[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 33, Volume 1] [Revised as of July 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 33CFR117.31] [Page 546] TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PART 117_DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart A_General Requirements Sec. 117.31 Operation of draw for emergency situations. (a) When a drawtender is informed by a reliable source that an emergency vehicle is due to cross the draw, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw closed at the time the emergency vehicle arrives at the bridge. (b) When a drawtender receives notice, or a proper signal as provided in Sec. 117.15 of this part, the drawtender shall take all reasonable measures to have the draw opened, regardless of the operating schedule of the draw, for passage of the following, provided this opening does not conflict with local emergency management procedures which have been approved by the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port: (1) Federal, State, and local government vessels used for public safety; (2) Vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or property; (3) Commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage operations; and (4) Vessels seeking shelter from severe weather. [CGD 91-016, 58 FR 20, Jan. 4, 1993]