Florence, Alabama’s Special Local Regulation: Managing the Tennessee River

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Coast Guard Implements Temporary Tennessee River Regulation for Paddleboat Event

Florence, AL – The United States Coast Guard is enacting a temporary safety regulation on a section of the Tennessee River in planning for the Shoals Scholar Dollar event, scheduled for september 27, 2025. This action aims to safeguard personnel, vessels, and the marine habitat during the paddleboat competition. The regulation will impact navigation in a defined area between Mile Marker 255 and 257 of the Tennessee River.

Event-Driven regulation Details

According to a recent announcement, the temporary rule, effective from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on September 27th, restricts unauthorized vessel traffic within the designated area.The Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) determined that the event poses potential hazards necessitating the temporary restriction. Vessels seeking access to the regulated zone must first obtain explicit permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The Coast Guard will provide updated notices to mariners regarding the regulated zone.

Rationale for Expedited Rulemaking

Typically, such regulations undergo a period of public notice and comment. However, the Coast Guard invoked its authority to bypass these procedures due to the event’s rescheduled date. The Shoals Scholar Dollar was moved earlier in September, leaving insufficient time for a full review process before the event’s commencement. A permanent annual special local regulation for this event is already established within the Code of Federal Regulations.

Key Regulation Facts

Here’s a quick reference of the key details of the temporary regulation:

Regulation Type	Date of Enforcement	Timeframe	Location
Temporary Special Local Regulation	september 27, 2025	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Tennessee River, Mile Marker 255 to 257

The Coast Guard emphasizes adherence to all lawful directives issued by the COTP or their representatives within the regulated area. This includes compliance with any specific instructions related to navigation or event-related safety protocols. Did you know that the Coast Guard frequently implements temporary safety zones during marine events to prevent accidents and ensure public safety?

This regulation underscores the Coast Guard’s commitment to balancing recreational activities with the paramount need for maritime safety. Pro Tip: Always check for active Coast Guard safety regulations before embarking on any vessel in potentially affected waterways.

Understanding Coast Guard Special Local Regulations

The U.S. Coast Guard utilizes Special Local Regulations (SLRs) to manage vessel traffic and mitigate hazards during marine events, construction projects, or other unique circumstances. These regulations can range from temporary speed restrictions to complete closures of specific waterways.Understanding these regulations is crucial for boaters and maritime stakeholders to ensure safe and compliant navigation. The Coast Guard publishes SLRs in the Code of Federal regulations and disseminates them through Notices to Mariners and other official channels. Regularly checking these resources is essential when operating vessels in U.S. waterways.

frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee river regulations