USCG Amends Regulated Navigation Area

The USCG has published and made effective an interim rule authorizing Captains of the Port (COTP) to grant exemptions from the First USCG District Regulated Navigation Area requirement for twin screw tugs or tug escorts for single-hulled tank barges. COTPs may grant exemptions until July 1, 2000, provided the operator demonstrates the barge employs an equivalent level of safety. When determining whether to grant an exemption, COTPs will consider several factors, including the availability of on-call tug assistance, time of transit, route, weather, environmental factors, amount and grade of cargo, existence and sufficiency of anchoring and retrieval equipment on manned barges, construction of the tank barge and the operator's overall safety record. Operators must submit each exemption request no later than seven days before the intended transit. Exemptions will not be available after July 1, 2000.