(a) Definition. As used in this section -
Cruise ship means a passenger vessel over 100 gross tons, carrying more than 12 passengers for hire, making a voyage lasting more than 24 hours any part of which is on the high seas, and for which passengers are embarked or disembarked in the United States or its territories. This definition covers passenger vessels that must comply with 33 CFR parts 120 and 128.
(b) Location. The following areas are security zones: all waters of the Port of Mobile and Mobile Ship Channel -
(1) Within 100 yards of a cruise ship that is transiting shoreward of the Mobile Sea Buoy (located in approximate position 28°07′50″ N, 88°04′12″ W; NAD 83), and
(2) Within 25 yards of a cruise ship that is moored shoreward of the Mobile Sea Buoy.
(c) Periods of enforcement. This rule will only be enforced when a cruise ship is transiting the Mobile Ship Channel shoreward of the Mobile Sea Buoy, while transiting in the Port of Mobile, or while moored in the Port of Mobile. The Captain of the Port Mobile or a designated representative would inform the public through broadcast notice to mariners of the enforcement periods for the security zone.
(d) Regulations.
(1) Under § 165.33 of this part, entry into a security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Mobile or a designated representative.
(2) While a cruise ship is transiting on the Mobile Ship Channel shoreward of the Mobile Sea Buoy, and while transiting in the Port of Mobile, all persons and vessels are prohibited from entering within 100 yards of a cruise ship.
(3) While a cruise ship is moored in the Port of Mobile, all persons and vessels are prohibited from entering within 25 yards of a cruise ship.
(4) Persons or vessels that desire to enter into the security zone for the purpose of passing or overtaking a cruise ship that is in transit on the Mobile Ship Channel or in the Port of Mobile must contact the on-scene Coast Guard representative, request permission to conduct such action, and receive authorization from the on-scene Coast Guard representative prior to initiating such action. The on-scene Coast Guard representative may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16.
(5) All persons and vessels authorized to enter into this security zone must obey any direction or order of the Captain of the Port or designated representative. The Captain of the Port Mobile may be contacted by telephone at (251) 441-5976. The on-scene Coast Guard representative may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16.
(6) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port Mobile and designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.
[COTP Mobile-04-057, 70 FR 20813, Apr. 22, 2005]