Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Severn River, College Creek, and Weems Creek, Annapolis, MD

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of implementation of regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is implementing the special local regulations at 33 CFR 100.518 for the U.S. Naval Academy Crew Races, marine events to be held April 17, April 24, and May 21, 2004, on the waters of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland. These special local regulations are necessary to control vessel traffic due to the confined nature of the waterway and expected vessel congestion during the events. The effect will be to restrict general navigation in the regulated area for the safety of event participants, spectators and vessels transiting the event area.

DATES:

33 CFR 100.518 will be enforced from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on April 17, 2004, from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on April 24, 2004 and from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on May 21, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ron Houck, Marine Information Specialist, Commander, Coast Guard Activities Baltimore, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21226-1971, (410) 576-2674.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy will sponsor crew races on the waters of the Severn River at Annapolis, Maryland. The events will consist of intercollegiate crew rowing teams racing along a 2000-meter course on the waters of the Severn River. A fleet of spectator vessels is expected to gather near the event site to view the competition. In order to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 33 CFR 100.518 will be in effect for the duration of each event. Under provisions of 33 CFR 100.518, vessels may not enter the regulated area without permission from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Spectator vessels may anchor outside the regulated area but may not block a navigable channel. Because these restrictions will only be in effect for a limited period, they should not result in a significant disruption of maritime traffic.