[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 5157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2633]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[CGD 05-96-107]


Regulated Navigation Area: Chesapeake Bay Ice Navigation Season

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of implementation.

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SUMMARY: This document implements 33 CFR 165.503 effective from January 
15, 1997 to March 15, 1997. Section 165.503 establishes a Regulated 
Navigation Area (RNA) for the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay 
and its tributaries. Operators of specified vessels are required to 
contact Captain of the Port (COTP) Baltimore prior to entering or 
getting underway within the Regulated Navigation Area to determine if 
operating restrictions have been imposed due to ice conditions.

DATES: Section 165.503 of 33 CFR is effective from 12:01 a.m., January 
15, 1997 to 12:01 a.m., March 15, 1997, unless sooner terminated by the 
COTP Baltimore by publication of a document in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 Lieutenant Commander Brooks Minnick, U.S. Coast Guard Activities 
Baltimore, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21226, (410) 576-
2585.

DRAFTING INFORMATION: The drafters of this regulation are Lieutenant 
Commander Brooks Minnick, project officer, COTP Baltimore, Maryland, 
and Commander Greg Shelton, project attorney, Maintenance and Logistics 
Command Atlantic Legal Staff.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Ice conditions frequently exist during 
winter months on the northern portion of Chesapeake Bay and its 
tributaries. Severe ice conditions may threaten the safety of persons, 
vessels and the environment. COTP Baltimore may issue specific COTP 
orders imposing operating restrictions due to ice conditions, vessel 
construction, and cargo. Mariners are also encouraged to monitor 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNTM) to determine if ice conditions 
exist in a specific area.
    Section 165.503 of 33 CFR establishes a Regulated Navigation Area 
(RNA). Operators of vessels carrying oil or hazardous materials in bulk 
as cargo or residue, power-driven vessels of three hundred gross tons 
or more, vessels of one hundred gross tons or more carrying one or more 
passengers for hire, and towing vessels of 26 feet or more in length 
must contact COTP Baltimore before entering or getting underway within 
the RNA to obtain current COTP orders. Section 165.503 will remain in 
effect from January 15, 1997 to March 15, 1997.

    Dated: January 13, 1997.
G.S. Cope,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Activities 
Baltimore.
[FR Doc. 97-2633 Filed 2-3-97; 8:45 am]
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