On April 14, the Coast Guard amended the rule establishing a regulated navigation area (RNA) for bar crossing locations along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. The move eliminates conflicts with related provisions and clarifies application of its provisions. 

In this final rule, the Coast Guard removes the wave height and surface current provisions and regulated boating areas for bar crossing locations along the coasts of Oregon and Washington because they conflict with more recently promulgated wave height provisions and regulated boating areas for the same bar crossings.

The amendment is necessary in order to remove confusion as to which safety requirements apply to recreational vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, small passenger vessels and commercial fishing vessels when operating within the regulated navigation areas.

The amendments come into effect on May 14.

Read more in the Federal Register notice: 79 Fed. Reg. 20797