(a) Definitions.
(1) As used in this section, passenger vessel is a vessel greater than 100 feet in length and over 100 gross tons that is authorized to carry more than 12 passengers for hire making voyages lasting more than 24 hours, except for a ferry.
(2) As used in this section, a vessel carrying cargoes of particular hazard is defined in 33 CFR part 126 and a vessel carrying liquefied hazardous gas (LHG) is defined in 33 CFR part 127.
(b) Location. The following area is a security zone: Fixed and moving security zones around vessels in the Port of Key West, Florida. A moving security zones is established 100 yards around all passenger vessels, vessels carrying cargoes of particular hazard, or vessels carrying liquefied hazardous gas (LHG) during transits entering or departing the Port of Key West, Florida. A moving security zones is activated when the subject vessel passes Key West Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy KW, at approximate position 24°27′26″ N, 081°48′00″ W. This moving security zone remains active whenever a passenger vessel, vessels carrying cargoes of particular hazard, or vessels carrying LHG is underway westward of the above mentioned buoys. Fixed security zones are established 100 yards around all passenger vessels, vessels carrying cargoes of particular hazard, or vessels carrying LHG, while the vessel is moored in the Port of Key West, Florida.
(c) Regulations.
(1) Prior to commencing any movement, the person directing the movement of a passenger vessel, a vessel carrying cargoes of particular hazard, or a vessel carrying LHG, is encouraged to make a security broadcast on VHF Marine Band Radio, Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) to advise mariners of the moving security zone activation and intended transit.
(2) In accordance with the general regulations § 165.33, entry into these zones is prohibited except as authorized by the Captain of the Port of Key West or a designated representative. Vessels such as pilot boats, tug boats, and contracted security vessels may assist the Coast Guard Captain of the Port by monitoring these zones strictly to advise mariners of the restrictions. The Captain of the Port will notify the public of the security zone via signs or by Marine Safety Radio Broadcasts on VHF Marine Band Radio, Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) when applicable.
(3) Persons and vessels desiring to enter in, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the fixed or moving security zones may contact the Captain of the Port Key West at (305) 292-8727 or on VHF Marine Band Radio Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) to seek permission to transit the area. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated representative.
(4) The Captain of the Port Key West may waive any of the requirements of this section for any vessel upon finding that the vessel or class of vessel, operational conditions, or other circumstances are such that application of this section is unnecessary or impractical for the purpose of port security, safety, or environmental safety.
[USCG-2018-0007, 84 FR 33172, July 12, 2019]