Paul L. Hartman

I am writing to voice my concerns about this regulation (Docket # USCG -2008- 1013) and how this might affect commercial traffic. While National security is an acknowledged priority in this age of global terrorism, I am somewhat curious about the 500 yard security zone. In the port of Mobile ,500 yards is a substantial area of water and including moored vessels in the regulation could present some situations for the USCG as well as commercial traffic. An escorted vessel underway is simple to comply with as all vessels would wait until the escorted vessel had passed. The vessel at a dock or other mooring concerns me if the 500 yard zone is going to remain in effect the entire time an escorted vessel is moored in the port.As I see it, a security zone that big would not allow any traffic to pass without first getting permission from the USCG. I would imagine that there would be constant calls for permission to pass as well as lost time for vessels wishing to transit the areas they do now as a matter of routine. The regulation states that "the COTP will attempt to provide flexibility for individual vessels to transit through the zones as needed". My concern is that this would create congestion and delay, as well as possible safety issues due to vessels holding up due to tide ,current and wind. This regulation should be reviewed after all of the comments are in to see what is the best course of action for ensuring security and commerce.The maritime community has dealt with security zones in the days after 9/11/01 but if my memory serves me correctly these zones were smaller than 500 yards. I am very interested in what happens after the comment period is over.I thank you for the opportunity to comment on this regulation.