Federal Register: September 26, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 187)
DOCID: FR Doc 02-24444
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
CFR Citation: 33 CFR Part 165
RIN ID: RIN 2115-AA97
CGD ID: [CGD14-02-002]
NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES
ACTION: Ports and waterways safety:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Regulated Navigation Areas and Security Zones; Escorted Vessels-- Philippine Sea, Guam, Apra Harbor, Guam and Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands
DATES: Comments and related materials must reach the Coast Guard on or before November 25, 2002.
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DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The Coast Guard proposes to establish regulated navigation areas (RNAs) and security zones for vessels determined to be in need of a Coast Guard escort by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Guam. The security zones for these escorted vessels will close all waters of Philippine Sea, Guam, Apra Harbor, Guam (including Cabras Island Channel), and Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands, within a 100yard radius around an escorted vessel while in the RNA. This action is necessary to protect personnel, vessels, and facilities from sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature. The RNAs will require vessels within 500 yards of an escorted vessel to travel at minimum safe speed and the security zones will prohibit unauthorized entry within a 100yard radius of an escorted vessel in these RNAs. This rule is not intended to replace or modify the existing RNAs and zones found in 33 CFR Sec. 165.1401, 33 CFR Sec. 165.1402, and 33 CFR Sec. 165.1404.
SUMMARY:
Philippine Sea et al.; regulated navigation areas and security zones,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Request for Comments
We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include you name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CGD1402 001), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know your submission reached us, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change this proposed rule in view of them.
In our final rule, we will include a concise general statement of comments received and identify any changes from the proposed rule based on the comments. If we make the final rule effective in less than thirty (30) days after publication in the Federal Register, we will explain our good cause for doing so as required by 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to Marine Safety Office Guam at the address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a separate notice in the Federal Register. Background and Purpose
Terrorist incidents within the United States on September 11, 2001
have called for the implementation of measures to protect U.S. seaports
and transportation infrastructure. In addition, national security and
intelligence officials warn that future terrorist attacks against
civilian targets are anticipated and that U.S. seaports are
particularly vulnerable. These rules are intended to provide for the safety and security of the public, maritime commerce, and
transportation by protecting persons, vessels, and seaport facilities
in the waters of Philippine Sea, Guam, Apra Harbor, Guam, and Tanapag
Harbor, Saipan, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). These
rules are intended to enable the COTP Guam to provide effective port
security, while minimizing the publics' confusion and ease the
administrative burden of implementing separate temporary security zones for each escorted vessel.
Discussion of Proposed Rule
The Coast Guard proposes to establish RNAs and security zones for vessels determined by the COTP to be in need of a Coast Guard escort. The security zones will close all waters of Philippine Sea, Guam, Apra Harbor, Guam (including Cabras Island Channel), and Tanapag Harbor, Saipan (CNMI), within a 100yard radius around each escorted vessel in transit, at anchor, or while moored in a regulated navigation area. These security zones are necessary to protect personnel, vessels, seaport facilities, and other transportation infrastructure from acts of sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature. These security zones extend from the surface of the water to the ocean floor. Entry into these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Guam. Representatives of the COTP will enforce these security zones. The COTP may be assisted by other federal or state agencies. Periodically, by Broadcast Notice to Mariners, the Coast Guard will announce the existence or status of the security zones in this rule. The RNAs will require vessels within 500 yards of an escorted vessel to travel at minimum safe speed and the security zones will prohibit unauthorized entry within a 100yard radius of an escorted vessel in these RNAs.
Regulatory Evaluation
The proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not ``significant'' under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). The U.S. Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10(e) of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. This expectation is based on the limited duration of the zones. Vessels will also be able to transit the RNAs freely outside of any security zones. In addition, the COTP may allow vessels in the security zones on a casebycase basis.
Small Entities
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601612), we considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses, notforprofit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. No small business impacts are anticipated due to the small size of the zones and the short duration of the security zones in any one area.
Assistance for Small Entities
Under section 231(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1968 (Public Law 104121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact Lieutenant Fred Meadows, Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Guam, at (671) 3392001. Collection of Information
This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 35013520). Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local
government and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. The Coast Guard
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has analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and has determined that it does not have implications for federalism.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 15311538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule will not result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.
Taking of Private Property
This proposed rule will not affect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.
Civil Justice Reform
This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.
Protection of Children
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.
Indian Tribal Governments
This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. We invite your comments on how this proposed rule might impact tribal governments, even if that impact may not constitute a ``tribal implication'' under the Order.
Energy Effects
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant energy action'' under that Order because it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. It has not been designated by the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.
Environment
We have considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and concluded that, under figure 21, paragraph (34)(g) of Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, this rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.051(g), 6.041, 6.046, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.
2. Add Sec. 165.1405 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.1405 Regulated Navigation Areas and Security Zones;
Designated Escorted VesselsPhilippine Sea and Apra Harbor, Guam
(including Cabras Island Channel), and Tanapag Harbor, Saipan,
Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).(a) Regulated navigation
area. The following areas, designated by coordinates referencing World
Geodetic Datum (1984), are regulated navigation areas (RNAs).
(1) Philippine Sea, GuamAll waters from the surface to the bottom
of the Philippine Sea, Guam, encompassed by lines connecting the
following points, beginning at 13[deg]27'10'' N, 144[deg]35'05'' E,
thence easterly to 13[deg]27'17'' N, 144[deg]37'27'' E, thence south
westerly to 13[deg]26'52'' N, 144[deg]37'05'' E, thence westerly to
13[deg]26'37'' N, 144[deg]35'05'' E, thence due north back to point of origin.
(2) Apra Harbor, GuamAll waters from surface to bottom of Apra
Harbor, Guam, shoreward of the COLREGS Demarcation as described in 33 CFR 80.
(3) Tanapag HarborThe waters from surface to bottom of Tanapag
Harbor, Saipan (CNMI), encompassed by lines connecting the following
points, beginning at 15[deg]12'10'' N, 145[deg]40'28'' E, thence north
easterly to 15[deg]14'08'' N, 145[deg]42'00'' E, thence due east to
15[deg]14'08'' N, 145[deg]44'02'' E, thence south easterly to
15[deg]13'54'' N, 144[deg]44'20'' E, thence south westerly along the
shoreline to 15[deg]13'11'' N, 145[deg]43'01'' E, thence southwesterly to 15[deg]12'10'' N, 145[deg]40'28'' E.
(4) Cabras Island Channel, GuamAll waters from surface to bottom
of Cabras Island Channel, Guam, beginning at point 13[deg]27'34'' N, 144[deg]39'39'' E and extending southeasterly to position
13[deg]27'24'' N, 144[deg]39'59'' E then heading easterly along the
shoreline to position 13[deg]27'31'' N, 144[deg]40'22'' E then heading
north to position 13[deg]27'37'' N, 144[deg]40'22'' E following the shoreline in a westerly direction back to point of origin.
(b) Security zones. A 100yard radius security zone is established
around, and is centered on, each escorted vessel within the regulated
navigation areas in paragraph (a) of this section. A security zone is
activated when an escorted vessel enters an RNA and remains active
until the escorted vessel leaves the RNA. This is a moving security
zone when the escorted vessel is in transit and becomes a fixed zone
when the escorted vessel is anchored or moored. A security zone will not extend beyond the boundary of the RNA in this section.
(c) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) Escorted Vessel means any vessel operating in the RNA deemed by
the COTP to be in need of escort protection for security reasons or
under other circumstances. A designated representative aboard a Coast
Guard cutter or patrol boat will accompany vessels deemed in need of escort protection into the RNA.
(2) Navigation rules mean international and inland navigation rules in 33 CFR chapter I, subchapters D and E.
(3) Vessel means every description of watercraft or other
artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of
transportation on water, except U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. naval vessels.
(4) Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned,
warrant, or petty officer that has been authorized to act on behalf of the COTP.
(d) Regulations. (1) No person or vessel may enter into the security zones under this section unless authorized by
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the COTP Guam or a designated representative.
(2) A vessel in the RNA established under paragraph (a) of this
section operating within 500 yards of an escorted vessel must proceed
at a minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course, unless required to maintain speed by the navigation rules.
(3) When an escorted vessel in the RNA approaches within 100 yards
of a vessel that is moored, or anchored in a designated anchorage area,
the stationary vessel must stay moored or anchored while it remains
within the escorted vessel's security zone unless it is either ordered
by, or given permission from the COTP Guam or a designated representative to do otherwise.
(4) The COTP will inform the public of the existence or status of
the security zones around escorted vessels in the RNA periodically by Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
(5) Persons or vessels that must enter a security zone or exceed
speed limits established in this section may contact the COTP at
command center telephone number (671) 3396100 or on VHF channel 16 (156.8 Mhz) to request permission.
(6) All persons and vessels within 500 yards of an escorted vessel
in the RNA must comply with the orders of the COTP Guam or his designated representatives.
(e) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231 and 50 U.S.C. 191, the authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226.
Dated: September 12, 2002.
G.A. Wiltshire,
Acting Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fourteenth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 0224444 Filed 92502; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491015P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Lieutenant Fred Meadows, Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Guam at (671) 3392001.