06-3564. Security Zone; High Capacity Passenger Vessels and Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels in Alaska

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing permanent moving security zones around all escorted High Capacity Passenger Vessels (“HCPV”) and escorted Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels (“AMHS vessels”) during their transits in the navigable waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. All commercial fishing vessels, as defined by applicable United States Code, are exempt from the provisions of this rule only while they are actively engaged in fishing.

DATES:

This final rule is effective May 15, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket CGD17-05-002 and are available for inspection or copying at United States Coast Guard, District 17 (dpi), 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK 99801 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

LT Matthew York, District 17 (dpi), 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK 99801, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Information

On March 9, 2005, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Regulated Navigation Area and Security Zones; High Capacity Passenger Vessels in Alaska” in the Federal Register (70 FR 11595), docket number CGD17-05-002. The NPRM included provisions for a 250-yard speed restriction zone, a 25-yard security zone around moored and anchored vessels, and a waiver request process.

On October 31, 2005, we published a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) entitled “Security Zone; High Capacity Passenger Vessels and Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels in Alaska” in the Federal Register (70 FR 62261), docket number CGD17-05-002. The SNRPM removed those three provisions from the proposed rule. The revised proposed security zone was then limited to High Capacity Passenger Vessels (HCPV) and Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels (AMHS) vessels during transit in the waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. The SNRPM proposed the security zones would only apply to HCPV and AMHS vessels transiting under an escort as defined in the SNPRM. These permanent security zones were carefully designed to minimally impact the public while providing protections for HCPV and AMHS vessels.

On February 28, 2006, the Coast Guard published a Second Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SSNPRM) entitled, “Security Zone; High Capacity Passenger Vessels and Alaska Marine Highway System Vessels in Alaska” in the Federal Register (71 FR 9984), docket number CGD17-05-002. The SSNPRM exempted all commercial fishing vessels, as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(11a), only while actively engaged in fishing. We did not receive any comments on the SSNRPM. No public hearing was requested, and none was held.

Background and Purpose

Due to increased awareness that future terrorist attacks are possible, the Coast Guard, as Lead Federal Agency for Maritime Homeland Security, has determined that the District Commander and the Captain of the Port must have the means to be aware of, detect, deter, intercept, and respond to threats, acts of aggression, and attacks by terrorists on the American homeland while maintaining our freedoms and sustaining the flow of commerce. Terrorists have demonstrated both desire and ability to utilize multiple means in different geographic areas to successfully carry out their terrorist missions, highlighted by the recent subway bombings in London.

During the past 3 years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued several advisories to the public concerning the potential for terrorist attacks within the United States. The October 2002 attack on a tank vessel, M/V LIMBURG, off the coast of Yemen and the prior attack on the USS COLE demonstrate a continuing threat to U.S. maritime assets as described in the President's finding in Executive Order 13273 of August 21, 2002 (67 FR 56215, September 3, 2002) and Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks, (67 FR 58317, September 13, 2002); and Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect To Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, Or Support Terrorism, (67 FR 59447, September 20, 2002). Furthermore, the ongoing hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq have made it prudent for U.S. port and waterway users to be on a higher state of alert because the Al Qaeda organization and other similar organizations have declared an ongoing intention to conduct armed attacks on U.S. interests worldwide.

In addition to escorting vessels, the Coast Guard has determined the need for additional security measures during their transit. A security zone is a tool available to the Coast Guard that may be used to control maritime traffic operating in the vicinity of these vessels. The District Commander has made a determination that it is necessary to establish a security zone around HCPV and AMHS vessels that are escorted to safeguard people, vessels and maritime traffic.

Discussion of Comments and Changes

We did not receive any comments on the Second Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Therefore, we are issuing this final rule without change from the proposed rule published February 28, 2006, in the SSNPRM with the exception of putting the definitions in alphabetical order.

Discussion of Rule

This rule establishes permanent 100-yard security zones around HCPV and AMHS vessels that are being escorted by a Coast Guard surface, air, or by other state or federal law enforcement agency designated by the Captain of the Port (COTP) during their transit through the Seventeenth Coast Guard District. Persons desiring to transit within 100 yards of an escorted HCPV or AHMS vessel in the Seventeenth Coast Guard District must contact the designated on scene representative on VHF channel 16 (156.800 MHz) or VHF channel 13 (156.650 MHz) and obtain permission to transit within 100 yards of the escorted HCPV or AMHS vessels. The boundaries of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District are defined in 33 CFR 3.85-1(b). This includes territorial waters 12 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline as defined in 33 CFR part 2 subpart B.

Stationary vessels that are moored or anchored must remain moored or anchored when an escorted HCPV or AMHS vessels approaches within 100 yards of the stationary vessel unless the designated on scene representative has granted approval for the stationary vessel to do otherwise.

Regulatory Evaluation

This 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 Homeland Security (DHS).

We expect the economic impact of this to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies and procedures of DHS is unnecessary.

This finding is based on the relatively small size of the limited access area around each ship, the minimal amount of time that vessels will be restricted when the zone is being enforced. In addition, vessels that may need to enter the zones may request permission on a case-by-case basis from the on scene designated representatives.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.

Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule, if adopted, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This permanent security zone only applies to HCPV and AMHS vessels that are transiting with an escort. It does not apply when the vessels are moored or anchored. Furthermore, vessels desiring to enter the security zone may contact the designated on scene representative and request permission to enter the zone.

Assistance for Small Entities

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offered to assist small entities in understanding this rule so that they could better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact LT Matthew York, District 17 (dpi), 709 West 9th St., Room 753, Juneau, Alaska 99801. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 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 rule would not result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

This rule does 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 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 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 might disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would 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.

Energy Effects

We have analyzed this 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. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.

Technical Standards

The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.

This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction, from further environmental documentation. Under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g) of the Instruction, an “Environmental Analysis Check List” and a “Categorical Exclusion Determination” are not required for this rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

• Harbors
• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Security measures
• Waterways

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

2. Add § 165.1711 to read as follows:

§ 165.1711

Security Zones; Waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District

(a) Definitions. As used in this section—

Alaska Marine Highway System vessel (“AMHS vessel”) means any vessel owned or operated by the Alaska Marine Highway System, including, but not limited to: M/V AURORA, M/V CHENEGA, M/V COLUMBIA, M/V FAIRWEATHER, M/V KENNICOTT, M/V LECONTE, M/V LITUYA, M/V MALASPINA, M/V MATANUSKA, M/V TAKU, and the M/V TUSTUMENA.

Designated on Scene Representative means any U.S. Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been authorized by the District Commander or local Captain of the Port (COTP), as defined in 33 CFR part 3, subpart 3.85, to act on his or her behalf, or other Federal, State or local law enforcement Officers designated by the COTP.

Escorted HCPV or AMHS vessel means a HCPV or AMHS vessel that is accompanied by one or more Coast Guard assets or Federal, State or local law enforcement agency assets as listed below:

(1) Coast Guard surface or air asset displaying the Coast Guard insignia.

(2) State, Federal or local law enforcement assets displaying the applicable agency markings and or equipment associated with the agency.

Federal Law Enforcement Officer means any Federal government law enforcement officer who has authority to enforce federal criminal laws.

High Capacity Passenger Vessel (“HCPV”) means a passenger vessel greater than 100 feet in length that is authorized to carry more than 500 passengers for hire.

State law enforcement Officer means any State or local government law enforcement officer who has authority to enforce State or local criminal laws.

(b) Location. The following areas are security zones: all waters within 100 yards around escorted High Capacity Passenger Vessels or escorted Alaska Marine Highway System vessels in the navigable waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District as defined in 33 CFR 3.85-1, from surface to bottom.

(c) Regulations. (1) No vessel may approach within 100 yards of an escorted HCPV or escorted AMHS vessel during their transits within the navigable waters of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District.

(2) Moored or anchored vessels that are overtaken by this moving zone must remain stationary at their location until the escorted vessel maneuvers at least 100 yards away.

(3) The local Captain of the Port may notify the maritime and general public by marine information broadcast of the periods during which individual security zones have been activated by providing notice in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7.

(4) Persons desiring to transit within 100 yards of a moving, escorted HCPV or AMHS vessel in the Seventeenth Coast Guard District must contact the designated on scene representative on VHF channel 16 (156.800 MHz) or VHF channel 13 (156.650 MHz) to receive permission.

(5) If permission is granted to transit within 100 yards of an escorted HCPV or AMHS vessel, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the designated on scene representative.

(6) All commercial fishing vessels as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(11a) while actively engaged in fishing are exempted from the provisions of this section.

Dated: April 3, 2006.

James C. Olson,

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