§ 165.1325 - Regulated Navigation Areas; Bars Along the Coasts of Oregon and Washington.

§ 165.1325 Regulated Navigation Areas; Bars Along the Coasts of Oregon and Washington.

(a) Regulated navigation areas. Each of the following areas is a regulated navigation area:

(1) Quillayute River Entrance, Wash.: From the west end of James Island 47°54′23′ N., 124°39′05′ W. southward to buoy No. 2 at 47°53′42′ N., 124°38′42′ W. eastward to the shoreline at 47°53′42′ N., 124°37′51′ W., thence northward along the shoreline to 47°54′29′ N., 124°38′20′ W. thence northward to 47°54′36′ N., 124°38′22′ W. thence westward to the beginning.

(2) Grays Harbor Entrance, Wash.: From a point on the shoreline at 46°59′00″ N., 124°10′10″ W. westward to 46°59′00″ N., 124°15′30″ W. thence southward to 46°51′00″ N., 124°15′30″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 46°51′00″ N., 124°06′40″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to a point at the south jetty 46°54′20″ N., 124°08′07″ W. thence eastward to 46°54′10″ N., 124°05′00″ W. thence northward to 46°55′00″ N., 124°03′30″ W. thence northwestward to Damon Point at 46°56′50″ N., 124°06′30″ W. thence westward along the north shoreline of the harbor to the north jetty at 46°55′40″ N., 124°10′27″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the beginning.

(3) Willapa Bay, Wash.: From a point on the shoreline at 46°46′00″ N., 124°05′40″ W. westward to 46°44′00″ N., 124°10′45″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 46°35′00″ N., 124°03′45″ W. thence northward along the shoreline around the north end of Leadbetter Point thence southward along the east shoreline of Leadbetter Point to 46°36′00″ N., 124°02′15″ W. thence eastward to 46°36′00″ N., 124°00′00″ W. thence northward to Toke point at 46°42′15″ N., 123°58′00″ W. thence westward along the north shoreline of the harbor and northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(4) Columbia River Bar, Wash.-Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 46°18′00″ N., 124°04′39″ W. thence westward to 46°18′00″ N., 124°09′30″ W. thence southward to 46°12′00″ N., 124°09′30″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 46°12′00″ N., 123°59′33″ W. thence eastward to Tansy Point Range Front Light at 46°11′16″ N., 123°55′05″ W.; thence northward to Chinook Point at 46°15′08″ N., 123°55′25″ W. thence northwestward to the north end of Sand Island at 46°17′29″ N., 124°01′25″ W. thence southwestward to a point on the north shoreline of the harbor at 46°16′25″ N., 124°02′28″ W. thence northwestward and southwestward along the north shoreline of the harbor and northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(5) Nehalem River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline 45°41′25″ N., 123°56′16″ W. thence westward 45°41′25″ N., 123°59′00″ W. thence southward to 45°37′25″ N., 123°59′00″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 45°37′25″ N., 123°56′38″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the north end of the south jetty at 45°39′40″ N., 123°55′45″ W. thence westward to a point on the shoreline at 45°39′45″ N., 123°56′19″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the beginning.

(6) Tillamook Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 45°35′15″ N., 123°57′05″ W. thence westward 45°35′15″ N., 124°00′00″ W. thence southward to 45°30′00″ N., 124°00′00″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 45°30′00″ N., 123°57′40″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the north end of Kincheloe Point at 45°33′30″ N., 123°56′05″ W. thence northward to a point on the north shoreline of the harbor at 45°33′40″ N., 123°55′59″ W. thence westward along the north shoreline of the harbor then northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(7) Netarts Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 45°28′05″ N. thence westward to 45°28′05″ N., 124°00′00″ W. thence southward to 45°24′00″ N., 124°00′00″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 45°24′00″ N., 123°57′45″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to 45°26′03″ N., 123°57′15″ W. thence eastward to a point on the north shoreline of the harbor at 45°26′00″ N., 123°56′57″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the beginning.

(8) Siletz Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 44°56′32″ N., 124°01′29″ W. thence westward to 44°56′32″ N., 124°03′00″ W. thence southward to 44°54′40″ N., 124°03′15″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 44°54′40″ N., 124°01′55″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to 44°55′35″ N., 124°01′25″ W. thence northward to a point on the north shoreline of the harbor at 44°55′45″ N., 124°01′20″ W. thence westward and northward along the shoreline to the beginning.

(9) Depoe Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 44°49′15″ N., 124°04′00″ W. thence westward to 44°49′15″ N., 124°04′35″ W. thence southward to 44°47′55″ N., 124°04′55″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 44°47′53″ N., 124°04′25″ W. thence northward along the shoreline and eastward along the south bank of the entrance channel to the highway bridge thence northward to the north bank at the bridge thence westward along the north bank of the entrance channel and northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(10) Yaquina Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 44°38′11″ N., 124°03′47″ W. thence westward to 44°38′11″ N., 124°05′55″ W. thence southward to 44°35′15″ N., 124°06′05″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 44°35′

(11) Siuslaw River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 44°02′00″ N., 124°08′00″ W. thence westward to 44°02′00″ N., 124°09′30″ W. thence southward to 44°00′00″ N., 124°09′30″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 44°00′00″ N., 124°08′12″ W. thence northward along the shoreline and southward along the west bank of the entrance channel to 44°00′35″ N., 124°07′48″ W. thence southeastward to a point on the east bank of the entrance channel at 44°00′20″ N., 124°07′31″ W. thence northward along the east bank of the entrance channel and northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(12) Umpqua River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 43°41′20″ N., 124°11′58″ W. thence westward to 43°41′20″ N., 124°13′32″ W thence southward to 43°38′35″ N., 124°14′25″ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 43°38′35″ N., 124°12′35″ W. thence northward along the shoreline to the navigational light “6” located on the jetty at 43°40′11″ N., 124°11′56″ W. thence northward to a point on the north bank of the entrance channel at 43°40′33″ N., 124°11′56″ W. thence southwestward along the north bank of the entrance channel thence northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(13) Coos Bay Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 43°22′15′ N., 124°19′34′ W. thence westward to 43°22′20′ N., 124°22′28′ W. thence southwestward to 43°21′00′ N., 124°23′35′ W. thence southeastward to a point on the shoreline at 43°20′25′ N., 124°22′28′ W. thence northward along the shoreline and eastward along the south shore of the entrance channel to a point on the shoreline at 43°20′52′ N., 124°19′12′ W. thence eastward to a point on the east shoreline of the harbor at 43°21′00′ N., 124°18′50′ W. thence northward to a point on the west shoreline of the harbor at 43°21′45′ N., 124°19′10′ W. thence south and west along the west shoreline of the harbor thence northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(14) Coquille River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 43°08′25′ N., 124°25′04′ W. thence southwestward to 43°07′50′ N., 124°27′05′ W. thence southwestward to 43°07′03′ N., 124°28′25′ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 43°06′00′ N., 124°25′55′ W. thence northward along the shoreline and eastward along the south shoreline of the channel entrance to 43°07′17′ N., 124°25′00′ W. thence northward to the east end of the north jetty at 43°07′24′ N., 124°24′59′ W. thence westward along the north shoreline of the entrance channel and northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(15) Rogue River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 42°26′25′ N., 124°26′03′ W. thence westward to 42°26′10′ N., 124°27′05′ W. thence southward to 42°24′15′ N., 124°27′05′ W. thence eastward to a point on the shoreline at 42°24′15′ N., 124°25′30′ W. thence northward along the shoreline and eastward along the south shoreline of the entrance channel to the highway bridge thence northward across the inner harbor jetty to a point on the north shoreline of the entrance channel at the highway bridge thence westward along the north shoreline of the entrance channel thence northward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(16) Chetco River Bar, Oreg.: From a point on the shoreline at 42°02′35′ N., 124°17′20′ W. thence southeastward to 42°01′45′ N., 124°16′30′ W. thence northwestward to a point on the shoreline at 42°02′10′ N., 124°15′35′ W. thence northwestward along the shoreline thence northward along the east shoreline of the channel entrance to 42°02′47′ N., 124°16′03′ W. thence northward along the west face of the inner jetty and east shoreline of the channel entrance to the highway bridge thence westward to the west shoreline of the channel at the highway bridge thence southward along the west shoreline of the channel thence westward along the seaward shoreline to the beginning.

(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section:

(1) Bar closure means that the operation of any vessel within a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section has been prohibited by the Coast Guard.

(2) Bar crossing plan (also known as a Go/No-Go plan) means a plan developed by local industry professionals, in coordination with the Coast Guard, for a bar within a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section and adopted by the master or operator of a small passenger vessel to guide his vessel's operations on and in the vicinity of that bar.

(3) Bar restriction means that operation of a recreational or uninspected passenger vessel within a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section has been prohibited by the Coast Guard.

(4) Commercial fishing industry vessel means a fishing vessel, fish tender vessel, or a fish processing vessel.

(5) Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer that has been authorized by the Captain of the Port to act on his behalf.

(6) Fish processing vessel means a vessel that commercially prepares fish or fish products other than by gutting, decapitating, gilling, skinning, shucking, icing, freezing, or brine chilling.

(7) Fish tender vessel means a vessel that commercially supplies, stores, refrigerates, or transports fish, fish products, or materials directly related to fishing or the preparation of fish to or from a fishing, fish processing, or fish tender vessel or a fish processing facility.

(8) Fishing vessel means a vessel that commercially engages in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish or an activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish.

(9) Readily accessible means equipment that is taken out of stowage and is available within the same space as any person for immediate use during an emergency.

(10) Recreational vessel is any vessel manufactured or used primarily for non-commercial use or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's non-commercial use. It does not include a vessel engaged in carrying paying passengers.

(11) Small passenger vessel means a vessel inspected under 46 CFR subchapter T or 46 CFR subchapter K.

(12) Uninspected passenger vessel means an uninspected vessel -

(i) Of at least 100 gross tons;

(A) Carrying not more than 12 passengers, including at least one passenger-for-hire; or

(B) That is chartered with the crew provided or specified by the owner or the owner's representative and carrying not more than 12 passengers; or

(ii) Of less than 100 gross tons;

(A) Carrying not more than six passengers, including at least one passenger-for-hire; or

(B) That is chartered with the crew provided or specified by the owner or the owner's representative and carrying not more than six passengers.

(13) Unsafe condition exists when the wave height within a regulated navigation area identified in paragraph (a) of this section is equal to or greater than the maximum wave height determined by the formula L/10 + F = W where:

L = Overall length of a vessel measured in feet in a straight horizontal line along and parallel with the centerline between the intersections of this line with the vertical planes of the stem and stern profiles excluding deckhouses and equipment.

F = The minimum freeboard when measured in feet from the lowest point along the upper strake edge to the surface of the water.

W = Maximum wave height in feet to the nearest highest whole number.

(c) Regulations -

(1)

(i) Bar restriction. Passage across the bars located in the regulated navigation areas established in paragraph (a) of this section will be restricted for recreational and uninspected passenger vessels as determined by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or his designated representative. In making this determination, the COTP or his designated representative will determine whether an unsafe condition exists for such vessels as defined in paragraph (b) of this section. Additionally, the COTP or his designated representative will use their professional maritime experience and knowledge of local environmental conditions in making their determination. Factors that will be considered include, but are not limited to: size and type of vessel, sea state, winds, wave period, and tidal currents. When a bar is restricted, the operation of recreational and uninspected passenger vessels in the regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section in which the restricted bar is located is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the COTP or his designated representative.

(ii) Bar closure. The bars located in the regulated navigation areas established in paragraph (a) of this section will be closed to all vessels whenever environmental conditions exceed the operational limitations of the relevant Coast Guard search and rescue resources as determined by the COTP. When a bar is closed, the operation of any vessel in the regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section in which the closed bar is located is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the COTP or his designated representative. For bars having deep draft vessel access, the COTP will consult with the local pilots association, when practicable, prior to closing the affected bar.

(iii) The Coast Guard will notify the public of bar restrictions and bar closures via a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM Channel 16 and 22A. Additionally, Coast Guard personnel may be on-scene to advise the public of any bar restrictions and/or closures.

(2) Safety requirements for recreational vessels. The operator of any recreational vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that whenever their vessel is being towed or escorted across a bar by the Coast Guard all persons located in any unenclosed areas of their vessel are wearing lifejackets and that lifejackets are readily accessible for/to all persons located in any enclosed areas of their vessel.

(3) Safety requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPV).

(i) The master or operator of any uninspected passenger vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that all persons located in any unenclosed areas of their vessel are wearing lifejackets and that lifejackets are readily accessible for/to all persons located in any enclosed areas of their vessel:

(A) When crossing the bar and a bar restriction exists for recreational vessels of the same length or

(B) Whenever their vessel is being towed or escorted across the bar by the Coast Guard.

(ii) The master or operator of any uninspected passenger vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section during the conditions described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A) of this section shall contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or 22A prior to crossing the bar between sunset and sunrise. The master or operator shall report the following:

(A) Vessel name,

(B) Vessel location or position,

(C) Number of persons onboard the vessel, and

(D) Vessel destination.

(4) Safety requirements for Small Passenger Vessels (SPV).

(i) The master or operator of any small passenger vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that all persons located in any unenclosed areas of their vessel are wearing lifejackets and that lifejackets are readily accessible for/to all persons located in any enclosed areas of their vessel:

(A) When crossing the bar and a bar restriction exists for recreational vessels or uninspected passenger vessels of the same length or

(B) Whenever their vessel is being towed or escorted across the bar by the Coast Guard.

(ii) Small passenger vessels with bar crossing plans that have been reviewed by and accepted by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) are exempt from the safety requirements provided in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section during the conditions described in paragraph (c)(4)(i)(A) of this section so long as when crossing the bar the master or operator ensures that all persons on their vessel wear lifejackets in accordance with their bar crossing plan. If the vessel's bar crossing plan does not specify the conditions when the persons on their vessel must wear lifejackets, however, then the master or operator must comply with the safety requirements provided in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section in their entirety.

(iii) The master or operator of any small passenger vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section during the conditions described in paragraph (c)(4)(i)(A) of this section shall contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or 22A prior to crossing the bar between sunset and sunrise. The master or operator shall report the following:

(A) Vessel name,

(B) Vessel location or position,

(C) Number of persons onboard the vessel, and

(D) Vessel destination.

(5) Safety requirements for Commercial Fishing Vessels (CFV).

(i) The master or operator of any commercial fishing vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that all persons located in any unenclosed areas of their vessel are wearing lifejackets or immersion suits and that lifejackets or immersion suits are readily accessible for/to all persons located in any enclosed spaces of their vessel:

(A) When crossing the bar and a bar restriction exists for recreational vessels or uninspected passenger vessels of the same length or

(B) Whenever their vessel is being towed or escorted across the bar by the Coast Guard.

(ii) The master or operator of any commercial fishing vessel operating in a regulated navigation area established in paragraph (a) of this section during the conditions described in paragraph (c)(5)(i)(A) of this section shall contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or 22A prior to crossing the bar between sunset and sunrise. The master or operator shall report the following:

(A) Vessel name,

(B) Vessel location or position,

(C) Number of persons onboard the vessel, and

(D) Vessel destination.

(6) All persons and vessels within the regulated navigation areas established in paragraph (a) of this section must comply with the orders of Coast Guard personnel. Coast Guard personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the United States Coast Guard.

[USCG-2008-1017, 74 FR 59101, Nov. 17, 2009, as amended at 75 FR 10688, Mar. 9, 2010; 75 FR 18055, Apr. 9, 2010; 75 FR 41988, July 20, 2010]