of watercraft.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–295 substituted “$5,000 in the case of a recreational vessel, or $25,000 in the case of any other vessel” for “$1,000”

1998—Pub. L. 105–383, §302(a)(1), substituted “Penalties for negligent operations and interfering with safe operation” for “Penalties for negligent operations” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–383, §302(a)(2), substituted “or interfering with the safe operation of a vessel, so as to endanger” for “that endangers”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–383, §304(c), substituted “$5,000; or” for “$1,000 for a first violation and not more than $5,000 for a subsequent violation; or”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–383, §408(a), added subsec. (e).

1992—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–587 substituted “$1,000 for a first violation and not more than $5,000 for a subsequent violation” for “$1,000”.

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–380, §4302(a)(1), substituted “commits a class A misdemeanor” for “shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–380, §§4105(b)(2), 4302(a)(2)(A), substituted “under the influence of alcohol, or a dangerous drug in violation of a law of the United States” for “intoxicated” and struck out “, shall be” after “by the Secretary by regulation”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–380, §4302(a)(2)(B), substituted “is liable” for “liable”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–380, §4302(a)(2)(C), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.”

1984—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 98–557 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–383, title IV, §408(b), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3431, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect January 1, 1999.”

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L. 101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

§2303. Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information

(a) The master or individual in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall—

(1) render necessary assistance to each individual affected to save that affected individual from danger caused by the marine casualty, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or to individuals on board; and

(2) give the master's or individual's name and address and identification of the vessel to the master or individual in charge of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any individual injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.


(b) An individual violating this section or a regulation prescribed under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years. The vessel also is liable in rem to the United States Government for the fine.

(c) An individual complying with subsection (a) of this section or gratuitously and in good faith rendering assistance at the scene of a marine casualty without objection by an individual assisted, is not liable for damages as a result of rendering assistance or for an act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance when the individual acts as an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section Source section (U.S. Code)
2303(a) 33:367

46:1465(a)

2303(b) 33:368
2303(c) 46:1465(b)

Section 2303 requires a master or anyone in charge of a vessel to provide assistance and render aid to those involved in a marine casualty and to exchange information in a manner similar to automobile accident cases. It also includes a “Good Samaritan” clause that exonerates anyone from liability when rendering assistance in an ordinary, reasonable, or prudent manner.

§2303a. Post serious marine casualty alcohol testing

(a) The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that after a serious marine casualty occurs, alcohol testing of crew members or other persons responsible for the operation or other safety-sensitive functions of the vessel or vessels involved in such casualty is conducted no later than 2 hours after the casualty occurs, unless such testing cannot be completed within that time due to safety concerns directly related to the casualty.

(b) The procedures in subsection (a) shall require that if alcohol testing cannot be completed within 2 hours of the occurrence of the casualty, such testing shall be conducted as soon thereafter as the safety concerns in subsection (a) have been adequately addressed to permit such testing, except that such testing may not be required more than 8 hours after the casualty occurs.

(Added Pub. L. 105–383, title III, §304(d)(1), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3419.)

§2304. Duty to provide assistance at sea

(a)(1) A master or individual in charge of a vessel shall render assistance to any individual found at sea in danger of being lost, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or individuals on board.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a vessel of war or a vessel owned by the United States Government appropriated only to a public service.

(b) A master or individual violating this section shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 109–304, §15(8), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section Source section (U.S. Code)
2304 46:728

Section 2304 requires a master or individual in charge of a vessel to render assistance to those in danger at sea if able to do so without seriously endangering the vessel or crew.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–304 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

§2305. Injunctions

(a) The district courts of the United States have jurisdiction to enjoin the negligent operation of vessels prohibited by this chapter on the petition of the Attorney General for the United States Government.

(b) When practicable, the Secretary shall—

(1) give notice to any person against whom an action for injunctive relief is considered under this section an opportunity to present that person's views; and

(2) except for a knowing and willful violation, give the person a reasonable opportunity to achieve compliance.


(c) The failure to give notice and opportunity to present views under subsection (b) of this section does not preclude the court from granting appropriate relief.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 509.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section Source section (U.S. Code)
2305 46:1485

Section 2305 provides injunctive authority to enjoin the negligent operation of vessels. This authority can also be used to enjoin the operation of foreign or domestic vessels on our waters when they are unsuitable for the voyage intended.

§2306. Vessel reporting requirements

(a)(1) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a vessel of the United States, having reason to believe (because of lack of communication with or nonappearance of a vessel or any other incident) that the vessel may have been lost or imperiled, immediately shall—

(A) notify the Coast Guard; and

(B) use all available means to determine the status of the vessel.


(2) When more than 48 hours have passed since the owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a vessel required to report to the United States Flag Merchant Vessel Location Filing System under authority of section 50113 of this title has received a communication from the vessel, the owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent immediately shall—

(A) notify the Coast Guard; and

(B) use all available means to determine the status of the vessel.


(3) A person notifying the Coast Guard under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection shall provide the name and identification number of the vessel, the names of individuals on board, and other information that may be requested by the Coast Guard. The owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent also shall submit written confirmation to the Coast Guard within 24 hours after nonwritten notification to the Coast Guard under those paragraphs.

(4) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent violating this subsection is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each day during which the violation occurs.

(b)(1) The master of a vessel of the United States required to report to the System shall report to the owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent at least once every 48 hours.

(2) A master violating this subsection is liable to the Government for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day during which the violation occurs.

(c) The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(Added Pub. L. 98–498, title II, §212(a)(3), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2305; amended Pub. L. 109–304, §15(9), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1703.)

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted “section 50113 of this title” for “section 212(A) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App. U.S.C. 1122a),”.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–498, title II, §214, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2306, provided that: “Sections 211(a) and 212 of this subtitle [enacting this section and amending sections 2302, 3309, 6101, and 6103 of this title] are effective one hundred and eighty days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1984].”

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§2307. Limitation of liability for Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service pilots

Any pilot, acting in the course and scope of his or her duties while at a United States Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service, who provides information, advice, or communication assistance while under the supervision of a Coast Guard officer, member, or employee shall not be liable for damages caused by or related to such assistance unless the acts or omissions of such pilot constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(Added Pub. L. 107–295, title IV, §431(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2128.)

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

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