Document ID: USCG-2022-0245-0001
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Rule
Title: Safety Zone; International Special Operations Exercise, Seddon Channel, Tampa, FL
Posted Date: 2022-05-12T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29043-29045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10181]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2022-0245]
RIN 1625-AA00

Safety Zone; International Special Operations Exercise, Seddon 
Channel, Tampa, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the 
waters of Seddon Channel in Tampa Bay, in Tampa, Florida, during the 
International Special Operations Exercise. The safety zone is needed to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential 
hazards created by airborne and waterborne activities occurring during 
the exercise. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, 
transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the safety zone 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) St. Petersburg or a 
designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., on May 17, 
2022, through May 18, 2022.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2022-0245 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Marine Science Technician Second Class Regina L. Cuevas, 
Sector St. Petersburg Prevention Department, Coast Guard; telephone 
(813) 228-2191, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because it is impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest to do so, The primary justification for this action 
is that the Coast Guard was given short notice from the event sponsor 
leaving insufficient time to publish an NPRM and to receive public 
comments prior to the exercise. We must establish a safety zone by May 
17, 2022, to protect the public from hazards associated with the 
International Special Operations Exercise.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest 
because immediate action is needed to respond to the potential dangers 
to the public during the exercise.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034. The Captain of the Port St. Petersburg (COTP) has determined 
that potential hazards associated with the exercise will be a safety 
concern for anyone within the exercise area. This rule is needed to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable 
waters within the safety zone during the exercise.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone on certain navigable waters of 
the Seddon Channel from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., on May 17, 2022 through 
May 18, 2022. The safety zone will cover an area of the Seddon Channel 
located in the vicinity of the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, 
Florida. The International Special Operations Exercise is expected to 
consist of multiple airborne and waterborne activities including: 
Persons fast-roping and jumping out of helicopters, high-speed boat 
pursuits, amphibious vehicles operations, and blank ammunition use.
    The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of the 
participants, spectators, and the general public during the scheduled 
events. No vessel or person, not involved in the events, will be 
permitted to enter, transit through, anchor in or remain within the 
safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative. If authorization to enter, transit through, anchor in, 
or remain within the safety zone is granted by the COTP or a designated 
representative, all persons and vessels receiving such authorization 
must comply with the instructions of the COTP or a designated 
representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this 
rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the following 
reasons: (1) The safety zone only being enforced for a total of six 
hours over two days; (2) although persons and vessels may not enter, 
transit through, anchor in, or remain within the zone without 
authorization from the COTP or a designated representative, they may 
operate in the surrounding area during the enforcement period; (3) 
persons and vessels may still enter, transit through, anchor in, or 
remain within the areas during the enforcement period if authorized by 
the COTP or a designated representative.

[[Page 29044]]

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    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 rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
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.

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

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of 
a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a 
temporary safety zone that will prohibit non-participant persons and 
vessels from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining 
within a limited area on the waters of the Seddon Channel in the 
vicinity of Tampa, Florida. It is categorically excluded from further 
review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction 
Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration 
supporting this determination is available in the docket where 
indicated under ADDRESSES section of this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety of 
people, places or vessels.

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 amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, 160.5; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T07-0351 to read as follows:

Sec.  165.T07-0351  Safety Zone; International Special Operations 
Exercise, Seddon Channel, Tampa, FL.

    (a) Location. The following regulated area is a safety zone: All 
waters of Seddon Channel within the following area: North of 
27[deg]56'15'' N, 082[deg]27'19'' W and 27[deg]56'14'' N, 
082[deg]27'25'' W; northeast of 27[deg]56'22'' N, 082[deg]27'16'' W and 
27[deg]56'25'' N, 082[deg]27'17'' W; south of 27[deg]56'30'' N, 
082[deg]27'29'' W and 27[deg]56'29'' N, 082[deg]27'33'' W (Platt St. 
Bridge); west of 27[deg]56'23'' N, 082[deg]27'32'' W and 27[deg]56'25'' 
N, 082[deg]27'35'' W (South Harbor Island Blvd. Bridge). All 
coordinates are North American Datum 1983.
    (b) Definition. The term ``designated representative'' means Coast 
Guard Patrol Commanders, including Coast Guard coxswains, petty 
officers, and other officers operating Coast Guard vessels, and 
Federal, state, and local officers designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port (COTP) St. Petersburg in the enforcement of the 
regulated area.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative, unless you are an authorized 
participant in the event.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, transit through, anchor in or 
remain within the safety zone contact the COTP St. Petersburg by 
telephone at at (727) 824-7506 or the COTP's representative via VHF-FM 
radio on channel 16. Those in

[[Page 29045]]

the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given 
to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.
    (d) Effective date. This rule is effective from 12 p.m. until 3 
p.m., on May 17, 2022, through May 18, 2022.

    Dated: May 6, 2022.
Matthew A. Thompson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port St. Petersburg.
[FR Doc. 2022-10181 Filed 5-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P