Safety Zone; Outer Continental Shelf Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

Résumé

The Coast Guard proposes to establish safety zones around seven high-production, manned oil and natural gas platforms in the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. The seven platforms need to be protected from vessels operating outside the normal shipping channels and fairways. Placing safety zones around the platforms will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, oil spills and releases of natural gas. The proposed regulation prevents all vessels from entering or remaining in specified areas around the platforms except for the following: An attending vessel; a vessel under 100 feet in length overall not engaged in towing; or a vessel authorized by the Eighth District Commander. The proposed safety zones are necessary to protect the safety of life, property and environment.