Special Local Regulations and Safety Zones; Annually Recurring Events in Coast Guard Southeastern New England Captain of the Port Zone

The Coast Guard proposes to amend a special local regulation to change the method of providing notice to the public when enforcing the safety zone associated with the biennial Newport/Bermuda Race. The Coast Guard also proposes to establish permanent safety zones in Coast Guard Southeastern New England Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone for several recurring marine events. When the special local regulation or safety zones are activated and subject to enforcement, vessels and people may be restricted from portions of water areas that may pose a hazard to public safety. The revised special local regulation and safety zones would expedite public notification of the applicable marine events, and help protect the maritime public and event participants from hazards associated with these recurring marine events. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.