Document ID: USCG-2010-1004-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: NPRM:  Security Zones: Increase of Security Zones from 100 to 500 yards; San Francisco Bay, Delta Ports, Monterey Bay, and Humboldt Bay, CA (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2010-11-03T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67673-67676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27707]

[[Page 67673]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG-2010-1004]
RIN 1625-AA87

Security Zone; Increase of Security Zones From 100 to 500 Yards; 
San Francisco Bay, Delta Ports, Monterey Bay, and Humboldt Bay, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes a permanent increase in security zone 
size from 100 yards (91 meters) to 500 yards (457 meters) on the 
navigable waters of San Francisco Bay, Delta Ports, Monterey Bay, and 
Humboldt Bay, CA. Security zones are necessary to effectively protect 
high value assets (HVAs) such as cruise ships, high interest vessels 
(HIV), or tankers, as defined in 33 CFR 165.1183. A security zone is 
only enforceable within the limits of that zone. The limitation of the 
100 yard (91 meters) security zone hinders reaction time and the 
ability of the coxswains to determine the target of interest's (TOI) 
intent, properly assess the situation, and execute protective measures 
for HVAs. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, 
transiting through, or anchoring within the temporary security zones 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or her designated 
representative.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before December 3, 2010. Requests for public meetings must 
be received by the Coast Guard on or before November 22, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2010-1004 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail Lieutenant Junior Grade Allison A. Natcher, U.S. 
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco; telephone 415-399-7442 e-mail D11-PF-MarineEvents@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2010-1004), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (via http://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via http://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered 
received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. 
If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered 
as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the 
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and 
a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions 
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-2010-1004'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' 
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit 
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable 
for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and 
would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a 
stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all 
comments and material received during the comment period and may change 
the rule based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted 
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2010-1004'' and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an 
agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket 
Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be 
beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will 
hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal 
Register.

Background and Purpose

    Experiences during security zone enforcement operations, 
observations during boat tactics training, and discussions with 
Commanding Officers/Officers in Charge and tactical coxswains from 
Sector San Francisco's Level I Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security 
(PWCS) stations, has led Enforcement staff and field units to determine 
that the current 100-yard (91 meters) security zones are not adequate 
enough to protect a high value asset from sabotage, subversive acts,

[[Page 67674]]

accidents, criminal actions, or other causes of a similar nature. While 
enforcing a security zone, screening or reaction vessels are required 
to wait until a target of interest (TOI) enters the zone prior to 
taking preventative measures against the TOI from approaching a high 
value asset.
    The increase of the security zones to 500 yards (457 meters) would 
allow reaction time to a vessel closing in at 20 knots to increase from 
9 seconds (for 100 yards/91 meters) to 36 seconds (for 500 yards/457 
meters). A 500 yard (457 meters) security zone would increase reaction 
time, allow proper assessment of the situation, and would improve the 
ability of the tactical coxswains to properly execute protective 
measures.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent increase in 
security zone size from 100 yards (91 meters) to 500 yards (457 meters) 
of any cruise ship, tanker or HIV that is underway, anchored, or moored 
within the navigable waters of San Francisco Bay, Delta Ports, Monterey 
Bay, and Humboldt Bay, CA.
    ``Cruise ship,'' ``tanker'' and ``HIV'' are defined under 33 CFR 
165.1183 (b). Security zones are necessary to effectively protect these 
high value assets from sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, 
criminal actions, or other causes of a similar nature. Persons and 
vessels will be prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or 
anchoring within the temporary safety zones unless authorized by the 
Captain of the Port, or her designated representative.
    Security zones will be enforced by Coast Guard patrol craft and San 
Francisco Harbor Police as authorized by the Captain of the Port. See 
33 CFR 6.04-11, Assistance of other agencies.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits 
under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and 
Budget has not reviewed it under that Order.
    We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so 
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary.
    These regulations exist for a limited period of time on a limited 
portion of the waterways. Further, individuals and vessels desiring to 
use the affected portion of the waterways may seek permission from the 
Patrol Commander to use the affected areas.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed 
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. We expect this rule may affect owners and 
operators of vessels, some of which may be small entities, intending to 
fish, sightsee, transit, or anchor in the waters affected by these 
security zones. These security zones will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for several 
reasons: Small vessel traffic will be able to pass safely around the 
area and vessels engaged in event activities, sightseeing and 
commercial fishing have ample space outside of the area governed by the 
special local regulations to engage in these activities. Small entities 
and the maritime public will be advised of implementation of these 
security zones via public notice to mariners or notice of 
implementation published in the Federal Register.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please contact Lieutenant Junior Grade Allison 
A. Natcher, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco; telephone 415-399-
7442 e-mail D11-PF-MarineEvents@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not 
retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this 
proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).

Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule 
under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications 
for federalism.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize 
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to

[[Page 67675]]

safety that might disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant 
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under Executive Order 13211.

Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why 
using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or 
operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management 
systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standards bodies.
    This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we 
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. A preliminary 
environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is 
available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any 
comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

    1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. 
L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.

    2. Revise Sec.  165.1183 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.1183  Security Zones; Cruise Ships, Tankers and High Interest 
Vessels, San Francisco Bay and Delta Ports, Monterey Bay and Humboldt 
Bay, California.

    (a) Locations. (1) San Francisco Bay. All waters, extending from 
the surface to the sea floor, within 500 yards (457 meters) ahead, 
astern, and extending 500 yards (457 meters) along either side of any 
cruise ship, tanker, or HIV that is underway, anchored, or moored 
within the San Francisco Bay and Delta port areas shoreward of the line 
drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 
& 4195, positions 37[deg]46.9' N, 122[deg]35.4' W and 37[deg]46.5' N, 
122[deg]35.2' W, respectively).
    (2) Monterey Bay. All waters, extending from the surface to the sea 
floor, within 500 yards (457 meters) ahead, astern, and extending 500 
yards (457 meters) along either side of any cruise ship, tanker, or HIV 
that is underway, anchored, or moored within the Monterey Bay area 
shoreward of a line drawn between Santa Cruz Light (LLNR 305) to the 
north in position 36[deg]57.10' N, 122[deg]01.60' W, and Cypress Point, 
Monterey to the south, in position 36[deg]34.90' N, 121[deg]58.70' W.
    (3) Humboldt Bay. All waters, extending from the surface to the sea 
floor, within 500 yards (457 meters) ahead, astern, and extending 500 
yards (457 meters) along either side of any cruise ship, tanker, or HIV 
that is underway, anchored, or moored within the Humboldt Bay area 
shoreward of a 4 nautical mile radius line drawn to the west of the 
Humboldt Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy HB (LLNR 8130) in position 
40[deg]46.25' N, 124[deg]16.13' W.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section--
    Cruise ship means any vessel over 100 gross register tons, carrying 
more than 12 passengers for hire which makes voyages lasting more than 
24 hours, of which any part is on the high seas. Passengers from cruise 
ships are embarked or disembarked in the U.S. or its territories. 
Cruise ships do not include ferries that hold Coast Guard Certificates 
of Inspection endorsed for ``Lakes, Bays and Sounds'' that transit 
international waters for only short periods of time on frequent 
schedules.
    Designated representative means any commissioned, warrant, and 
petty officers of the Coast Guard on board Coast Guard, Coast Guard 
Auxiliary, and local, state and federal law enforcement vessels who 
have been authorized to act on the behalf of the Captain of the Port.
    High Interest Vessel or HIV means any vessel deemed by the Captain 
of the Port, or higher authority, as a vessel requiring protection 
based upon risk assessment analysis of the vessel and is therefore 
escorted by a Coast Guard or other law enforcement vessel with an 
embarked Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer.
    Tanker means any self-propelled tank vessel constructed or adapted 
primarily to carry oil or hazardous materials in bulk in the cargo 
spaces.
    (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.33 of this part, entry into or remaining in the zones 
described in paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited unless 
authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, San Francisco Bay, 
or her designated representative.
    (2) Mariners seeking permission to transit through a security zone 
described in paragraph (a) of this section may request authorization to 
do so from the Patrol Commander (PATCOM), a designated representative. 
The PATCOM may be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16.
    (3) All persons and vessels granted permission to enter a security 
zone must comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or 
the designated representative.
    (4) Upon being hailed by U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel by 
siren, radio, flashing light, or other means, the

[[Page 67676]]

operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed.
    (5) The Coast Guard may be assisted by other federal, state, or 
local agencies.

    Dated: October 19, 2010.
C.L. Stowe,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port San Francisco.
[FR Doc. 2010-27707 Filed 11-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P