MIAMI – The Coast Guard is seeking comments on a potential regulated navigation area for certain waters surrounding Port Miami.
The notice was published in the federal register, Wednesday.
The proposal in consideration establishes a slow speed zone for vessels less than 50 meters (164 feet) in length operating in the waters of Fisherman’s Channel, the Main Ship Channel, and Moley Channel surrounding Dodge Island and Biscayne Bay Causeway Island.
Vessels of 50 meters (164 feet) or less in length would be required to transit the regulated navigation area at a slow speed that creates minimum wake to reduce the navigational hazards for mariners who operate throughout the port. This notice of proposed rulemaking is related to the previous announcement for a speed restriction in Port Miami announced in April, which is accessible here.
The Coast Guard is soliciting public comments in response to this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking through the Federal Decision-Making Portal.
To submit comments:
- Go to Regulations.gov
- Type ‘USCG-2024-0205-0049’ in the search box
- Click ‘Search.’
- Look for this document, posted Aug. 28, in the search results column
- Click on it.
- Click on the ‘Comment’ option.
- Include the docket number for this notice of proposed rulemaking and provide a reason justifying each suggestion or recommendation.
Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before Sept. 27, 2024.
“The waterways surrounding Port Miami are heavily trafficked by a mix of commercial and recreational vessels of all sizes,” said Cmdr. Dale Cressman, Coast Guard Sector Miami chief of prevention. “The proposed no wake zone for smaller vessels is a valuable regulatory tool to help the Coast Guard and our port partners maintain the safety of all mariners who transit the port. It could save lives by reducing the likelihood of speed-related boating accidents in this congested area.”
The Coast Guard determined there is an increased navigational risk in certain waterways around Port Miami based upon a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment conducted in May 2023. On April 11, the Coast Guard published a Notice of Inquiry soliciting comment on a proposed Regulated Navigation Area that would establish a slow speed zone for waters surrounding Port Miami. The Coast Guard received a total of 47 comments that were predominantly in support of the proposal.
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