USCG informs that the western boundary of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Area Puget Sound has been moved from Port Angeles, Washington, to Cape Flattery, Washington, effective 08 April 2016, per The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015.
This means that the seaward boundary of the revised High Volume Port Area (HVPA) extends 50 nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean from Cape Flattery, Washington. The full details of this new boundary can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 33, §161.55.
Vessel owners and operators are reminded that Vessel Response Plans (VRPs) approved for operation within the Puget Sound Captain of the Port Zone must ensure response providers meet applicable response timeframes for the revised HVPA, as the new boundaries now extend into open ocean in addition to the sheltered waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. RMI Marine Notice 2-013-9 provides the requirements for VRPs, including response timeframes. If additional information is needed, or if plan revisions are necessary, please email the VRP program at [email protected]. CFR Title 33 §155 contains USCG requirements for VRPs.
Additionally, CFR Title 33, §161.12 (Table 161.12(c), footnote 7) summarizes specific reporting requirements for this VTS Area, and §161.55 contains several additional VTS Special Area Operating Requirements, which should be reviewed by persons responsible for vessels planning to transit this area.
Source: USCG
