(a) Regulated area. The following area is a permanent safety zone: All navigable waters of Port Valdez within a 200-yard radius from a position of 61°07′22″ N. and 146°21′13″ W. This includes the entrance to the Valdez small boat harbor.
(b) Effective date. This rule will be effective from 9:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. on July 4th of each year, or during the same time frame on specified rain dates of July 5th through July 8th of each year.
(c) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
(1) The term “designated representative” means any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer of the U. S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the COTP, Prince William Sound, to act on his or her behalf.
(2) The term “official patrol vessel” may consist of any Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local law enforcement vessels assigned or approved by the COTP, Prince William Sound.
(d) Regulations.
(1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23, as well as the following regulations, apply.
(2) The safety zone is closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the COTP or the designated representative during periods of enforcement.
(3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or the designated representative. Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel or other official patrol vessel by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of the vessel shall proceed as directed.
(4) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the regulated area may request permission from the COTP via VHF Channel 16 or (907) 835-7205 (Prince William Sound Vessel Traffic Center) to request permission to do so.
(5) The Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to advise mariners of the safety zone before and during the event.
(6) The COTP may be aided by other Federal, state, borough and local law enforcement officials in the enforcement of this regulation.
[USCG-2017-0092, 82 FR 25730, June 5, 2017]