Coast Guard Eyes No-Go Zone Around Sub Shipyard
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to create a security zone around the Electric Boat Shipyard in Narragansett Bay, RI, to keep the area safe from threats like sabotage. This means boats and people can’t enter without special permission starting once the rule is final. If you’re affected, you have until May 27, 2025, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs are involved, just safety first!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New security zone limits boat access
The Coast Guard proposes a security zone covering all navigable waters of Narragansett Bay, from surface to bottom, south of Quonset Point, North Kingstown, RI, bounded by coordinates starting at 41°35'06.3" N, 71°25'33.2" W and other listed points (North American Datum 1983). No person or vessel may enter or remain in the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Southeastern New England. Vessel operators must request permission from the Sector Command Center at 866-819-9128 or on VHF-FM Channel 16 and follow directions from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Certain government and Electric Boat vessels exempt
The proposed rule explicitly exempts vessels of the Armed Forces, U.S. Government-owned vessels, and vessels owned by, under hire to, or performing work for the Electric Boat Division when operating in the security zone. These exempt vessels may enter and operate in the zone without the permission required of other vessels.
Coast Guard: no major small-entity economic harm
The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency notes that while some small-vessel owners may be affected, the security zone is small and vessel traffic can transit around it, and it invites comments from any small entity that disagrees.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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