MSIB 17-20 SHIPPING SAFETY FAIRWAYS ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST NOTICE AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

The Coast Guard has published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the possible establishment of shipping safety fairways along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. This potential system of fairways is intended to ensure that traditional navigation routes are kept free from obstructions that could impact navigation safety.

Section 70003 of Title 46 United States Code directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard resides to designate necessary fairways that provide safe access routes for vessels proceeding to and from U.S. ports. Designation as a fairway keeps an area free of fixed structures. This designation recognizes the generally paramount right of navigation over other uses in the designated areas. The Coast Guard is coordinating its possible establishment of fairways along the Atlantic Coast, as well as complementary port approaches and international entry and departure zones, with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to minimize the impact on offshore energy leases.

Comments and related material must be received on or before August 18, 2020.

For additional information, complete text of the ANPRM, and/or submission of comments you may visit either of the following websites:

https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=USCG_FRDOC_0001-8504

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/19/2020-12910/shipping-safety-fairways-along-the-atlantic-coast?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list

The Coast Guard views public participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this potential rulemaking.


J. D. THEEL
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay