The Captain of the Port for Coast Guard sector Miami announced the establishment of a new regulated navigation area for parts of the Port Miami. It creates a slow-speed zone for vessels shorter than 164 feet long transiting through Fisherman’s Channel and the Main Ship Channel, also known as Government Cut.
The new rule was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 30, 2024, and will go into effect on Jan. 29.
“Recreational boating safety in our busiest waterways is incredibly important for both the safety of life at sea and the continuity of commerce that flows through our marine transportation system,” Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, seventh Coast Guard district public affairs officer, said in a statement. “There are many factors beyond our control on the water, and reducing vessel speed in heavily trafficked seaports is one decision within the coast guard’s authority that may prevent injuries and save lives.”
The rule is issued under the authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034. The coast guard says the action is “necessary to enhance the protection of high-risk vessel and port operations while reducing navigational hazards to waterway uses and mariners by controlling vessel speeds.”
In May 2023, the Coast Guard navigation center and Coast Guard Sector Miami held a ports and waterways safety assessment with key local stakeholders. The workshop identified the high speed of vessels and wakes created by increased traffic “among the most concerning hazards associated with the port.”
On June 25, 2023, at 3:30 a.m., a recreational boat traveling at high speed through the main ship channel hit a vehicle ferry, resulting in loss of life and impacted the movement of passenger and cargo vessels in Port Miami. On Feb. 12, 2024, a recreational boat collided with a passenger vessel in Fishermen’s Channel, causing 13 injuries. The creation of the slow-speed zones is intended to reduce navigational risks.
A full explanation of the rule can be found at https://www.regulations.gov. Type USCG-2024-0205 in the search box.
