[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 33, Volume 3]

[Revised as of July 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 33CFR207.180]



[Page 45-48]

 

                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS

 

 CHAPTER II--CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF 

                                 DEFENSE

 

PART 207_NAVIGATION REGULATIONS--Table of Contents

 

Sec.  207.180  All waterways tributary to the Gulf of Mexico (except 



the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South and Southwest Passes 

and the Atchafalaya River) from St. Marks, Fla., to the Rio Grande; 

use, administration, and navigation.



    (a) The regulations in this section shall apply to:

    (1) Waterways. All navigable waters of the U.S. tributary to or 

connected by other waterways with the Gulf of Mexico between St. Marks, 

Fla., and the Rio Grande, Tex. (both inclusive), and the Gulf 

Intracoastal Waterway; except the Mississippi River, its tributaries, 

South and Southwest Passes, and the Atchafalaya River above its junction 

with the Morgan City-Port Allen Route.

    (2) Locks and floodgates. All locks, floodgates, and appurtenant 

structures in the waterways described in paragraph (a)(1) of this 

section.

    (3) Bridges, wharves, and other structures. All bridges, wharves, 

and other structures in or over these waterways.

    (4) Vessels. The term ``vessels'' as used in this section includes 

all floating craft other than rafts.

    (5) Rafts. The term ``raft'' as used in this section includes any 

and all types of assemblages of floating logs or timber fastened 

together for support or conveyance.

    (b) Authority of District Engineers. The use, administration, and 

navigation of the waterways and structures to which this section applies 

shall be under the direction of the officers of the Corps of Engineers, 

U.S. Army, in charge of the respective districts, and their authorized 

assistants. The location of these Engineer Districts, and the limits of 

their jurisdiction, are as follows:

    (1) U.S. District Engineer, Mobile, Ala. The St. Marks River, Fla., 

to the Pearl River, Mississippi and Louisiana; and the Gulf Intracoastal 

Waterway from Apalachee Bay, Fla., to mile 36.4 east of Harvey Lock.

    (2) U.S. District Engineer, Vicksburg, Miss. The Pearl River and its 

tributaries, Mississippi and Louisiana.

    (3) U.S. District Engineer, New Orleans, La. From Pearl River, 

Mississippi and Louisiana, to Sabine River, Louisiana and Texas; and the 

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from mile 36.4 east of Harvey Lock, to mile 

266 west of Harvey Lock.

    (4) U.S. District Engineer, Galveston, Tex. The Sabine River, 

Louisiana and Texas, to the Rio Grande, Tex.; and the Gulf Intracoastal 

Waterway from mile 266 west of Harvey Lock, to Brownsville, Tex.

    (c) [Reserved]

    (d) Locks and floodgates. (1) The term ``lock'' as used in this 

section shall include locks, floodgates, and appurtenant structures, and 

the area designated as the lock area including the lock approach 

channels.

    (2) Authority of lockmasters. The term ``lockmaster'' as used in 

this section means the official in charge of operating a lock or 

floodgate. The lockmaster is responsible for the immediate management 

and control of



[[Page 46]]



the lock and lock area and for the enforcement of all laws, rules, and 

regulations for the use of the lock. He is authorized to give all 

necessary and appropriate orders and instructions to every person in the 

lock area, whether navigating the lock or not; and no one shall cause 

any movement of any vessel within the lock area unless instructed to do 

so by the lockmaster or his duly authorized assistants. The lockmaster 

may refuse passage through the lock to any vessel which, in his 

judgment, fails to comply with the regulations of this section.

    (3) Sound signals. Vessels desiring passage through a lock shall 

notify the lockmaster by three long and distinct blasts of a horn, 

whistle, or calls through a megaphone, when within a reasonable distance 

from the lock. When the lock is ready for entrance, the lockmaster shall 

reply with three long blasts of a horn, whistle, or calls through a 

megaphone. When the lock is not ready for entrance, the lockmaster shall 

reply by four or more short, distinct blasts of a horn, whistle, or 

calls through a megaphone (danger signal). Permission to leave the lock 

shall be indicated by the lockmaster by one long blast.

    (4) Visual signals. Signal lights and discs shall be displayed at 

all locks as follows:

    (i) From sunset to sunrise. One green light shall indicate the lock 

is open to approaching navigation; one red light shall indicate the lock 

is closed to approaching navigation.

    (ii) From sunrise to sunset. Large discs, identical in color and 

number to the light signals prescribed in paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this 

section will be displayed from a mast on or near the lock wall.

    (5) Radiophone. Locks will moior continously VHF--Channel 14 

(``Safety and Calling'' Channel) and/or AM-2738 kHz for initial 

communication with vessels. Upon arrival at a lock, a vessel equipped 

with radio-phone will immediately advise the lock by radio of its 

arrival so that the vessel may be placed on proper turn. Information 

transmitted or received in these communications shall in no way affect 

the requirements for use of sound signals or display of visual signals, 

as provided in paragraphs (d) (3) and (4) of this section.

    (6) Precedence at locks. The order of precedence for locking is:

    (i) U.S. Government vessels, passenger vessels, commercial vessels, 

rafts, and pleasure craft.

    (ii) The vessel arriving first at a lock will be locked through 

first. When vessels approach simultaneously from opposite directions, 

the vessel approaching at the same elevation as the water in the lock 

chamber will be locked through first. In order to achieve the most 

efficient utilization of the lock, the lockmaster is authorized to 

depart from the normal order of locking precedence, stated in paragraph 

(d)(6)(i) of this section, as in his judgment is warranted.

    (iii) The lockage of pleasure boats, houseboats, or like craft may 

be expedited by locking them through with commercial craft (other than 

vessels carrying dangerous cargoes, as described in 46 CFR part 146). 

If, after the arrival of such craft, no combined lockage can be made 

within reasonable time, not to exceed three other lockages, then 

separate lockage shall be made.

    (7) Entrance to and exits from locks. No vessel or tow shall enter 

or exit from a lock before being signaled to do so. While awaiting turn, 

vessels or tows must not obstruct navigation and must remain at a safe 

distance from the lock, taking position to the rear of any vessel or 

tows that precede them; and rearranging the tow for locking in sections, 

if necessary. Masters and pilots of vessels or tows shall enter or exit 

from a lock with reasonable promptness after receiving the proper 

signal. Appropriate action will be taken to insure that the lock 

approaches are not obstructed by sections of a tow either awaiting 

lockage or already locked through. Masters of vessels shall provide 

sufficient men to assist in the locking operation when deemed necessary 

by the lockmaster. Care shall be taken to insure prompt and safe passage 

of the vessel without damage to the structure.

    (8) Lockage and passage of vessels. Vessels or tows shall enter and 

exit from locks under sufficient control to prevent damage to the lock, 

gates, guide



[[Page 47]]



walls, fenders, or other parts of the structure. Vessels shall be 

equipped with and use suitable fenders and adequate lines to protect the 

lock and to insure safe mooring during the locking operation. Vessels 

shall not meet or pass anywhere between the gate walls or fender system 

or in the approaches to locks.

    (9) Vessels prohibited from locks. The following vessels shall not 

be permitted to enter locks or approach channels:

    (i) Vessels in a sinking condition.

    (ii) Vessels leaking or spilling cargo.

    (iii) Vessels not having a draft of at least three (3) inches less 

than the depth over the sills or breast walls.

    (iv) Vessels having projection or cargo loaded in such a manner that 

is liable to damage the structure.

    (v) Vessels having chains, links, or drags either hanging over the 

sides or ends or dragging on the bottom for steering or other purposes.

    (vi) Vessels containing flammable or dangerous cargo must have the 

hatch covers in place and securely fastened.

    (10) Number of lockages. Tows locking in sections will generally be 

allowed only two consecutive lockages if other vessels are waiting for 

lockage unless otherwise decided by the lockmaster. If other tows are 

waiting above and below a lock, lockages will be made both ways 

alternately whenever practicable.

    (11) Mooring in locks. (i) When in a lock, vessels and tows shall be 

moored where directed by the lockmaster by bow, stern, and spring lines 

to the snubbing posts or hooks provided for that purpose, and lines 

shall not be let go until the signal is given for the vessel to exit. 

Tying to the lock ladders is prohibited.

    (ii) Mooring near the approaches to locks is prohibited except when 

the vessels or tows are awaiting lockage.

    (12) Lock operating personnel. Vessels and tows using the locks may 

be required to furnish personnel to assist in locking through; however, 

the operation of the structure is the responsibility of the lockmaster, 

and personnel assisting in the lockage of the vessels and tows will 

follow the direction of the appropriate official on duty at the lock. No 

gates, valves or other accessories or controls will be operated unless 

under his direction.

    (13) [Reserved]

    (14) Lockage of rafts. Rafts shall be locked through as directed by 

the lockmaster. No raft will be locked that is not constructed in 

accordance with the requirements stated in paragraph (f) of this 

section. The person in charge of a raft desiring lockage shall register 

with the lockmaster immediately upon arriving at the lock and receive 

instructions for locking.

    (e) Waterways. (1)-(5)(i) [Reserved]

    (ii) Algiers Canal between the Mississippi River and Bayou 

Barataria, La., and on Harvey Canal, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 0 

to mile 6 WHL, tows 74 feet in width will be allowed. Tows in excess of 

55 feet wide desiring to move over Algiers Canal or Harvey Canal will 

obtain clearance from the lockmaster at Algiers Lock or Harvey Lock, 

respectively, before entering the canal. Overwidth tows will report 

clearing Algiers or Harvey Canal to the respective lockmaster and will 

rearrange tows to conform to prescribed dimensions immediately upon 

leaving the canal. The lockmaster will withhold permission for 

additional tows over 55 feet wide until all previously authorized tows 

moving in the opposite direction have cleared the waterway.

    (iii)-(vi) [Reserved]

    (vii) Vessels or tows shall not navigate through a drawbridge until 

the movable span is fully opened.

    (6) Projections from vessels. Vessels or tows carrying a deck load 

which overhangs or projects over the side, or whose rigging projects 

over the side, so as to endanger passing vessels, wharves, or other 

property, shall not enter or pass through any of the narrow parts of the 

waterway without prior approval of the District Engineer.

    (7) Meeting and passing. Passing vessels shall give the proper 

signals and pass in accordance with the Federal Rules of the Road. At 

certain intersections where strong currents may be encountered, sailing 

directions may be issued through navigation bulletins or signs posted on 

each side of the intersection.



[[Page 48]]



    (f) Rafts. The navigation regulations in this paragraph shall apply 

fully to the movement of rafts.

    (1) Rafts will be permitted to navigate a waterway only if properly 

and securely assembled. Each raft shall be so secured as to prevent the 

loss or sinking of logs.

    (2) All rafts shall carry sufficient men to enable them to be 

managed properly. It will be the responsibility of the owner to remove 

logs from the waterway that have broken loose from the raft.

    (3) Building, assembling, or breaking up of a raft within a waterway 

may be permitted; however, the work must be done in an area that will 

not restrict the use of the waterway by other users. The work area must 

be cleared of loose logs so that they will not enter the waterway and 

become a hazard to navigation.

    (g) Damage. Should any damage be done to a revetment, lock, 

floodgates, bridge, or other federally owned or operated structure, the 

master of the vessel shall report the accident to the nearest lockmaster 

or bridgetender as soon as possible after the accident. Damage to aids 

to navigation and to nonfederally owned bridges must be reported to the 

Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, New Orleans, La.

    (h) Marine accidents. Masters, mates, pilots, owners, or other 

persons using the waterways covered by this section shall report to the 

District Engineer at the earliest possible date any accident on the 

waterway which causes any vessel to become an obstruction to navigation. 

The information to be furnished the District Engineer shall include the 

name of the vessel, its location, and the name and address of the owner. 

The owner of a sunken vessel shall properly mark the vessel as soon as 

practicable after sinking.

    (i) Trespass on U.S. property. (1) Trespass on or injury to waterway 

property of the United States is prohibited. No business, trading, or 

landing of freight, will be allowed on Government property without 

permission of the District Engineer.

    (2) The District Engineer may establish policy pertaining to 

mooring, exchanging crews, loading and unloading supplies, and making 

emergency repairs in the vicinity of locks so long as navigation is not 

impeded thereby.

    (j) Liability. The regulations of this section will not affect the 

liability of the owners and operators of vessels for any damage caused 

by their operations to the waterway or to the structures therein.



[36 FR 8866, May 14, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 26419, Dec. 12, 1972; 42 

FR 57961, Nov. 7, 1977; 48 FR 6707, Feb. 15, 1983; 54 FR 6519, Feb. 13, 

1989; 56 FR 13765, Apr. 4, 1991]