03-11986. Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Severn River, College Creek, and Weems Creek, Annapolis, MD

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of implementation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is implementing the special local regulations at 33 CFR 100.518 for the U.S. Naval Academy Blue Angels Airshow to be held May 20 and 21, 2003, over the waters of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland. These special local regulations are necessary to control vessel traffic due to the confined nature of the waterway and expected vessel congestion during the events. The effect will be to restrict general navigation in the regulated area for the safety of spectators and vessels transiting the event area.

EFFECTIVE DATES:

33 CFR 100.518 is effective from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20 and 21, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ron Houck, Marine Information Specialist, Commander, Coast Guard Activities Baltimore, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21226-1971, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy will sponsor the Blue Angels Airshow over the waters of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland. The events will consist of low flying, high performance aircraft performing precision maneuvers and aerial stunts. A fleet of spectator vessels is expected to gather near the event site to view the event. In order to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 33 CFR 100.518 will be in effect for the duration of the event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.518, vessels may not enter the regulated area without permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Spectator vessels may anchor outside the regulated area but may not block a navigable channel. Because these restrictions will only be in effect for a limited period, they should not result in a significant disruption of maritime traffic.

Dated: April 22, 2003.

Sally Brice-O'Hara,

Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.