(a) Location. Moving and fixed security zones are established 50 yards around all cruise ships entering, departing, moored or anchored in the Port of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The security zone for a cruise ship entering port is activated when the vessel passes: St. Thomas Harbor green lighted buoy 3 in approximate position 18°19′19″ North, 64°55′40″ West when entering the port using St. Thomas Channel; red buoy 2 in approximate position 18°19′15″ North, 64°55′59″ West when entering the port using East Gregorie Channel; and red lighted buoy 4 in approximate position 18°18′16″ North, 64°57′30″ West when entering the port using West Gregorie Channel. These zones are deactivated when the cruise ship passes any of these buoys on its departure from the Port.
(b) Regulations.
(1) Under general regulations in § 165.33 of this part, entering, anchoring, mooring or transiting in these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of San Juan.
(2) Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zone may contact the Captain of the Port at the Sector San Juan at (787) 289-2041 or via VHF radio on Channel 16 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 his designated representative.
(3) Coast Guard Sector San Juan will attempt to notify the maritime community of periods during which these security zones will be in effect by providing advance notice of scheduled arrivals and departures of cruise ships via a broadcast notice to mariners.
(c) Definition. As used in this section, cruise ship means a passenger vessel greater than 100 feet in length that is authorized to carry more than 150 passengers for hire, except for a ferry.
(d) Authority. In addition to 33 U.S.C 1231 and 46 U.S.C. 70051, the authority for this section includes 46 U.S.C. 70116.
[COTP San Juan 03-024, 68 FR 33391, June 4, 2003, as amended by USCG-2008-0179, 73 FR 35017, June 19, 2008]