[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 129 (Thursday, July 5, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39632-39633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16399]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0452]


Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of enforcement of regulation.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard will enforce the Seattle Seafair Unlimited 
Hydroplane Race Special Local Regulation on Lake Washington, WA from 8 
a.m. on August 2, 2012 through 11:59 p.m. on August 5, 2012 during

[[Page 39633]]

hydroplane race times. This action is necessary to ensure public safety 
from the inherent dangers associated with high-speed races while 
allowing access for rescue personnel in the event of an emergency. 
During the enforcement period, no person or vessel will be allowed to 
enter the regulated area without the permission of the Captain of the 
Port, on-scene Patrol Commander or Designated Representative.

DATES: The regulations in 33 CFR 100.1301 will be effective from 8 a.m. 
on August 2, 2012 through 11:59 p.m. on August 5, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
call or email Ensign Nathaniel P. Clinger, Sector Puget Sound Waterways 
Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone 206-217-6045, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard will enforce the special 
local regulation for the annual Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane 
Race in 33 CFR 100.1301 from 8 a.m. on August 2, 2012 through 11:59 
p.m. on August 5, 2012.
    Under the provisions of 33 CFR 100.1301, the Coast Guard will 
restrict general navigation in the following area: The waters of Lake 
Washington bounded by the Interstate 90 (Mercer Island/Lacey V. Murrow) 
Bridge, the western shore of Lake Washington, and the east/west line 
drawn tangent to Bailey Peninsula and along the shoreline of Mercer 
Island.
    The regulated area has been divided into two zones. The zones are 
separated by a line perpendicular from the I-90 Bridge to the northwest 
corner of the East log boom and a line extending from the southeast 
corner of the East log boom to the southeast corner of the hydroplane 
race course and then to the northerly tip of Ohlers Island in Andrews 
Bay. The western zone is designated Zone I, the eastern zone, Zone II. 
(Refer to NOAA Chart 18447).
    The Coast Guard will maintain a patrol consisting of Coast Guard 
vessels, assisted by Auxiliary Coast Guard vessels, in Zone II. The 
Coast Guard patrol of this area is under the direction of the Coast 
Guard Patrol Commander (the ``Patrol Commander''). The Patrol Commander 
is empowered to control the movement of vessels on the racecourse and 
in the adjoining waters during the periods this regulation is in 
effect. The Patrol Commander may be assisted by other federal, state 
and local law enforcement agencies.
    Only authorized vessels may be allowed to enter Zone I during the 
hours this regulation is in effect. Vessels in the vicinity of Zone I 
shall maneuver and anchor as directed by Coast Guard Officers or Petty 
Officers.
    During the times in which the regulation is in effect, the 
following rules shall apply:
    (1) Swimming, wading, or otherwise entering the water in Zone I by 
any person is prohibited while hydroplane boats are on the racecourse. 
At other times in Zone I, any person entering the water from the 
shoreline shall remain west of the swim line, denoted by buoys, and any 
person entering the water from the log boom shall remain within ten 
(10) feet of the log boom.
    (2) Any person swimming or otherwise entering the water in Zone II 
shall remain within ten (10) feet of a vessel.
    (3) Rafting to a log boom will be limited to groups of three 
vessels.
    (4) Up to six (6) vessels may raft together in Zone II if none of 
the vessels are secured to a log boom. Only vessels authorized by the 
Patrol Commander, other law enforcement agencies or event sponsors 
shall be permitted to tow other watercraft or inflatable devices.
    (5) Vessels proceeding in either Zone I or Zone II during the hours 
this regulation is in effect shall do so only at speeds which will 
create minimum wake, seven (07) miles per hour or less. This maximum 
speed may be reduced at the discretion of the Patrol Commander.
    (6) Upon completion of the daily racing activities, all vessels 
leaving either Zone I or Zone II shall proceed at speeds of seven (07) 
miles per hour or less. The maximum speed may be reduced at the 
discretion of the Patrol Commander.
    (7) A succession of sharp, short signals by whistle or horn from 
vessels patrolling the areas under the direction of the Patrol 
Commander shall serve as signal to stop. Vessels signaled shall stop 
and shall comply with the orders of the patrol vessel; failure to do so 
may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, 
or both.

The Coast Guard may be assisted by other Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agencies in enforcing this regulation.
    This notice is issued under authority of 33 CFR 100.1301 and 5 
U.S.C. 552(a). If the Captain of the Port determines that the regulated 
area need not be enforced for the full duration stated in this notice, 
he may use a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to grant general permission 
to enter the regulated area.

    Dated: June 1, 2012.
S.J. Ferguson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Puget Sound.
[FR Doc. 2012-16399 Filed 7-3-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P