Document ID: USCG-2012-0073-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: NPRM:  Special Local Regulations: Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2012-03-23T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 57 (Friday, March 23, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16974-16978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6986]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 100

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0073]
RIN 1625-AA08

Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, 
Narragansett Bay, RI

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish temporary special local 
regulations on the navigable waters of Narragansett Bay and Newport 
Harbor, Rhode Island, for the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012. 
This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life and property 
on the navigable waters of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, Rhode 
Island, during the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival on July 6-9, 2012. 
These temporary special local regulations would restrict vessel traffic 
in portions of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Southeastern 
New England.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before May 22, 2012. Requests for public meetings must be 
received by the Coast Guard on or before April 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2012-0073 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail or Delivery: 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. Deliveries 
accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329. See the 
``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on 
submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these 
three methods.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or email Mr. Edward G. LeBlanc, Waterways Management 
Division at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, telephone 401-
435-2351, email Edward.G.LeBlanc@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-2012-0073), 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 email 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, 
type the docket number (USCG-2012-0073 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with 
this rulemaking.
    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

[[Page 16975]]

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 proposed 
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, 
type the docket number USCG-2012-0073 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with 
this rulemaking. 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 on or before April 13, 2012, 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.

Basis and Purpose

    The legal basis for this proposed rule is 33 U.S.C. 1233, which 
authorizes the Coast Guard to define Special Local Regulations.
    These temporary special local regulations are necessary to ensure 
the safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with the 
Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    Newport, Rhode Island, will host the Ocean State Tall Ships 
Festival 2012 from July 6-9, 2012. This visit of Class A, B, and C 
sailing vessels is part of a recurring series of sail training races, 
rallies, cruises, and port festivals organized by Tall Ships America in 
conjunction with host ports in the United States and Canada. The Ocean 
State Tall Ships Festival 2012, including a Parade of Sail, is akin to 
similar events held several times in the past in Newport, Rhode Island, 
the most recent being in 2007.
    The Tall Ships visit to Newport, which will occur from July 6-9, 
2012, will include a Parade of Sail on July 9, 2012. About 20 Class A, 
B, and C vessels are expected to participate in the Parade of Sail. 
These temporary special local regulations will provide for the safety 
of life and protection of property on the navigable waters of 
Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, by providing for the 
organized viewing of Tall Ships at their assigned berths during the 
festival and by preventing the large number of spectator vessels from 
interfering with the organized and controlled Parade of Sail. There may 
be vessels participating in the event from several foreign countries 
and the high visibility of this event warrants that temporary special 
local regulations be established to ensure the safety of vessels and 
spectators from hazards associated with the Ocean State Tall Ships 
Festival 2012.
    The participating vessels will berth at assigned facilities in 
Newport, Rhode Island, from July 5-9 2012. The festival begins on July 
6, 2012, when visitors will be permitted to get a relatively close view 
of the Tall Ships from recreational vessels in Newport Harbor, and also 
to board the berthed vessels from shore. On the morning of July 9, 
2012, the Tall Ships will depart Newport Harbor and transit up the East 
Passage, Narragansett Bay, to a turning point just north of Gould 
Island. The vessels will then transit back down the East Passage, exit 
Narragansett Bay, and head for sea.
    The Coast Guard believes that vessel congestion due to the large 
number of participating and spectator vessels may pose a significant 
hazard to navigation. To reduce the risk associated with congested 
waterways the Coast Guard is proposing to establish regulated areas to 
restrict vessel movement around the location of the participating Tall 
Ships while berthed at Newport, Rhode Island, and also while 
participating in the Parade of Sail in Narragansett Bay. These 
temporary special local regulations would be in effect at various times 
in Narragansett Bay beginning on July 6, 2012 through July 9, 2012.
    Area ``Newport Harbor'': This Area would include all waters of 
Newport Harbor within an area bounded by Aquidneck Island to the east 
and south, by the Goat Island Causeway to the north, and by a line 
extending from the southernmost tip of Goat Island due south to 
Aquidneck Island. This area is needed to protect the maritime public 
and participating vessels from hazards to navigation associated with 
numerous spectator craft approaching participating Tall Ships berthed 
at various facilities in the Newport area for the Ocean State Tall 
Ships Festival 2012.
    Area ``Potter Cove'': In connection with the Parade of Sail on July 
9, 2012, this area would be of the same coordinates of the existing 
Anchorage A in the East Passage, Narragansett Bay, that lies north of 
the Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge. This area would be used as a 
spectator anchoring area limited to excursion and passenger-for-hire 
vessels greater than 50 feet in length carrying passengers for the 
viewing of the Parade of Sail.
    Vessels other than excursion and passenger-for-hire vessels greater 
than 50 feet in length would not be permitted to anchor and would be 
required to transit at reduced speeds staying at least 20 yards away 
from any vessels authorized to anchor or otherwise remain within Area 
Potter Cove.

Area ``Parade of Sail''

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish an area to ensure the safety 
of spectator vessels and participating Tall Ships during the Ocean 
State Tall Ships Festival 2012 Parade of Sail on July 9, 2012.
    This proposed Area includes all waters of the East Passage, 
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.
    This area would be enforced only during the actual Parade of Sail. 
This area is designed to enhance navigation safety by facilitating the 
organized and controlled transit of participating vessels through the 
parade route and minimizing the impact on the maritime community.
    Notice of these special local regulations would be provided prior 
to the event through the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice 
to Mariners. In addition, the sponsoring organization, Ocean State Tall 
Ships, Inc., is planning to publish information of the event in local 
newspapers, pamphlets, Internet sites, television, and radio 
broadcasts.
    The specific geographic locations of regulated areas and specific 
requirements of this rule are contained in the regulatory text.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking.

[[Page 16976]]

Below we summarize our analyses based on 14 of these statutes or 
executive orders.

Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, 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 minimal. 
These proposed regulations involve only the southern portion of 
Narragansett Bay and would close the East Passage to commercial traffic 
only for several hours during the actual Parade of Sail on July 9, 
2012. The West Passage would remain open to vessel traffic at all 
times. The impact of these proposed regulations will not be significant 
because the majority of these proposed regulations would be in effect 
for only a portion of one day centered on the Parade of Sail, and most 
vessel traffic can pass safely around affected areas of the East 
Passage by transiting through the West Passage, Narragansett Bay.
    Notice of these special local regulations would be provided prior 
to the event through the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice 
to Mariners. In addition, the sponsoring organization, Ocean State Tall 
Ships, Inc., is planning to publish information of the event in local 
newspapers, pamphlets, Internet sites, television, and radio 
broadcasts.
    Mariners will be able to adjust their plans accordingly based on 
the extensive advance information.
    Moreover, the Areas created by these special local regulations have 
been narrowly tailored to impose the least impact on maritime interests 
yet provide the level of safety and protection deemed necessary.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered the impact of this proposed rule on 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 will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    This proposed rule may affect the following entities, some of which 
might be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending 
to transit or anchor in a portion of Narragansett Bay between July 6 
and July 9, 2012, particularly during the Parade of Sail on July 9, 
2012, when the navigation channel in the East Passage, Narragansett 
Bay, is closed for a period of time to all traffic except vessels 
participating in the Parade of Sail.
    These proposed regulations would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following 
reasons: the regulations affecting navigation in the East Passage, 
Narragansett Bay, would be in effect temporarily, and only for those 
periods of time necessary for the safety of the Ocean State Tall Ships 
Festival 2012 participants and spectators in boats viewing the Parade 
of Sail from waters adjacent to the parade route. The East Passage 
would remain open to all vessel traffic for the entire Festival from 
July 6-8, 2012, and would only be closed to vessel traffic for several 
hours during the Parade of Sail on July 9, 2012. While the East Passage 
is closed, the West Passage would remain open and is capable of being 
used by all recreational and most commercial vessels.
    Notice of these special local regulations would be provided prior 
to the event by Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners. In addition, the sponsoring organization, Ocean State Tall 
Ships, Inc., is planning to publish information of the event in local 
newspapers, pamphlets, Internet sites, television, and radio 
broadcasts.
    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 
proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or 
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its 
provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. 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 calls for no new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

    A proposed 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 will not 
result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this proposed 
rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule will 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 proposed rule is not an economically significant rule and 
does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that 
may disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive

[[Page 16977]]

Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does 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. It appears 
that this proposed rule will qualify for Coast Guard categorical 
exclusion (34)(h), as described in figure 2-1 of the Instruction. This 
proposed rule establishes temporary special local regulations. 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 100

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

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:

PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

    1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233.

    2. Add Sec.  100.35T01-0073 to read as follows:

Sec.  100.35T01-0073  Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships 
2012, Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, Rhode Island.

    (a) Regulated Areas:
    (1) Area Newport Harbor: All waters of Newport Harbor within an 
area bounded by Aquidneck Island to the east and south; by the Goat 
Island Causeway to the north; and by a line extending from the 
southernmost tip of Goat Island due south to Aquidneck Island.
    (2) Area Potter Cove: This Area is of the same coordinates as that 
portion of charted Anchorage A, as defined in paragraph Sec.  
110.145(a)(1) of this chapter, that lies north of the Claiborne Pell/
Newport Bridge.
    (3) Area Parade of Sail: Includes all waters of the East Passage, 
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, within the following boundaries: 
Beginning at position 41[deg]27'19'' N, 71[deg]23'08'' W, then 
northward to position 41[deg]28'18'' N, 71[deg]22'14'' W, (Lighted Gong 
Buoy ``7'' (LLNR 17800)) then to position 41[deg]28'38'' N, 
71[deg]21'15'' W, (Lighted Gong Buoy ``9'' (LLNR 17805)) then to 
position 41[deg]29'00'' N, 71[deg]21'00'' W, (Lighted Bell Buoy ``11'' 
(LLNR 17810)) then to position 41[deg]29'33'' N, 71[deg]21'04'' W, then 
to position 41[deg]30'19'' N, 71[deg]21'04'' W below the Claiborne 
Pell/Newport Bridge, then to position 41[deg]31'07'' N, 71[deg]21'17'' 
W, then to position 41[deg]31'49'' N, 71[deg]21'26'' W, then to 
position 41[deg]32'30'' N, 71[deg]21'22'' W, then to position 
41[deg]33'00'' N, 71[deg]21'17'' W, then to position 41[deg]33'38'' N, 
71[deg]21'00'' W, (U.S. Navy Buoy ``E'' (LLNR 18035)) then to position 
41[deg]33'52'' N, 71[deg]20'27'' W, (U.S. Navy Buoy ``F'' (LLNR 18040)) 
then to position 41[deg]33'48'' N, 71[deg]19'55'' W, (the charted 
Halfway Rock). Area Parade of Sail will continue southward to position 
41[deg]33'14'' N, 71[deg]19'12.5'' W, then to position 41[deg]32'28'' 
N, 71[deg]19'30.6'' W, then to position 41[deg]31'55'' N, 
71[deg]19'42.7'' W, then to position 41[deg]31'00'' N, 71[deg]20'04'' 
W, (Lighted Bell Buoy ``14'' (LLNR 17940)) then to position 
41[deg]30'28'' N, 71[deg]20'21'' W, then to position 41[deg]30'12'', 
71[deg]20'30'' W below the Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge, then to 
position 41[deg]29'34'' N, 71[deg]20'11'' W, (Mitchell Rock Gong Buoy 
``3'' (LLNR 17865)), then to position 41[deg]28'55'' N, 71[deg]20'19'' 
W, then to position 41[deg]27'55'' N, 71[deg]21'43'' W, then to 
position 41[deg]27'27'' N, 71[deg]21'57'' W, (Bell Buoy ``6'' (LLNR 
17790)), then to position 41[deg]26'57'' N, 71[deg]21'57'' W, then 
returning to the starting point at 41[deg]27'19'' N, 71[deg]23'08'' W. 
All coordinates are NAD 1983.
    (b) Special Local Regulations.
    (1) Definitions.
    (i) As used in this section, designated representative means a 
Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty 
officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, 
State, or local officer designated by the Captain of the Port (COTP).
    (ii) Excursion vessel, as used in this section, refers to any 
vessel granted an excursion permit as such term is defined in 46 CFR 
2.01-45.
    (iii) Vessel carrying passengers-for-hire, as used in this section, 
refers to, but is not limited to, vessels subject to regulation under 
Subchapters H, K, and T of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
    (2) In accordance with the general regulations in section 100.35 of 
this part, entering into, transiting through, anchoring or remaining 
within the regulated areas is prohibited unless designated for vessels 
of that size or entry is authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) 
Southeastern New England or designated representative.
    (3) All persons and vessels are authorized by the COTP Southeastern 
New England to enter areas of these special location regulations in 
accordance with the following restrictions:
    (i) Area Newport Harbor: Vessels transiting this Area must do so at 
a speed of at least three (3) knots or at no wake speed, whichever is 
more, while not exceeding six (6) knots. Vessels must not maneuver 
within 20 yards of a moored Tall Ship. Vessels must transit

[[Page 16978]]

this Area in a counterclockwise direction, entering Newport Harbor from 
the west, then proceeding north along the eastern side of the harbor to 
a turning point south of the Goat Island causeway in approximate 
position 41[deg]29'28'' N and 71[deg]19'40'' N, then proceeding south 
along the western side of Newport Harbor to the exit of the Area.
    Vessels proceeding under sail will not be allowed in Area Newport 
Harbor unless also propelled by machinery, due to increased difficulty 
in maintaining required speed of advance while sailing as well as 
limited maneuvering ability to proceed in a single file behind numerous 
other spectator craft viewing the moored Tall Ships.
    (ii) Area Potter Cove: This area is a spectator anchoring area 
limited to excursion and passenger-for-hire vessels greater than 50 
feet in length carrying passengers for the viewing of the Parade of 
Sail. Vessels transiting this Area must do so at a speed of at least 
three (3) knots or at no wake speed, whichever is more, while not 
exceeding six (6) knots. Vessels transiting this Area must not maneuver 
within 20 yards of any vessel lawfully anchored within this area for 
the viewing of the Parade of Sail.
    (iii) Area Parade of Sail: This will be closed to all vessel 
traffic, except those vessels designated as participants.
    (4) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of 
the COTP Southeastern New England or designated representative. Upon 
being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, flashing 
lights, or other means the operator of a vessel shall proceed as 
directed.
    (5) Persons and vessels desiring to enter, transit through, anchor 
in, or remain within the regulated areas must contact the COTP 
Southeastern New England by telephone at 508-457-3211, or designated 
representatives via VHF radio on channel 16, to request authorization. 
If authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within 
the regulated areas is granted by the COTP Southeastern New England or 
designated representative, all persons and vessels receiving such 
authorization must comply with the instructions of the COTP 
Southeastern New England or designated representative.
    (6) The Coast Guard will provide notice of the regulated areas 
prior to the event through the Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast 
Notice to Mariners. Notice will also be provided by on-scene designated 
representatives.
    (c) Enforcement Period: This section will be enforced during the 
following times.
    (1) Area Newport Harbor, from 6 a.m. on July 6, 2012, to noon on 
July 9, 2012.
    (2) Area Potter Cove, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 9, 2012.
    (3) Area Parade of Sail, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 9, 2012.

    Dated: February 29, 2012.
Verne B. Gifford, Jr.,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Southeastern New 
England.
[FR Doc. 2012-6986 Filed 3-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P