[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 59 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14935-14939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-7299]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[COTP Prince William Sound 02-011]
RIN 2115-AA97


Security Zone; Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, Valdez, AK

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking 
(SNPRM) is to amend the Collection of Information (COI) section of the 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) preamble for ``Security Zone; Port 
Valdez and Valdez Narrows, Valdez, AK'' (NPRM), 67 FR 65074 (Oct. 23, 
2002). The original notice proposed new COI requirements that must be 
included. The original NPRM is re-printed in its entirety for the 
convenience of the public. The Coast Guard proposes establishing a 
security zone encompassing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) Valdez 
Terminal Complex, Valdez, Alaska and TAPS Tank Vessels and a security 
zone in the Valdez Narrows, Port Valdez, Alaska. The security zones are 
necessary to protect the Alyeska Marine Terminal and Vessels from 
damage or injury from sabotage, destruction or other subversive acts. 
Entry of vessels into these security zones is prohibited unless 
specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Prince William 
Sound, Alaska.

DATES: Comments on the COI section of this SNPRM and related material 
must reach the Coast Guard on or before May 27, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may mail comments and related material to U.S. Coast 
Guard Marine Safety Office, P.O. Box 486, Valdez, Alaska 99686. Marine 
Safety Office Valdez, AK, maintains the public docket for this 
rulemaking. Comments and material received from the public, as well as 
documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, 
will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or 
copying at Marine Safety Office Valdez, AK between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lt. Chris Beadle, U.S. Coast Guard 
Marine Safety Office Valdez, Alaska, at (907) 835-7222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and material related to the new COI section only. If you do 
so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number 
for this rulemaking (COTP Prince William Sound 02-011), indicate that 
you would like to comment on the new COI section, and give the reason 
for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an 
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for 
copying. If you would like to know that your submission reached us, 
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will 
consider all comments and material received during the comment period. 
We may change this proposed rule in view of them. During the comment 
period for the NPRM which expired on December 23, 2002 we received no 
comments. Comments for this SNPRM should address the revised COI 
section addressed by this SNPRM.

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for a meeting by writing to Marine Safety Office Valdez at the 
address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we 
determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a 
time and place announced by a separate notice in the Federal Register.

Background and Purpose

    This rulemaking amends the COI section of the NPRM preamble for 
``Security Zone; Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, Valdez, AK'' (NPRM), 
67 FR 65074 (Oct. 23, 2002). The comment period for 67 FR 65074 (Oct. 
23, 2002) has run and the original NPRM is re-printed in its entirety 
for the convenience of the public and is identical to that in the 
original NPRM. The preamble is also identical to that found in 67 FR 
65074 (Oct. 23, 2002) with the exception of the new COI Section. 
Accordingly, comment on this SNPRM will be limited to the supplemental 
information contained in the COI section of the preamble. The Coast 
Guard is taking this action for the immediate protection of the 
national security interests in light of terrorist acts perpetrated on 
September 11, 2001. The port of Valdez is a vital national commercial 
port, supporting the transfer and transport of a significant percentage 
of oil used in the United States. As such, it is crucial that actions 
be taken to protect the flow of commerce from possible terrorist or 
subversive acts designed to damage maritime facilities and vessels 
transiting to and from the Port of Valdez. The proposed rule would 
replace existing regulations in 33 CFR 165.1701 and the temporary rule 
issued in July, which will expire December 31, 2002, that created 
temporary Sec.  165.T17-010, entitled ``Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, 
Valdez, Alaska.'' The proposed rule would work to safely control the 
flow of commercial traffic and protect vital maritime facilities by 
creating security zones and check-in procedures designed to identify 
threats for response by appropriate law enforcement resources.
    On November 7, 2001, we published three temporary final rules in 
the Federal Register (66 FR 56208, 56210, 56212) that created security 
zones effective through June 1, 2002. The section numbers and titles 
for these security zone regulations are--
    Sec.  165.T17-003--Security zone; Trans-Alaska Pipeline Valdez 
Terminal Complex, Valdez, Alaska,
    Sec.  165.T17-004--Security zone; Port Valdez, and
    Sec.  165.T17-005--Security zones; Captain of the Port Zone, Prince 
William Sound, Alaska.
    On June 4, 2002, we published a temporary final rule (67 FR 38389) 
that established security zones to replace those security zones that 
expired June 1,

[[Page 14936]]

2002. That rule issued in June, which expired July 30, 2002, created 
temporary Sec.  165.T17-009, entitled ``Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, 
Valdez, Alaska''.
    On July 26, 2002, we published a temporary final rule (67 FR 49582-
84) that established security zones to replace temporary Sec.  165.T17-
009 that expired July 30, 2002. That rule issued in July, which expired 
December 31, 2002, creating temporary Sec.  165.T17-010, entitled 
``Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, Valdez, Alaska''. This proposed rule 
removed the temporary security zones in Sec.  165.T17-010 and added 
permanent security zones in a new 33 CFR 165.1701.
    On October 23, 2002, we published a NPRM (67 FR 65074) designed to 
permanently add the permanent security zones in a new 33 CFR Sec.  
165.1701. This supplemental rule would remove the temporary security 
zones in Sec.  165.T17-010 and add permanent security zones in a new 33 
CFR 165.1701.
    During the comment period for the NPRM which expired on December 
23, 2002 we received no comments.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would establish three security zones in new 33 
CFR 165.1701(a) and move the current safety zone in existing 33 CFR 
165.1701 to new 33 CFR 165.1701(b). This proposed rule also would 
establish procedures for vessel entry into the security zones for 
management of the natural resources administered by the Alaska 
Department of Natural Resources.
    The Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) Valdez Marine Terminal security 
zone encompasses the waters of Port Valdez between Allison Creek to the 
east and Sawmill Spit to the west and offshore to marker buoys A and B 
(approximately 1.5 nautical miles offshore from the TAPS Terminal). The 
Tanker Moving security zone encompasses the waters within 200 yards of 
a TAPS Tanker within the Captain of the Port, Prince William Sound 
Zone. The Valdez Narrows security zone encompasses the waters 200 yards 
either side of the Tanker Optimum Trackline through Valdez Narrows 
between Entrance Island and Tongue Point. This zone is enforced only 
when a TAPS Tanker is in the zone. The TAPS safety zone encompasses all 
waters within 200 yards of on shore and off shore facilities of the 
TAPS Terminal and is a safety buffer between potentially hazardous 
terminal operating areas and areas to which vessels may be permitted 
entry by the Captain of the Port, Prince William Sound, during State of 
Alaska managed fisheries openings and/or closings.
    The Coast Guard has worked closely with local and regional users of 
Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows waterways to develop these security 
zones and the NPRM in order to mitigate the impact on commercial and 
recreational users. The limited size of the terminal security zone is 
designed to minimize impact on mariners while ensuring public safety by 
preventing interference with terminal operations. The Tank Vessel 
moving vessel security zone and the Valdez Narrows security zone will 
be enforced only while vessels are transiting the area and are designed 
to provide a safe operating distance while minimizing threats to tanker 
operations.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This proposed 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. We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule 
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 limited size of the zones and the limited duration of the Tank 
Vessel moving security and Valdez Narrows security zone. Additionally, 
vessels will not be precluded from transiting and operating in these 
areas as The Captain of The Port will consider requests for entry on a 
case-by-case basis and requests for entry will be approved as 
appropriate. Those desiring to transit the area of the security zone 
must contact the Captain of the Port under the provisions of proposed 
33 CFR 165.1701(d).

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this proposed 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.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed 
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. The proposed rule would affect the following 
entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners and 
operators of commercial fishing vessels and native subsistence 
fishermen. Some of the areas that these entities might desire to use 
for fishing may fall within the security zones. However, The Captain of 
The Port will consider requests for entry into the security zone on a 
case-by-case basis and requests for entry will be approved as 
appropriate; therefore, it is likely that very few, if any, small 
entities will be impacted by this rule.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or 
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its 
provisions or options for compliance, please contact Lt. Chris Beadle, 
U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Valdez, Alaska, (907) 835-7222.

Collection of Information

    This proposed rule contains information collection requirements 
that have not been approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
This proposed rule would modify an existing collection of information 
requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520). As defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(c), ``collection of information'' 
comprises reporting, recordkeeping, monitoring, posting, labeling, and 
other similar actions. The title and description of the information 
collection, a description of those who must collect the information, 
and an estimate of the total annual burden follow. The estimate covers 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing sources of 
data, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection.
    Title: Ports and Waterways Safety.
    OMB Control Number: 2115-0540.

[[Page 14937]]

    Summary of the Collection of Information: The Captain of the Port, 
Prince William Sound Alaska requires information on vessel owners and 
operators, and their vessels, desiring to enter into the security zone 
around the Trans Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) Alyeska Valdez Marine Terminal.
    Need for Information: To ensure port and vessel safety and security 
and to ensure the State of Alaska natural resource agencies are able to 
manage State of Alaska regulated fisheries.
    Proposed Use of Information: This information is required to 
control vessel traffic, develop contingency plans, and enforce 
regulations.
    Description of the Respondents: The respondents are owners, 
operators, or persons in charge of non TAPS vessels operating in the 
vicinity of the Trans Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) Alyeska Valdez Marine 
Terminal.
    Number of Respondents: The existing OMB-approved collection number 
of respondents is 1,339. This proposed rule would increase the number 
of respondents by 20 to a total of 1,359.
    Frequency of Response: The existing OMB-approved collection annual 
number of responses is 1,339. This rule will increase the number of 
responses by 20 to a total of 1,359.
    Burden of Response: The existing OMB-approved collection burden of 
response is 2 and \1/4\ hours. This proposed rule would not change the 
burden of response because it will take less time for the responders to 
complete this response. Their vessels and crew are smaller.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The existing OMB-approved 
collection total annual burden is 2,929 hours. This proposed rule would 
increase the total annual burden by 20 hours to a total of 2,949 hours.
    We ask for public comment on the collection of information to help 
us determine how useful the information is; whether it can help us 
perform our functions better; whether it is readily available 
elsewhere; how accurate our estimate of the burden of collection is; 
how valid our methods for determining burden are; how we can improve 
the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information; and how we can 
minimize the burden of collection.
    If you submit comments on the collection of information, submit 
them both to OMB and to the Docket where indicated under ADDRESSES, by 
the date under DATES.
    You need not respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid control number from OMB. The existing OMB-
approved collection is valid until September 30, 2003.

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 proposed 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 proposed rule would not result in such an 
expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this 
preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not effect 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 proposed 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 proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed 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. We 
invite your comments on how this proposed rule might impact tribal 
governments, even if that impact may not constitute a ``tribal 
implication'' under the Order.

Energy Effects

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

Environment

    We have considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule 
and concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of Commandant 
Instruction M16475.lD, this rule is categorically excluded from further 
environmental documentation since implementation of this action will 
not result in any inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or Local 
laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment. A 
``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket 
where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 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. 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.


Sec.  165.T17-013  [Removed]

    2. Remove Sec.  165.T17-013
    3. Revise Sec.  165.1701 to read as follows:

[[Page 14938]]

Sec.  165.1701  Port Valdez and Valdez Narrows, Valdez, Alaska--
security and safety zones.

    (a) Security Zone Locations. The following areas are security 
zones:
    (1) Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) Valdez Terminal complex 
(Terminal), Valdez, Alaska and TAPS Tank Vessels. All waters enclosed 
within a line beginning on the southern shoreline of Port Valdez at 
61[deg]04'57'' N, 146[deg]26'20'' W; thence northerly to 61[deg]06'30'' 
N, 146[deg]26'20'' W; thence east to 61[deg]06'30'' N, 146[deg]21'15'' 
W; thence south to 61[deg]05'07'' N, 146[deg]21'15'' W; thence west 
along the shoreline and including the area 2000 yards inland along the 
shoreline to the beginning point. This security zone encompasses all 
waters approximately 1 mile north, east and west of the TAPS Terminal 
between Allison Creek (61[deg]05'07'' N, 146[deg]21'15'' W) and Sawmill 
Spit (61[deg]04'57'' N, 146[deg]26'20'' W).
    (2) Tank Vessel Moving Security Zone. All waters within 200 yards 
of any TAPS tank vessel maneuvering to approach, moor, unmoor or depart 
the TAPS Terminal or transiting, maneuvering, laying to or anchored 
within the boundaries of the Captain of the Port, Prince William Sound 
Zone described in 33 CFR 3.85(b).
    (3) Valdez Narrows, Port Valdez, Valdez, Alaska. All waters within 
200 yards of the Valdez Narrows Tanker Optimum Track line bounded by a 
line beginning at 61[deg]05'6.0'' N, 146[deg]37'20.0'' W; thence south 
west to 61[deg]04'00.0'' N, 146[deg]39'52.0''; W; thence southerly to 
61[deg]02'33.5'' N, 146[deg]41'28.0'' W; thence north west to 
61[deg]02'40.5'' N, 146[deg]41'47.5'' W; thence north east to 
61[deg]04'06.0'' N, 146[deg]40'14.5'' W; thence north east to 
61[deg]05'23.0'' N, 146[deg]37'40.0'' W; thence south east back to the 
starting point at 61[deg]05'16.0'' N, 146[deg]37'20.0'' W.
    (i) The Valdez Narrows Tanker Optimum Track line is a line 
commencing at 61[deg]05'23.0'' N, 146[deg]37'22.5'' W; thence south 
westerly to 61[deg]04'03.2'' N, 146[deg]40'03.2'' W; thence southerly 
to 61[deg]03'00'' N, 146[deg]41'12'' W.
    (ii) This security zone encompasses all waters approximately 200 
yards either side of the Valdez Narrows Optimum Track line.
    (b) The following location is a safety zone: all waters within 200 
yards of the shore and offshore facilities of the TAPS Terminal between 
Allison Creek (61[deg]05'07'' N, 146[deg]21'15'' W) and Sawmill Spit 
(61[deg]04'57'' N, 146[deg]26'20'' W).
    (c) Regulations. (1) Entry into or remaining in these zones is 
prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, 
Prince William Sound via the request process set out in paragraph (d) 
of this section.
    (2) For the purposes of this section, paragraphs (a), (e), and (f) 
of Sec. 165.33 do not apply to the following vessels or individuals 
legally on board those vessels:
    (i) Public vessels of the United States; and
    (ii) Vessels engaged in the movement of oil from the TAPS terminal 
or fuel to the TAPS terminal and that have reported their movements to 
the Vessel Traffic Service or vessels that are performing work at the 
TAPS Terminal including, but not limited to tugs, oil spill response 
vessels, boom boats, security and safety vessels.
    (3) Enforcement of Valdez Narrows security zone. Section 165.33(a) 
will not be enforced in the Valdez Narrows security zone, described in 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section, except when a tank vessel greater 
than 20,000 DWT is in the Valdez Narrows security zone. Vessels must 
stay clear of the Valdez Narrows security zone when a transiting tank 
vessel approaches the Valdez Narrows VTS Special Area from the vicinity 
of Entrance Island to the north and Tongue Point to the south of Valdez 
Narrows. The Valdez Narrows VTS Special Area is depicted as the purple 
dashed lines on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chart 
16707 and is described in Sec.  161.60(b) of this subchapter.
    (4) Vessels other than those described in paragraph (c)(2) of this 
section desiring access to the security and safety zones set out in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall secure permission from the 
Captain of the Port under the procedures listed in paragraph (d).
    (d) Permits. (1) The Captain of the Port may allow access to the 
security and safety zones in order to encourage utilization of natural 
resources, promote tourism and provide for other reasonable use 
consistent with the needs of security and safety within Port Valdez and 
Prince William Sound. Vessels desiring access must obtain a permit from 
the Captain of the Port in the following manner:
    (2) Applicants must submit an application via written request to 
the Captain of the Port at least 48 hours prior to the desired time of 
entry into a security or safety zone. Applications submitted less than 
48 hours prior to the desired time of entry may be accepted by the 
Captain of the Port on a case by case basis. The written request must:
    (i) Demonstrate good cause for entry into a security or safety 
zone.
    (ii) Describe the vessel(s) entering (including name, visible 
identifying numbers, markings, etc.) and times/dates of entry.
    (iii) Provide certification that all crew members and other persons 
on board are U.S. citizens or provide names and identifying information 
on all non-U.S. citizens (passport, etc.) and certification that all 
other crew and other persons on board are U.S. citizens.
    (iv) Provide a name and contact information for the applicant or 
the applicant's designated point of contact.
    (v) If the application is submitted less than 48 hours prior to the 
desired entry into a security or safety zone it must provide the reason 
the applicant was unable to meet the 48 hour deadline. The Captain of 
the Port may consider circumstances beyond the applicant's control as 
acceptable for relief from the 48 hour deadline. ``Beyond the 
applicant's control'' may include, but is not limited to, short notice 
fishing openers, gear retrieval for short notice fishing closures or 
other actions by state or federal wildlife or natural resources 
management agencies. If an application does not meet the 48 hour 
deadline and is not accepted, the Captain of the Port shall provide the 
reason(s) why the application is denied in a written response to the 
applicant.
    (vi) Applications may be delivered in person or by mail to Captain 
of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, P.O. Box 486, 105 
Clifton Drive, Valdez, Alaska, 99686-0486.
    (3) Upon approval the Captain of the Port shall issue a letter 
permitting access to a security zone specifying time(s)/date(s) of 
entry, check-in, check-out and emergency vacate procedures. This letter 
shall be carried aboard the vessel and presented upon request to any 
on-scene patrol personnel of the Coast Guard.
    (4) The Captain of the Port may require a permit to monitor certain 
radio frequencies, display special visual signals such as flags or 
markers, enter and depart at specific locations and undergo a vessel 
examination prior to entry into any security or safety zone.
    (5) All persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of 
the Coast Guard Captain of the Port and the designated on-scene patrol 
personnel. These personnel comprise commissioned, warrant, and petty 
officers of the Coast Guard. Upon being hailed by a vessel displaying a 
U.S. Coast Guard ensign, by siren, radio, flashing light, or other 
means, or by on-scene Coast Guard patrol personnel, the operator of the 
vessel shall proceed as directed. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local or 
state agencies may be present to inform vessel operators of the 
requirements of this section and other

[[Page 14939]]

applicable laws. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local or state agencies and 
may have on board their vessels Coast Guard patrol personnel.
    (e) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231 and 49 CFR 1.46, the 
authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226.

    Dated: March 5, 2003.
Mark A. Swanson,
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Prince William Sound, 
Alaska.
[FR Doc. 03-7299 Filed 3-26-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P