USCG Proposes Rule to Enhance Operations During Dredging

The USCG has published a notice of proposed rulemaking for a regulated navigation area (RNA) on the Kill van Kull, Newark Bay and Elizabeth and Port Newark channels. The USCG anticipates the proposed area will enhance vessel safety during the extensive channel deepening project to be undertaken by the USACE and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The project, expected to last six years, will deepen the existing 40 ft. channel to 45 ft. The proposed RNA defines tugs with tows as "a tug with a vessel or barge in tow, alongside or being pushed." The vessel operating restrictions include the following: · Vessels must secure permission from Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTSNY) prior to entering a work area where drill barges and/or dredges are located. · Vessels transiting work areas are required to do so at a no-wake speed. · Vessels over 300 gt and tugs with tows are prohibited from overtaking other vessels in the work area. · The master, pilot or operator of each vessel must ensure he has sufficient propulsion and directional control to safely navigate the work area under the prevailing conditions, and must notify VTSNY of his decision to engage assist tugs. · The hawser or wire length between a tug and barge may not exceed 100 ft., measured from the towing bit to the point where the hawser connects with the barge.