[Federal Register: June 11, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 112)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 39852-39854] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr11jn02-6] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [COTP New Orleans-02-004] RIN 2115-AA97 Security Zones; Lower Mississippi River, Southwest Pass Sea Buoy to Mile Marker 96.0, New Orleans, LA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT. ACTION: Temporary final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing temporary moving security zones around cruise ships entering and departing the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Southwest Pass sea buoy to mile marker 96.0. These security zones are needed for the safety and security of these vessels. Entry into these zones is prohibited, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port New Orleans or his designated representative. DATES: This rule is effective from 8 a.m. on May 29, 2002, through 8 a.m. on October 15, 2002. ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of docket [COTP New Orleans-02-004] and are available for inspection or copying at Marine Safety Office New Orleans, 1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant (LT) Ricardo Alonso, Marine Safety Office New Orleans, Port Waterways Management, at (504) 589- 4222. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory Information We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a NPRM and under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Publishing a NPRM and delaying its effective date would be contrary to public interest since immediate action is needed to respond to the security concerns which are associated with the transit of these passenger vessels. The Coast Guard will, during the effective period of this temporary final rule, complete notice and comment rulemaking for permanent regulations. Elsewhere in today's issue of the Federal Register, we have published a NPRM, entitled ``Security Zones; Lower Mississippi River, Southwest Pass Sea Buoy to Mile Marker 96.0, New Orleans, Louisiana'' for a proposed permanent rule (docket number COTP New Orleans-02-005). Background and Purpose On September 11, 2001, both towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. National security and intelligence officials have warned that future terrorist attacks against civilian targets may be anticipated. In response to these terrorist acts and warnings, heightened awareness for the security and safety of all vessels, ports, and harbors is necessary. Due to the increased safety and security concerns surrounding the transit of cruise ships, the Captain of the Port, New Orleans is establishing temporary security zones around these vessels. For the purpose of this rule the term ``cruise ship'' is defined as a passenger vessel over 100 gross tons, carrying more than 12 passengers for hire, making a voyage lasting more than 24 hours any part of which is on the high seas, and for which passengers are embarked or disembarked in the United States or its territories. This definition covers passenger vessels that must comply with 33 CFR parts 120 and 128. The moving security zones will commence when a cruise ship passes the Southwest Pass Entrance Lighted Buoy ``SW'' inbound and continues through its transit, mooring, and return transit until it passes the sea buoy outbound. The establishment of moving security zones described in this rule will be announced to mariners via Marine Safety Information Broadcast. No vessel may operate within 500 yards of a cruise ship unless operating at the minimum safe speed required to maintain a safe course. Except as described in this rule, no person or vessel is permitted to enter within 100 yards of a cruise ship unless expressly authorized by the Captain of the Port, New Orleans. Moored vessels or vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area are permitted to remain within 100 yards of a cruise ship while it is in transit. [[Page 39853]] Regulatory Evaluation This rule 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. 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 Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10 (e) of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary. The impacts on routine navigation are expected to be minimal as the zones will only impact navigation for a short period of time and the size of the zones allows for the transit of most vessels with minimal delay. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we considered whether this 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 rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to transit Southwest Pass and the Lower Mississippi River to mile marker 96.0. These security zones will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The size of the security zones allow for vessels to safely transit around or through the zones with minimal interference. If you are a small business entity and are significantly affected by this regulation please contact LT Ricardo Alonso, Marine Safety Office New Orleans, Louisiana, Port Waterways Management at (504) 589- 4222. Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213 (a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offered to assist small entities in understanding the proposed rule so they could better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact LT Ricardo Alonso, Marine Safety Office New Orleans, Port Waterways Management, at (504) 589-4222. Collection of Information This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). 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 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 rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. Taking of Private Property This rule will not affect 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 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 rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 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 does 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. Energy Effects We have analyzed this 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 rule and concluded that under figure 2-1, paragraph (34) (g) of Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, this rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket for inspection or copying 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 discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 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, 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46. 2. A new temporary Sec. 165.T08-049 is added to read as follows: [[Page 39854]] Sec. 165.T08-049 Security Zones; Lower Mississippi River, Southwest Pass Sea Buoy to Mile Marker 96.0, New Orleans, Louisiana. (a) Location. Within the Lower Mississippi River and Southwest Pass, temporary moving security zones are established around all cruise ships between the Southwest Pass Entrance Lighted Buoy ``SW'', at approximate position 28 deg.52'42'' N, 89 deg.25'54'' W [NAD 83] and Lower Mississippi River mile marker 96.0 in New Orleans, Louisiana. These temporary moving security zones encompass all waters within 500 yards of a cruise ship. These zones remain in effect during the entire transit of the vessel and continue while the cruise ship is moored or anchored. (b) Effective period. This section is effective from 8 a.m. on May 29, 2002, through 8 a.m. on October 15, 2002. (c) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C. 1231, the authority for this section includes 33 U.S.C. 1226. (d) Regulations. (1) Entry of persons and vessels into these zones is prohibited unless authorized as follows. (i) Vessels may enter within 500 yards but not closer than 100 yards of a cruise ship provided they operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course. (ii) No person or vessel may enter within 100 yards of a cruise ship unless expressly authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port New Orleans. (iii) Moored vessels or vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area are permitted to remain within 100 yards of a cruise ship while it is in transit. (2) Vessels requiring entry within 500 yards of a cruise ship that cannot slow to the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course must request express permission to proceed from the Captain of the Port New Orleans or his designated representative. (3) For the purpose of this section the term ``cruise ship'' is defined as a passenger vessel over 100 gross tons, carrying more than 12 passengers for hire, making a voyage lasting more than 24 hours, any part of which is on the high seas, and for which passengers are embarked or disembarked in the United States or its territories. (4) The Captain of the Port New Orleans will inform the public of the moving security zones around cruise ships via Marine Safety Information Broadcasts. (5) To request permission as required by these regulations contact ``New Orleans Traffic'' via VHF Channels 13/67 or via phone at (504) 589-2780 or (504) 589-6261. (6) All persons and vessels within the moving security zones shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port New Orleans and designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Dated: May 29, 2002. R.W. Branch, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port New Orleans. [FR Doc. 02-14558 Filed 6-10-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-P