COAST GUARD ORDERS VESSEL SPEED REDUCTION NEAR NOROLK NAVAL STATION

COAST GUARD ORDERS VESSEL SPEED REDUCTION NEAR NOROLK NAVAL STATION    The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered that ships above 300 gross tons passing by the naval station at Norfolk, Va., to reduce their speed to eight knots.
   The agency said the speed reduction along this four-mile stretch is “necessary to ensure the safety and security of naval vessels that are moored at Naval Station Norfolk.”
   The Coast Guard said the temporary final rule would remain in effect from Dec. 20 to June 15, 2003.
   “This regulated navigation area will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,” the Coast Guard said. “Deep-draft vessels typically transit this area at approximately 10 knots, and therefore the eight-knot speed limit will not cause significant delays.”