165.928—Security Zone; Mackinac Bridge, Straits of Mackinac, Michigan.

(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) Designated Representative means those persons designated by the Captain of the Port to monitor these security zones, permit entry into these zones, give legally enforceable orders to persons or vessels within these zones and take other actions authorized by the Captain of the Port. Persons authorized in paragraph (e) to enforce this section and Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River (VTS) are Designated Representatives.

(2) Federal Law Enforcement Officer means any employee or agent of the United States government who has the authority to carry firearms and make warrantless arrests and whose duties involve the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States.

(3) Navigable waters of the United States means those waters defined as such in 33 CFR part 2.

(4) Public vessel means vessels owned, chartered, or operated by the United States, or by a State or political subdivision thereof.

(5) Michigan Law Enforcement Officer means any regularly employed member of a Michigan police force responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the general criminal laws of Michigan as defined in Michigan Compiled Laws section 28.602(l)(i).

(b) Security zone. The following area is a security zone: All waters enclosed by a line connecting the following points: 45°50.763 N: 084°43.731 W, which is the northwest corner; thence east to 45°50.705 N: 084°43.04 W, which is the northeast corner; thence south to 45°47.242 N: 084°43.634 W, which is the southeast corner; thence west to 45°47.30 N: 084°44.320 W, which is the southwest corner; then north to the point of origin. The zone described above includes all waters on either side of the Mackinac Bridge within one-quarter mile of the bridge. [Datum: NAD 1983].

(c) Obtaining permission to enter or move within, the security zone: All vessels must obtain permission from the COTP or a Designated Representative to enter or move within, the security zone established in this section. Vessels with an operable Automatic Identification System (AIS) unit should seek permission from the COTP or a Designated Representative at least 1 hour in advance. Vessels with an operable AIS unit may contact VTS St. Marys River (Soo Traffic) on VHF channel 12. Vessels without an operable AIS unit should seek permission at least 30 minutes in advance. Vessels without an operable AIS unit may contact Coast Guard Station St. Ignace on VHF channel 16.

(d) Regulations. The general regulations in 33 CFR part 165 subpart D, apply to any vessel or person in the navigable waters of the United States to which this section applies. No person or vessel may enter the security zone established in this section unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated representatives. Vessels and persons granted permission to enter the security zone shall obey all lawful orders or directions of the Captain of the Port or his designated representatives. All vessels entering or moving within the security zone must operate at speeds which are necessary to maintain a safe course and which will not exceed 12 knots.

(e) Enforcement. Any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer may enforce the rules in this section. In the navigable waters of the United States to which this section applies, when immediate action is required and representatives of the Coast Guard are not present or not present in sufficient force to provide effective enforcement of this section, any Federal Law Enforcement Officer or Michigan Law Enforcement Officer may enforce the rules contained in this section pursuant to 33 CFR 6.04-11. In addition, the Captain of the Port may be assisted by other Federal, state or local agencies in enforcing this section pursuant to 33 CFR 6.04-11.

(f) Exemption. Public vessels as defined in paragraph (a) of this section are exempt from the requirements in this section.

(g) Waiver. For any vessel, the Captain of the Port Sault Ste. Marie may waive any of the requirements of this section, upon finding that operational conditions or other circumstances are such that application of this section is unnecessary or impractical for the purpose of port security, safety or environmental safety.

(h) Enforcement period. This rule will be enforced Labor Day of each year; 6 a.m. (local) to 11:59 p.m. (midnight) (local).

Code of Federal Regulations

[CGD09-06-019, 71 FR 45389, Aug. 9, 2006]