§ 165.T08-040 - Moving Security Zone, Escorted Vessels.

(a) Location. The following areas are security zones: Navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River, from mile marker 90.0 to mile marker 110.0, extending 300 yards in all directions of escorted vessels. Escorted vessels will be escorted by one or more Coast Guard assets or other federal, state, or local law enforcement agency assets clearly identifiable by lights, vessel markings, or with agency insignia.

(b) Effective period. This rule is effective May 23, 2012 through August 15, 2012. Beginning April 1, 2012 this rule is enforced through actual notice.

(c) Regulation. (1) Under the general regulations in §165.33 of this part, vessels are prohibited from entering or transiting the security zones described in paragraph (a) of this temporary section, §165.T08–040.

(2) If granted permission to enter a security zone, a vessel must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course, unless required to maintain speed by the Navigation Rules, and shall proceed as directed by the Coast Guard. When within the security zone, no vessel or person is allowed within 50 yards of the escorted vessel unless authorized by the Coast Guard.

(3) Persons or vessels requiring deviations from this rule must request permission from the Captain of the Port New Orleans through the on-scene Coast Guard or other agency asset, via VHF Ch. 67 or the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Center at (504) 365–2230.

(4) All persons and vessels granted permission to enter a security zone must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port New Orleans and designated personnel. Designated personnel include commissioned, warrant and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard, and local, state, and federal law enforcement officers on clearly identified law enforcement agency vessels.

(d) Informational broadcasts. The Captain of the Port or a designated representative will inform the public through marine safety information bulletins or broadcast notices to mariners of this regulation.

Effective Date Note:   By USCG–2011–1063, 77 FR 30402, May 23, 2012, temporary §165.T08–040 was added, effective from May 23, 2012 through Aug. 15, 2012.