[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 237 (Monday, December 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-30476]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 12, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Parts 162 and 165

[CGD11-94-007]
RIN 2115-AE84

 

Regulated Navigation Area; San Francisco Bay Region, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish regulated navigation 
areas (RNAs) within the San Francisco Bay Region in the waters of the 
Golden Gate, Central Bay, Lower Bay, San Pablo Bay and Carquinez 
Strait. This action is necessary due to vessel congestion in areas 
where maneuvering room is limited. These RNAs will increase navigation 
safety in the San Francisco Bay Region by organizing traffic flow 
patterns; reducing meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations between 
large vessels in constricted channels; and limiting vessel speed. The 
proposed rulemaking will also remove existing regulatory language 
relating to the Pinole Shoal Channel which will be incorporated into 
the RNA.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 10, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commanding Officer, Vessel Traffic 
Service San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94130-5013, or may be 
delivered to the San Francisco Vessel Traffic Center on Yerba Buena 
Island between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

    The Eleventh Coast Guard District Commander maintains the public 
docket for this rulemaking. Comments will become part of this docket 
and will be available for inspection or copying at the District Aids to 
Navigation Branch, Suite 6200, Eleventh Coast Guard District Office, 
Long Beach, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Commander Dennis Sobeck, Commanding Officer, Vessel Traffic Service San 
Francisco, San Francisco; telephone (415) 556-2950.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
this proposed rulemaking by submitting written data, views, or 
arguments. Persons submitting comments should include their names and 
addresses, identify this rulemaking (CGD11-94-007) and the specific 
section of the proposal to which each comment applies, and give the 
reason for each comment. The coast Guard requests that all comments and 
attachments be submitted in an unbound format suitable for copying and 
electronic filing. If not practical, a second copy of any bound 
materials is requested. Persons wanting acknowledgement of receipt of 
comments should enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. 
The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the comment 
period. It may change this proposal in view of the comments.
    The Coast Guard plans no public hearing. Persons may request a 
public hearing by writing to the Project Manager at the address under 
ADDRESSES. The request should include reasons why a hearing would be 
beneficial. If it determines that the opportunity for oral 
presentations will aid this rulemaking, the Coast Guard will hold a 
public hearing at a time and place announced by a later notice in the 
Federal Register.

Drafting Information

    The principal persons involved in drafting this document are 
Commander Dennis Sobeck, Project Manager, Vessel Traffic Service San 
Francisco, and Lieutenant Robin Barber, Project Counsel, Eleventh Coast 
Guard District Legal Office.

Background and Purpose

    In 1972, the Coast Guard, with input from various members of the 
San Francisco Bay maritime community, established voluntary vessel 
traffic routing measures for the San Francisco Bay region that 
consisted of traffic lanes in the Golden Gate and the Central Bay 
extending to Pinole Shoal Channel; separation zones; a precautionary 
area east of Alcatraz Island; and an Oakland Harbor Limited Traffic 
Area. Compliance with these routing measures was voluntary and intended 
for use by vessels 300 gross tons or greater.
    In 1991, the precautionary area east of Alcatraz Island was 
expanded to include the water area between the San Francisco waterfront 
and Treasure Island, replacing the traffic lanes in that area. A deep 
water route was established north of Harding Rock.
    In 1993, the Coast Guard, with input from the Harbor Safety 
Committee of the San Francisco Bay Region, modified the voluntary 
traffic routing measures to better conform to International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) traffic routing standards. The 1993 modification 
added a Golden Gate precautionary area, a deep water traffic lane 
separation zone north of Harding Rock and an expanded Central Bay 
precautionary area. It eliminated the traffic lanes in the North Ship 
Cannel and San Pablo Strait.
    The presence of numerous recreational boats, windsurfers, and 
commercial fishing boats that transit the proposed RNAs poses a 
navigational hazard for vessels of 1600 or more gross tons which are 
constrained by their draft and maneuvering capabilities. By limiting or 
requiring the use of established traffic lanes, this rule will relieve 
congestion and promote safer transiting of the RNAs by vessels with 
restricted maneuverability. It will make the present voluntary traffic 
measures mandatory and require vessels 1600 gross tons or more, or tugs 
with a tow of 1600 gross tons or more, to follow traffic measures 
similar to those currently used on a voluntary basis. The regulation 
will also define precautionary areas and establish overtaking, meeting, 
crossing and speed restrictions for certain vessels transiting specific 
channels within the RNAs. The RNAs defined in this proposal are each 
considered to constitute a narrow channel or fairway. Therefore, Rule 9 
of the Inland Navigation Rules (INRs) (33 U.S.C. 2009), in conjunction 
with the provisions of the associated INRs, is specifically made 
applicable within the defined RNAs and will be enforced.

Discussion of Proposed Regulations

    The proposed RNAs, which lie within the San Francisco VTS are (33 
CFR 161.50), are as follows: San Francisco Bay RNA, North Ship Channel 
RNA, San Pablo Strait Channel RNA, Pinole Shoal Channel RNA, Southern 
Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA, Southhampton Shoal/Richmond Harbor RNA, 
and Oakland Harbor RNA.

General Requirements for All Proposed RNAs

    The depth of the water and geography of the San Francisco Bay 
Region, and the density of vessel traffic, which includes numerous 
ferries and recreational boats, severely constrain the ability of a 
vessel to maneuver in the event of an emergency. This proposed 
regulation will limit the maximum speed within the RNAs to 15 knots 
through the water for vessels 1600 gross tons or greater, or a tug with 
a tow of 1600 gross tons or greater, and requires those vessels to 
operate their engine(s) in a control mode and on fuel that will allow 
for an immediate response to any engine order, ahead or astern, 
including stopping its engine(s) for an extended period of time. 
Limiting vessel speeds to 15 knots or less through the water within the 
prescribed RNAs will reduce the risk of serious maritime accidents.
    There may be situations where vessels would be unable to safely 
comply with the requirements of this regulation. In such cases, the 
Captain of the Port, or the Commanding Officer, VTS San Francisco, 
acting as a representative of the Captain of the Port, may allow a 
vessel to deviate from this regulation.
    The RNAs defined in this proposal are each considered to constitute 
a narrow channel or fairway. Therefore, Rule 9 of the Inland Navigation 
Rules (INRs) (33 U.S.C. 2009), in conjunction with the provisions of 
the associated INRs, is specifically made applicable within the defined 
RNAs and will be enforced.

Specific Requirements for Individual Proposed RNAs

    The geographic descriptions and proposed requirements specific to 
each RNA are as follows:

San Francisco Bay RNA

    The proposed San Francisco Bay RNA will consist of the water area 
in the Golden Gate east of the COLREGS Demarcation Line (33 CFR 
80.1142), the Central Bay including Raccoon Strait, and the existing 
charted precautionary area east of Alcatraz Island.
    Because of the large number of vessels entering and departing San 
Francisco Bay, traffic lanes will be established in the Golden Gate and 
the Central Bay to separate opposing traffic and reduce vessel 
congestion. The proposed lanes are located where voluntary traffic 
lanes now exist. Use of these lanes and adherence to the indicated 
direction of travel will be required for vessels of 1600 or more gross 
tons, or tugs with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, and recommended 
for all other vessels.
    Due to the presence of shoals and rocks in the Central Bay, the 
Central Bay Two-way Deep Water Traffic Lane (DWTL), located north of 
Harding Rock, provides the best water depth safety margin for inbound 
vessels with a draft of 45 feet or greater, and for outbound vessels 
with a draft of 28 feet or greater. These deep draft vessels will be 
required to use the DWTL. It is recommended that all other vessels use 
the Central Bay Traffic Lanes so that vessel traffic in the DWTL is 
kept to a minimum.
    The DWTL is sufficiently narrow that meeting, crossing and 
overtaking restrictions are necessary to reduce the likelihood of 
collision. The regulation provides that a power-driven vessel of 1600 
or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, 
shall not enter the DWTL when another power-driven vessel of 1600 or 
more gross tons, or tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, is 
navigating therein when either vessel is carrying certain dangerous 
cargo (as defined in 33 CFR 160.203), or bulk petroleum products, or is 
a tank vessel in ballast, if such entry could result in meeting, 
crossing or overtaking the other vessel.
    Since vessels are converging or crossing in such a manner that one-
way traffic flow patterns, although desired, cannot be established, two 
precautionary areas will be established in this RNA. They are: (1) The 
Golden Gate Precautionary Area, which encompasses the waters around the 
Golden Gate Bridge between the Golden Gate and the Central Traffic 
Lanes; and (2) the Central Bay Precautionary Area, which encompasses 
the large portion of the Central Bay and part of the Lower Bay. It is 
recommended that all vessels navigating in these precautionary areas be 
aware of the joining traffic lanes and DWTL so as to anticipate the 
movements of other vessels.
North Ship Channel RNA and San Pablo Strait Channel RNA
    The North Ship Channel and San Pablo Strait Channel consist of the 
existing charted channels and delineate the only areas where the depths 
of water are sufficient to allow the safe transit of vessels of 1600 or 
more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons. The 
existence of strong tidal currents in these channels severely restrict 
the ability of vessels of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow 
of 1600 or more gross tons, to safely maneuver to avoid smaller 
vessels. These conditions create the need to apply the general 
regulations to these areas. Implementation of special regulations in 
these RNAs would have only a minimal impact on safety and is not 
justified at this time.
Pinole Shoal Channel RNA
    The Pinole Shoal Channel RNA is a constricted waterway the use of 
which is currently restricted to vessels with a draft greater than 20 
feet, or towboats with tows drawing more than 20 feet, as set forth in 
33 CFR 162.205(a). Because of the narrow width of the channel and the 
draft of vessels using the channel, further meeting, crossing and 
overtaking restrictions are necessary to reduce the likelihood of 
collision. The proposed regulation provides that a power-driven vessel 
of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross 
tons, shall not enter the Pinole Shoal Channel RNA, which extends from 
approximately Light 7 to Light 13 of the Pinole Shoal Channel, when 
another power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons, or tug with a 
tow of 1600 or more gross tons, is navigating therein when either 
vessel is carrying certain dangerous cargo (as defined in 33 CFR 
160.203) or bulk petroleum products, or is a tank vessel in ballast, if 
such entry would result in meeting, crossing or overtaking the other 
vessel.

Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA

    The Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA consists of a small 
circular area, 200 yards in radius, centered on the middle of the 
channel under the Southern Pacific Railroad bridge. The limited 
horizontal clearance results in a greater chance of vessel allisions 
with the bridge. This risk of allision is significantly increased when 
poor visibility conditions exist. The regulation will preclude a power-
driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 
or more gross tons, from transiting the Southern Pacific Railroad 
Bridge RNA when visibility is less than 1000 yards.

Southampton Shoal/Richmond Harbor RNA

    Southampton Shoal/Richmond Harbor RNA encompasses Southampton Shoal 
Channel, the Richmond Long Wharf Maneuvering Area, the Richmond Harbor 
Entrance Channel and Point Potrero Reach. These are dredged channels 
and areas within which maneuvering room is severely limited. Close-
quarters situations between deep-draft vessels in these channels need 
to be eliminated to reduce the risk of groundings and collisions.
    In addition, the Southampton Shoal Channel is transited by a high 
number of laden tank vessels and vessels carrying certain dangerous 
cargo (as defined in 33 CFR 160.203), or bulk petroleum. Because of the 
potential for loss of life or serious environmental consequences in a 
collision involving one or more of these vessels, control of traffic 
flow is necessary. The Richmond Long Wharf Maneuvering Area, between 
the Richmond Harbor Entrance Channel and Southampton Shoal Channel, 
often has vessels operating at low speeds where maneuverability is 
restricted. The regulation will preclude vessels of 1600 or more gross 
tons, or tugs with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, from entering the 
RNA if meeting, crossing or overtaking another vessel of 1600 or more 
gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, could 
result.

Oakland Harbor RNA

    The Oakland Harbor RNA encompasses the Oakland Bar Channel, Oakland 
Outer Harbor Entrance, Middle Harbor and Inner Harbor Entrance 
Channels. The currently charted Limited Traffic Area (LTA), which 
recommends that vessels of 300 or more gross tons transit at one time 
to avoid crossing or meeting situations, will be replaced by the 
Oakland Harbor RNA. The northern boundary of the Oakland Harbor RNA 
differs slightly from the LTA in that it follows the northern boundary 
of the Oakland Bar and Outer Harbor Entrance channels and extends to 
the ``E'' tower of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This proposed 
regulation will restrict vessels of 1600 or more gross tons, or tugs 
with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, from entering the RNA if 
meeting, crossing or overtaking another vessel of 1600 or more gross 
tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, could result.
    Paragraph (e)(2) of this proposed rulemaking will substantially 
duplicate those regulations currently enumerated in 33 CFR 162.205(a). 
Upon the effective date of this regulation, 33 CFR 162.205(a) will be 
removed, the section heading will be revised, and the remaining 
paragraphs of 33 CFR 162.205 will be redesignated as paragraphs (a) 
through (c).

Regulatory Evaluation

    This proposal is not a significant regulatory action under Section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of 
potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. It 
has been exempted from review by the Office of Management and Budget 
under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies 
and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; 
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this 
proposal to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under 
paragraph 10(e) of the Department of Transportation regulatory policies 
and procedures is unnecessary. At this time, covered vessels 
voluntarily comply with the procedures and restrictions contained in 
these regulations, and rarely if ever experience delays due to the high 
degree of coordination provided by the VTS. Formally mandating that 
mariners follow these previously voluntary requirements will not have 
more than a minimal impact on any party.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the 
Coast Guard must consider whether this proposal would have significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small 
entities'' include independently owned and operated small businesses 
that are not dominant in their field and that otherwise qualify as 
``small business concerns'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act 
(15 U.S.C. 632). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of the 
proposal to be minimal on all entities since it makes mandatory the 
existing voluntary practices. Because it expects the impact of this 
proposal to be minimal, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) 
that this proposal, if adopted, will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

    This proposal contains no collection of information requirements 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this proposal in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has 
determined that this proposal does not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environmental Assessment

    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact on this 
proposal and concluded that, under section 2.B.2. of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1B, this proposal is categorically excluded from 
further environmental documentation. A Categorical Exclusion 
Determination statement has been prepared and placed in the rulemaking 
docket.
    A Consistency Determination under the Coastal Zone Management Act 
(14 U.S.C. 1451, et seq.), has been prepared and placed in the 
rulemaking docket.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 162

    Navigation (water), Waterways.

33 CFR Part 165

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

Proposed Regulation

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR parts 162 and 165 as follows:

PART 162--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 162 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 49 CFR 1.46.


Sec. 162.205  [Amended]

    2. The section heading for Sec. 162.205 is revised to read as 
follows: ``Suisun Bay, San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and 
connecting waters, Calif.''
    3. Section 162.205 is amended by removing paragraph (a) and 
redesignating paragraphs (b) through (d) as paragraphs (a) through (c).

PART 165--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191, 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 
6.04-1, 6.04-6 and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

    2. A new Sec. 165.1114 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 165.1114  San Francisco Bay Region, CA--Regulated Navigation Area.

    (a) Applicability. This regulation applies to all vessels unless 
otherwise specified.
    (b) Deviations. The Captain of the Port, San Francisco Bay, or the 
Commanding Officer, Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco, as a 
representative of the Captain of the Port, may authorize a deviation 
from the requirements of this regulation when it is deemed necessary in 
the interests of safety.
    (c) Regulated Navigation Areas--(1) San Francisco Bay RNA. (i) The 
following is a regulated navigation area--The waters bounded by a line 
connecting the following points, beginning at:

Latitude              Longitude                                         
                                                                        
37 deg.47'18'' N      122 deg.30'22'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.48'55'' N      122 deg.31'41'' W; thence along the shoreline to  
37 deg.50'38'' N      122 deg.28'37'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.50'59'' N      122 deg.28'00'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.51'45'' N      122 deg.27'37'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.52'58'' N      122 deg.26'06'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.51'53'' N      122 deg.24'58'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.51'53'' N      122 deg.24'00'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.51'40'' N      122 deg.23'48'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.49'22'' N      122 deg.23'48'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.48'20'' N      122 deg.22'12'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.47'02'' N      122 deg.21'33'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.47'02'' N      122 deg.23'04'' W; thence along the shoreline to  
                       the point of beginning.                          
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (ii) The San Francisco Bay RNA consists of the following defined 
sub-areas:
    (A) Golden Gate traffic lanes.
    (1) Westbound traffic lane. Bounded by the Golden Gate 
precautionary area and the COLREGS Demarcation Line (33 CFR 80.1142), 
between the separation zone and a line connecting the following points:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.48'30'' N                  122 deg.31'22'' W; thence to          
37 deg.49'03'' N                  122 deg.29'52'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM; NAD 83

    (2) Eastbound traffic lane. Bounded by the COLREGS Demarcation Line 
(33 CFR 80.1142) and the Golden Gate precautionary area, between the 
separation zone and a line connecting the following points:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.47'50'' N                  122 deg.30'48'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'30'' N                  122 deg.29'29'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (3) Golden Gate Separation Zone. The area 75 yards each side of a 
line connecting the following points:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.48'08'' N                  122 deg.31'05'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'46'' N                  122 deg.29'40'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (B) Golden Gate Precautionary Area. An area bounded by a line 
connecting the following points, beginning at:

Latitude              Longitude                                         
                                                                        
37 deg.48'30'' N      122 deg.29'29'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.48'52'' N      122 deg.28'41'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.48'52'' N      122 deg.27'49'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.49'36'' N      122 deg.27'46'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.49'55'' N      122 deg.28'09'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.49'28'' N      122 deg.28'45'' W; thence to                      
37 deg.49'03'' N      122 deg.29'52'' W; thence returning to the point  
                       of beginning.                                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (C) Central Bay traffic lanes.
    (1) Westbound traffic lane. Bounded by the Central Bay 
precautionary area and the Golden Gate precautionary area, between the 
Central Bay and the Deep Water Traffic Lane separation zones.
    (2) Eastbound traffic lane. Bounded by the Golden Gate 
precautionary area, and the Central Bay precautionary area, between the 
Central Bay Separation Zone and a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.48'41'' N                  122 deg.25'17'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'50'' N                  122 deg.26'14'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'52'' N                  122 deg.27'49'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (3) Deep Water (two-way) Traffic Lane. Bounded by the Central Bay 
precautionary area and the Golden Gate precautionary area, between the 
Deep Water Traffic Lane and a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.49'55'' N                  122 deg.28'09'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'36'' N                  122 deg.27'12'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'47'' N                  122 deg.26'26'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (D) Central Bay Separation Zone. The area 75 yards each side of a 
line connecting the following points, beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.49'17'' N                  122 deg.27'47'' W; thence to          
37 deg.49'35'' N                  122 deg.25'25'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (E) Deep Water Traffic Lane Separation Zone. The area 75 yards each 
side of a line connecting the following points, beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.49'36'' N                  122 deg.27'46'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'22'' N                  122 deg.26'49'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'25'' N                  122 deg.26'22'' W.                    
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (F) Central Bay Precautionary Area. An area bounded by a line 
connecting the following points, beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.48'41'' N                  122 deg.25'17'' W; thence to          
37 deg.49'32'' N                  122 deg.25'13'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'25'' N                  122 deg.26'22'' W; thence to          
37 deg.50'47'' N                  122 deg.26'26'' W; thence to          
37 deg.51'04'' N                  122 deg.24'58'' W; thence to          
37 deg.51'53'' N                  122 deg.24'58'' W; thence to          
37 deg.51'53'' N                  122 deg.24'00'' W; thence to          
37 deg.51'40'' N                  122 deg.23'48'' W; thence to          
37 deg.49'22'' N                  122 deg.23'48'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'20'' N                  122 deg.22'12'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'02'' N                  122 deg.21'33'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'02'' N                  122 deg.23'04'' W; thence returning   
                                   along the shoreline to the point of  
                                   beginning.                           
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (2) North Ship Channel RNA. The following is a regulated navigation 
area--The waters bounded by a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.51'53'' N                  122 deg.24'58'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'15'' N                  122 deg.27'27'' W; thence to          
37 deg.56'06'' N                  122 deg.26'49'' W; thence to          
37 deg.56'06'' N                  122 deg.26'34'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'48'' N                  122 deg.26'42'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'02'' N                  122 deg.26'10'' W; thence to          
37 deg.51'53'' N                  122 deg.24'00'' W; thence returning to
                                   the point of beginning.              
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (3) San Pablo Strait Channel RNA. The following is a regulated 
navigation area--The waters bounded by a line connecting the following 
points, beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.56'06'' N                  122 deg.26'49'' W; thence to          
37 deg.57'26'' N                  122 deg.27'21'' W; thence to          
38 deg.00'48'' N                  122 deg.24'45'' W; thence to          
38 deg.01'54'' N                  122 deg.22'24'' W; thence to          
38 deg.01'44'' N                  122 deg.22'18'' W; thence to          
37 deg.57'37'' N                  122 deg.26'23'' W; thence to          
37 deg.56'06'' N                  122 deg.26'34'' W; thence returning to
                                   the point of beginning.              
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (4) Pinole Shoal Channel RNA. The following is a regulated 
navigation area--The waters bounded by a line connecting the following 
points, beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
38 deg.01'54'' N                  122 deg.22'25'' W; thence to          
38 deg.03'13'' N                  122 deg.19'50'' W; thence to          
38 deg.03'23'' N                  122 deg.18'31'' W; thence to          
38 deg.03'13'' N                  122 deg.18'29'' W; thence to          
38 deg.03'05'' N                  122 deg.19'28'' W; thence to          
38 deg.01'44'' N                  122 deg.22'18'' W; thence returning to
                                   the point of beginning.              
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (5) Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA. The following is a 
regulated navigation area--The water area contained within a circle 
with a radius of 200 yards, centered on 38 deg.02'18'' N, 
122 deg.07'17'' W.

DATUM: NAD 83

    (6) Southampton Shoal Channel/Richmond Harbor RNA. The following, 
consisting of two distinct areas, is a regulated navigation area--
    (i) The waters bounded by a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.54'17'' N                  122 deg.22'00'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'08'' N                  122 deg.22'00'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'15'' N                  122 deg.23'12'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'30'' N                  122 deg.23'09'' W; thence along the   
                                   shoreline to the point of beginning. 
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (ii) The waters bounded by a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.54'28'' N                  122 deg.23'36'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'20'' N                  122 deg.23'38'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'23'' N                  122 deg.24'02'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'57'' N                  122 deg.24'51'' W; thence to          
37 deg.55'05'' N                  122 deg.25'02'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'57'' N                  122 deg.25'22'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'00'' N                  122 deg.25'13'' W; thence to          
37 deg.53'59'' N                  122 deg.25'22'' W; thence to          
37 deg.55'30'' N                  122 deg.25'35'' W; thence to          
37 deg.55'40'' N                  122 deg.25'10'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'54'' N                  122 deg.24'30'' W; thence to          
37 deg.54'30'' N                  122 deg.24'00'' W; thence returning to
                                   the point of beginning.              
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (7) Oakland Harbor RNA. The following is a regulated navigation 
area--The waters bounded by a line connecting the following points, 
beginning at:

Latitude                          Longitude                             
                                                                        
37 deg.48'40'' N                  122 deg.19'58'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'50'' N                  122 deg.20'02'' W; thence to          
27 deg.48'20'' N                  122 deg.21'00'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'15'' N                  122 deg.21'30'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'20'' N                  122 deg.22'12'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'26'' N                  122 deg.21'45'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'55'' N                  122 deg.21'26'' W; thence to          
37 deg.48'03'' N                  122 deg.21'00'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'48'' N                  122 deg.19'46'' W; thence to          
37 deg.47'55'' N                  122 deg.19'43'' W; thence returning   
                                   along the shoreline to the point of  
                                   beginning.                           
                                                                        

DATUM: NAD 83

    (d) General regulations. (1) A power-driven vessel of 1600 or more 
gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, navigating 
within the RNAs defined in paragraph (c) of this section, shall not 
exceed a speed of 15 knots through the water.
    (2) A power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with 
a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, navigating within the RNAs defined in 
paragraph (c) of this section, shall have its engine(s) ready for 
immediate maneuver and shall operate its engine(s) in a control mode 
and on fuel that will allow for an immediate response to any engine 
order, ahead or astern, including stopping its engine(s) for an 
extended period of time.
    (3) The master, pilot or person directing the movement of a vessel 
within the RNAs defined in paragraph (c) of this section shall comply 
with Rule 9 of the Inland Navigation Rules (INRs) (33 U.S.C. 2009) in 
conjunction with the provisions of the associated INRs.
    (e) Specific Regulations.--(1) San Francisco Bay RNA. (i) A vessel 
shall navigate with particular caution in a precautionary area, or in 
areas near the terminations of traffic lanes or channels, as described 
in this regulation.
    (ii) A power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug 
with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, shall:
    (A) Use the appropriate traffic lane and proceed in the general 
direction of traffic flow for that lane;
    (B) Use the Central Bay Deep Water Traffic Lane if eastbound with a 
draft of 45 feet or greater or westbound with a draft of 28 feet or 
greater;
    (C) Not enter the Central Bay Deep Water Traffic Lane when another 
power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons or tug with a tow of 
1600 or more gross tons is navigating therein when either vessel is:
    (1) Carrying certain dangerous cargoes (as denoted in section 
160.203 of this subchapter);
    (2) Carrying bulk petroleum products; or
    (3) A tank vessel in ballast if such entry would result in meeting, 
crossing, or overtaking the other vessel;
    (D) Normally join or leave a traffic land at the termination of the 
land, but when joining or leaving from either side, shall do so at as 
small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable;
    (E) So far as practicable keep clear of the Central Bay Separation 
Zone and the Deep Water Traffic Land Separation Zone;
    (F) Not cross a traffic lane separation zone unless crossing, 
joining, or leaving a traffic lane.
    (2) Pinole Shoal Channel RNA. (i) The use of Pinole Shoal Channel 
RNA is reserved for navigation of vessels with a draft greater than 20 
feet or tugs with tows drawing more than 20 feet. Vessels drawing less 
than 20 feet are not permitted within this RNA and are prohibited from 
crossing it at any point.
    (ii) A power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons or a tug with 
a tow of 1600 or more gross tons shall not enter Pinole Shoal Channel 
RNA, if such entry would result in meeting, crossing, or overtaking 
another vessel, when the other power-driven vessel of 1600 or more 
gross tons or tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons is navigating 
therein when either vessel is:
    (A) Carrying certain dangerous cargoes (as denoted in Sec. 160.203 
of this subchapter);
    (B) Carrying bulk petroleum products; or
    (C) A tank vessel in ballast.
    (iii) Vessels permitted to use this channel shall proceed at a 
reasonable speed so as not to endanger other vessels or interfere with 
any work which may become necessary in maintaining, surveying, or 
buoying the channel, and they shall not anchor in the channel except in 
case of a deviation authorized under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (iv) This paragraph shall not be construed as prohibiting any 
necessary use of the channel by any public vessels while engaged in 
official duties, or in emergencies by pilot boats.
    (3) Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA. A power-driven vessel of 
1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross 
tons, shall not transit the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge RNA when 
visibility is less than 1000 yards.
    (4) Southampton Shoal/Richmond Harbor RNA. A power-driven vessel of 
1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross 
tons, shall not enter Southampton Shoal/Richmond Harbor RNA when 
another power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross tons, or a tug with a 
tow of 1600 or more gross tons, is navigating therein, if such entry 
would result in meeting, crossing, or overtaking the other vessel.
    (5) Oakland Harbor RNA. A power-driven vessel of 1600 or more gross 
tons or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons shall not enter the 
Oakland Harbor RNA when another power-driven vessel of 1600 or more 
gross tons, or a tug with a tow of 1600 or more gross tons, is 
navigating therein, if such entry would result in meeting, crossing, or 
overtaking the other vessel.

    Dated: December 2, 1994.
R.A. Appelbaum,
Rear Admiral, Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 94-30476 Filed 12-9-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M