Boating Alerts & Notices: 2013

10/07/2013

Notice of Flashboards Installation/Boat Lock Operation at Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates



08/30/2013

Hazardous Boating conditions along the Colorado River due to recent storm activity



05/30/2013

Notice of Flashboards Removal/Boat Lock Suspension at Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates


May 30, 2013


The California Department of Water Resources advises that it will remove the flashboards and suspend Boat Lock operations at the Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gates, located 2.2 nautical miles from the easterly end of Montezuma Slough at coordinates, 38°05’36”W, beginning no sooner than May 29, 2013.

Mariners are advised to use the Maintenance Channel on the east side of the channel. The Boat Lock will be closed to boat traffic. Signs and lights will be posted to warn vessels to avoid the Boat Lock.



04/08/2013

Coast Guard advises boaters and beachgoers to exercise caution


April 8, 2013


ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard is urging mariners and beachgoers to exercise extreme caution when venturing out or near the water due to high winds and heavy seas impacting the northern and central coastline of California this evening and continuing into Tuesday evening.

A small craft advisory and a gale warning are in effect for much of the coast as the strong winds produce big waves and dangerous rip currents, endangering beachgoers and mariners and setting vessels adrift.

The heavy seas often produce dramatic beach scenes. Beachgoers need to remain vigilant and never turn their back to the ocean. Large waves, combined with strong rip currents, can knock adults off their feet and pull them out to sea. Beachgoers are reminded to avoid low-lying areas and to stay off the jetties.

Dog owners are also reminded to protect their pets from rough waves and not to attempt to rescue their dog from a surf zone. It is important to remember to keep calm and allow the dog to swim out on his or her own. Dogs tend to be stronger swimmers than people.

Additionally, it is recommended that individuals avoid taking to the water during this time. If it is necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check all their safety equipment to ensure it is in good condition and working properly. This includes a properly fitted flotation device for everyone aboard, navigation lights, and distress signals. 

Boaters are strongly encouraged to have a VHF marine radio to monitor weather conditions and communicate with other mariners, emergency position indicator radio beacon and digital selective calling that allows the Coast Guard to know the position of vessel. For more information on boat safety visit http://www.uscgboating.org.

The Coast Guard is encouraging all vessel owners and operators to check the status of mooring and anchoring arrangements. Vessels that are not properly secured during a storm can break free from moorings, often a result of worn lines, an insufficient number of lines, or an improperly sized anchor or anchor chain. It is a good idea to double up vessel mooring lines during strong winds and heavy seas. Vessels that become adrift pose severe hazards to nearby people and vessels, and can also pose environmental risks as any fluids or chemicals onboard can spill or leak.

Most importantly, if there are any signs of distress, never hesitate to contact emergency crews for help. Dial 911 at the first signs of distress, and the Coast Guard is always standing by on marine channel 16.

For latest updates on the weather click the following links:

http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/

http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/ca.php?x=1



04/08/2013

Safety Zone; San Francisco Giants Fireworks Display, San Francisco, CA


April 8, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone for the San Francisco Giants Fireworks Display in the Captain of the Port, San Francisco area of responsibility during the dates and times noted below. This action is necessary to protect life and property of the maritime public from the hazards associated with the fireworks display. During the enforcement period, unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring in the safety zone, unless authorized by the Patrol Commander (PATCOM).

Click here to learn more.



03/26/2013

Safety Zone; SFPD Training Safety Zone; San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, CA


March 26, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Hunters Point in San Francisco, CA in support of the San Francisco Police Department's maritime interdiction training exercises. This safety zone is established to ensure the safety of the exercise participants and mariners transiting the area. Unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or remaining in the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.

Click here to learn more.



03/25/2013

Safety Zone; Desert Storm Shootout; Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City, AZ


March 25, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the navigable waters of the Colorado River in Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City, Arizona in support of the Desert Storm Shootout. This temporary safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, participating vessels, and other vessels and users of the waterway. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.

Click here to learn more.



03/22/2013

Special Local Regulation; Southern California Annual Marine Events for the San Diego Captain of the Port Zone


March 22, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard will enforce the 2013 San Diego Crew Classic Special Local Regulation located in the regulated area encompasses that portion of Mission Bay, San Diego, California bounded by Enchanted Cove, Fiesta Island, Pacific Passage and DeAnza Point, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 6, 2013 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 7, 2013. This action is necessary to provide to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, sponsor vessels of the event, and general users of the waterway. During the enforcement period, no spectators shall anchor, block, loiter in, or impede the transit of participants or official patrol vessels in the regulated area during the effective dates and times, unless cleared for such entry by Coast Guard Patrol Commander or through an official supporting vessel.

Click here to learn more.



03/21/2013

Coast Guard warns on fake fire extinguishers


March 21, 2013


fake labelingThe U.S. Coast Guard Inspections and Compliance Directorate has issued a Marine Safety Alert saying that the Coast Guard has recently become aware of counterfeits of U.S. Coast Guard approved portable fire extinguishers manufactured by Amerex Corporation and Buckeye Fire Equipment.

The safety alert says that both companies are major producers of genuine approved fire extinguishing equipment and serve a worldwide market. The counterfeit extinguishers present a significant safety hazard. Their capability to extinguish a fire is unproven; they may be charged with a powdery substance that is not a fire extinguishing agent, the pressure cylinder is not DOT approved, and the pressure gauge may not function or give false readings.

The dry-chemical counterfeit extinguishers are size B-II and may be identified by several distinguishing features:


  • Counterfeit units may have duplicate serial numbers. Genuine approved extinguishers will have a unique serial number for each extinguisher. For counterfeit Amerex extinguishers, the serial number V-654690 has been reported. There may be other serial numbers used on the counterfeits. For counterfeit Buckeye extinguishers, the serial number K-094927 with a red handle and serial number YMU76222 with a black handle have been reported.
  • The labels on counterfeit extinguishers may be simply printed. Labels on genuine approved extinguishers will include a security imprint / texture behind the UL LISTED logo, classification, testing and approval data. Genuine Amerex Corporation extinguishers will have a pattern of scored "circles," and genuine Buckeye Fire Equipment extinguishers will have the letter "S" scored into the label.
  • wrong bottomsThe bottoms of the counterfeits have a rounded curved in lip as shown on the right side of the image on the right. The bottom of a genuine Amerex extinguisher is shown on the left side of the image. Genuine Buckeye extinguishers will have a date stamped on the bottom.
  • The counterfeit extinguishers have been reported to have black or red plastic handles. Genuine approved dry-chemical B-II extinguishers typically have handles that are constructed of silver-colored aluminum (although there are some with plastic handles).
  • Pressure gauges on the counterfeit units may be the wrong color. The gauges on genuine approved Buckeye dry-chemical extinguishers will have a red background.
  • Counterfeit extinguishers may have welded seams on the sides of the cylinders.

The Coast Guard believes that counterfeit production is not limited to Amerex Corporation and Buckeye Fire Equipment. There has been unconfirmed mention of a possible case with Badger portable fire extinguishers. However, at this time there have been no confirmed reports of counterfeit units from other manufacturers.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessel owner / operators inspect their equipment. Inspectors, surveyors, owner / operators and others suspecting that they may have identified counterfeit extinguishers should contact the Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards immediately. Please provide a description of the suspect units, including if possible photographs showing full front, rear, and bottom views of the extinguishers, along with close-ups of all labels, and submit this information to typeapproval@uscg.mil with a copy to mailto:anticounterfeiting@us.ul.com.



03/20/2013

Safety Zone; BWRC Southwest Showdown 2, Parker, AZ


 

March 20, 2013


 

A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone within the Lake Moolvalya region of the navigable waters of the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona for the Blue Water Resort and Casino Southwest Showdown. This temporary safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, participating vessels, and other vessels and users of the waterway. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated representative.



03/20/2013

Safety Zone; Lake Havasu Triathlon; Lake Havasu City, AZ


March 20, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone within the navigable waters of Lake Havasu and the London Bridge Channel for the Lake Havasu Triathlon. This temporary safety zone is necessary to provide safety for the swimmers, crew, rescue personnel, and other users of the waterway. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated representative.



03/15/2013

PUBLIC NOTICE
2013 Water Hyacinth Control Program






Contact:  Gloria Sandoval (916) 651-5692

March 15, 2013

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The California Department of Boating and Waterways is conducting herbicide treatments to control water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Region.

The following information is subject to change based on governmental requirements, weather conditions, plant growth, waterway traffic, fish presence surveys and other conditions.

Treatment Period
Area 2-4: Mar. 18, 2013 – Nov. 30, 2013
Area 1: June 1, 2013 – Nov. 30, 2013

Treatment Area
Selected areas of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Region. See map for treatment sites.

Herbicides Being Used
Glyphosate or 2,4-D
(Herbicides are registered for aquatic use with California Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.)

Precautions
None required.

Contact Information

To report sightings or for more information regarding the control program, please see DBW’s website at www.dbw.ca.gov or call 888-326-2822.



03/04/2013

Vessel Documentation Renewal Fees




March 4, 2013


A Proposed Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations to separately list an annual fee for renewals of endorsements upon the Certificate of Documentation. The Coast Guard is required to establish user fees for services related to the documentation of vessels. This proposed rule would separately list a fee of $26 to cover the current costs of the vessel documentation services provided by the Coast Guard.



02/13/2013

Safety Zone; Sea World San Diego Fireworks, Mission Bay; San Diego, CA





February 13, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone on the navigable waters of Mission Bay in support of the Sea World San Diego Fireworks. This safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, participating vessels, and other vessels and users of the waterway. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring within this safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.



01/28/2013

Safety Zone; Military Ocean Terminal Concord Safety Zone, Suisun Bay, Military Ocean Terminal Concord, CA





January 28, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone in the navigable waters of Suisun Bay near Military Ocean Terminal Concord, CA in support of military onload and offload operations. This safety zone is established to enhance the safety of mariners transiting the area in the unlikely event of an ordnance related mishap. All persons or vessels are prohibited from anchoring or otherwise loitering in the safety zone during military onloads and offloads without permission of the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.



01/23/2013

Inland Waterways Navigation Regulation:
Sacramento River, CA





January 23, 2013


A Rule by the Coast Guard

By this direct final rule, the Coast Guard is removing the Decker Island restricted anchorage area in the Sacramento River. The restricted anchorage area was needed in the past to prevent non- government vessels from transiting through or anchoring in the United States Army's tug and barge anchorage zones. The United States Army relinquished control of the island in 1975, and the restricted anchorage area is no longer necessary.