02-13139. Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Severn River, College Creek, and Weems Creek, Annapolis, Maryland

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

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 Crew Races, a marine event to be held May 26, 2002, on 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 event. 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 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on May 26, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy will sponsor crew races on the waters of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland. The event will consist of intercollegiate crew rowing teams racing along a 2000-meter course on the waters of the Severn River. A fleet of spectator vessels is expected to gather near the event site to view the competition. 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.

In addition to this notice, the maritime community will be provided extensive advance notification via the Local Notice to Mariners, marine information broadcasts, and area newspapers, so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.

Dated: May 16, 2002.

James D. Hull,

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