Coast Guard sets up VTS on Lower Mississippi

Coast Guard sets up VTS on Lower Mississippi    The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a vessel traffic service on the Lower Mississippi River and is transferring certain vessel traffic management (VTM) provisions of the Mississippi River, Louisiana — Regulated Navigation Area to the VTS.
   The final rule, effective Dec. 27, also establishes a mandatory participation VTS by implementing current voluntary practices and operating procedures.
   The Coast Guard said the new rule 'facilitates vessel transits, enhances good order, promotes safe navigation, and improves existing waterway operating measures.'
   The Coast Guard operates 12 vessel traffic services in the United States. 'A VTS provides navigation and safety information that enables mariners to make informed decisions during their voyage,' the agency said.
   In the past, the Coast Guard operated variations of a VTS in the New Orleans area. 'Unfortunately, these efforts were hindered by budget constraints, the limitations of voluntary participation, and the temporary or part-time nature of the VTS operation; none of these proved to be a permanent or complete solution to the challenges of navigating the LMR (Lower Mississippi River),' the agency said.
   For more details, access the Federal Register notice.