[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR161.13]

[Page 568]
 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
    CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 161--VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart A--Vessel Traffic Services
 
Sec. 161.13  VTS Special Area operating requirements.

    The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special 
Area:
    (a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser 
as safety and good seamanship permits.
    (b) A VMRS User shall: (1) Not enter or get underway in the area 
without prior approval of the VTS;
    (2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating 
condition or circumstance exists;
    (3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area 
without prior approval of the VTS; and
    (4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in 
the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge 
radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other 
information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This 
requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the 
International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 
COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.