The Coast Guards Role in the Development of Artificial Reefs

Eighth Coast Guard District

Waterways Management.

Artificial ReefsDuring the application phase for an artificial reef,

the Coast Guard is involved in two parts:• Evaluating navigation safety during the review of U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers permits process.• Oversight of aids to navigation marking requirements.

Coast Guard’s Authority to review of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

permitsPort & Waterways Safety Act – 33 U.S.C.

1221• Provides the CG’s statutory basis to ensure the

safety of navigation on waterways.

Memorandum of Agreement with the ACOE

• Established a formal process whereby the CG will provide input into the Corp’s process for issuing permits related to fixed or floating structures.

Coast Guard’s Review of U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers Permits• Evaluate the Risk of any structure or work that may effect

navigation.• Make use of input from Harbor Safety Committees, Industry

Groups, past accidents and investigations.• Evaluate the impact of obstructions to navigation and assist in

determining way to mitigate risks to navigation.

• The general rules relating to the marking of obstructions to navigation are found in 33 CFR Part 64.

• The intent of the policy is to define effective and practical methods of marking reefs for the safety of surface navigation and protection of commercial fishing gear.

• Each reef is site specific and a PATON marking determination will be made for each site.

Coast Guard Policy for Marking of Artificial Reefs

Sample Buoy Design Configuration

X

X

X XX

X X X

XX

X

Less than ½ NMOne buoy positioned in the center of the reef.

½ to 1 NMOne buoy in each corner of the reef

Over 1NMOne buoy in each corner of the reef

Additional buoys set on the perimeter at 1NM intervals (or as directed by USCG)

X

XX

X

Channel or Fairway

Less than 500 yds

In addition to the general requirements

- A lateral aid (red or green) with quick flashing light. Placed between the reef’s edge and the fairway.

X

Sample Buoy Design Configuration

USCG Eighth DistrictWaterways Management

Artificial Reef Points of Contact:

CAPT Chris Palmer (504) 671-2107

Mr. Rusty Wright (504) 671-2138

Mr. Joe Vawters (504) 671-2119