§161.13. VTS Special Area operating requirements. — Inbound Citations

(c) In addition to the requirements set forth in §§ 161.13 and 161.60(c) of this chapter, a tank vessel of 20,000 deadweight tons or more that intends to navigate within the regulated navigation area must:

(1) Report compliance with part 164 of this chapter, to the Vessel Traffic Center (VTC);

(2) Have at least two radiotelephones capable of operating on the designated VTS frequency, one of which is capable of battery operation;

(3) When steady wind conditions in the VTS Special Area or Port Valdez exceed, or are anticipated to exceed 40 knots, proceed as directed by the VTC (entry into the VTS Special Area and Port Valdez is prohibited);

(4) When transiting the VTS Special Area, limit speed to 12 knots; and

(5) If laden and intending to navigate the VTS Special Area, limit speed to 12 knots except between Middle Rock and Potato Point where the speed limit shall be 6 knots; and

(c) When the Morgan City River gauge reads 3.0 feet or above mean sea level, in addition to the requirements set forth in § 161.13 of this chapter, the requirements of paragraph (d) and (e) of this section apply to a towing vessel which will navigate:

(1) under the lift span of the SPRR Bridge; or

(2) through the navigational opening of the U.S. 90 Highway Bridge: or

(3) through the navigational opening of the Highway 182 Bridge.

(2) A vessel of less than 40,000 dead weight tons is exempt from the provision set forth in § 161.13(b)(1) of this part.

(3) A vessel of less than 100 meters in length is exempt from the provisions set forth in § 161.13(b)(3) of this part.