Rule2025-17318
Anchorage Regulations; Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors, CA
Primary source
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Published
September 9, 2025
Effective
October 9, 2025
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is amending the anchorage regulations for Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. This action would amend Anchorages F and G, and update anchorage usage and communication requirements. The purpose of this final rule is to improve navigation safety by modifying Anchorage F and G to accommodate an increased volume of vessel traffic and larger vessels calling on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and alleviate vessels anchoring near a subsea pipeline.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 172 (Tuesday, September 9, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 172 (Tuesday, September 9, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43392-43395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17318]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 110
[Docket Number USCG-2023-0868]
RIN 1625-AA01
Anchorage Regulations; Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors, CA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending the anchorage regulations for Los
Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. This action would amend Anchorages F
and G, and update anchorage usage and communication requirements. The
purpose of this final rule is to improve navigation safety by modifying
Anchorage F and G to accommodate an increased volume of vessel traffic
and larger vessels calling on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
and alleviate vessels anchoring near a subsea pipeline.
DATES: This rule is effective October 9, 2025.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type USCG-
2023-0868 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule,
call or email Lieutenant Rubymar Sebastian-Echevarria at Southwest
District Waterways, Coast Guard; telephone (571) 613-2930 or (206) 820-
5620, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d592c2c6a7c69786f6a7c646e5d686e7e7a33707471"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="de9aefefa9bfaabbaca9bfa7ad9eabadbdb9f0b3b7b2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
VMRS Vessel Movement Reporting System
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
On April 23, 2024, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) titled Anchorage Regulations; Los Angeles and Long
Beach Harbors, California (89 FR 30299). There we stated why we issued
the NPRM and invited comments on our proposed regulatory action related
to this amendment. During the comment period that ended July 22, 2024,
we received three (03) comments.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C.
70006 and 70034, 33 CFR 109.05, 33 CFR 1.05-1, and DHS Delegation No.
00170.1 Revision 01.3, which collectively authorize the Coast Guard to
propose, establish, and define regulatory anchorage grounds. Under
Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Sec. Sec. 1.05-1 and
109.05, U.S. Coast Guard District Commanders are delegated the
authority to establish anchorage grounds by the Commandant of the U.S.
Coast Guard. The Coast Guard established Anchorage Grounds under Title
33 CFR CGFR 67-46, 32 FR 17728, Dec. 12, 1967, as amended by CGD11-04-
005, 71 FR 15036, Mar. 27, 2006. The purpose of this rule is to improve
navigational safety and update anchorage usage and communication
requirements.
IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule
As noted above, we received three comments on the NPRM published
April 23, 2024. Two comments were submitted to the docket. One
commenter supported with the NPRM and stated that this action would
enhance the safety and usability of the anchorages. Another commenter
stated that Anchorage F and G positions do not align with the initial
submissions from the COTP and briefed to the Harbor Safety Committee.
Additionally, the commenter suggested that in Table 11 to paragraph
(c), Anchorage A should be deleted because Anchorage A was replaced
with Pier 400. Lastly, the commenter suggested that Table 11 to
paragraph (c), note ``d'': 33 CFR 165.1109(e) should be replaced with
33 CFR 165.1152. As discussed below, the Coast Guard revised the
regulatory text of this rule based on this feedback. The third
commenter emailed us to provide the comment. The commenter mentioned
they would ``greatly appreciate it if the Coast Guard could confirm
those updated coordinates with the Vessel Traffic Service LA-LB once
finalized,'' and that the ``Coast Guard reconsider language that
insinuates the rule would support ``increased volume of vessel
traffic.'' We confirmed the coordinates for the location of these
anchorages with the Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) prior to
publishing this rule. However, we disagree with the assertion that the
description of our proposed rule insinuates anything about vessel
traffic volumes.
This rule amends the boundaries and anchorage requirements for
Anchorages F and G in Los Angeles and Long Beach
[[Page 43393]]
Harbors. Changes in global demand patterns and supply chain disruptions
have contributed to port congestion and increased usage of Anchorages F
and G. Due to economies of scale, vessels calling on the Ports of Los
Angeles and Long Beach have increased in size and require more surface
area for anchoring and maneuvering. Additionally, a subsea pipeline is
located less than one nautical mile from the anchorages. For these
reasons, the Coast Guard is publishing this rule to expand the distance
between anchorages and require vessels greater than 1600 gross tons to
place their propulsion plants in standby and have a second anchor ready
to let go when forecasted and/or observed wind speeds and gusts are 35
knots or greater. This rule requirement is needed to prevent vessels
from dragging anchor and to prevent harm to vessels, the port, and the
environment. The regulation would update port, pilot, and communication
information to maintain proactive anchorage management.
In response to comments, we removed the line in Table 11 to
paragraph (c) to Anchorage A as suggested by the commenter. Anchorage A
was removed on January 2, 2015 (79 FR 71654) and this line is no longer
necessary. Additionally, we updated the formatting of the coordinates
to match what is currently in other parts of the CFR.
In addition to the changes made in response to public comments, we
made two additional changes. First, we discovered that Note ``d'' to
Table 11 to paragraph (c) contained an outdated cross-reference to
Sec. 165.1109(e). Section 165.1109 was redesignated as Sec. 165.1152
on June 30, 2001 (66 FR 33637). We have corrected that reference here.
Second, we changed the reference from Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to
VMRS to correctly refer to the system and align with 33 CFR 161.12.
While technically a VMRS, it's common parlance to refer to them as
``VTS LA-LB.''
The specific anchorage boundaries and amendments are described in
detail in the proposed regulatory text at the end of the document.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant
regulatory action,'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866.
Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard received no comments from the Small Business
Administration on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5
U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
C. Collection of Information
This rule will not call for a new collection of information under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires
Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
F. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one
of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have
a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves
amending the regulations for Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. This
action would amend Anchorages F and G, and update anchorage usage and
communication requirements. The purpose of this final rule is to
improve navigation safety by modifying Anchorages F and G to
accommodate an increased volume of vessel traffic and larger vessels
calling on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and alleviate
vessels anchoring near a subsea pipeline. It is categorically excluded
from further review under paragraph L59 (b) of Appendix A, Table 1 of
DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 110
Anchorage Grounds.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 110 as follows:
PART 110--ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70006, 70034; 33 CFR 1.05-
1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision
No. 01.3.
0
2. Amend Sec. 110.214, by revising and republishing paragraphs
(a)(1)(i) and (ii), (a)(2)(i)(B), (a)(3), (b)(6) and (7), and (c) to
read as follows:
Sec. 110.214 Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors, California.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) Unless otherwise directed by the Captain of the Port Los
Angeles-Long Beach, the Long Beach Port Pilots will assign all
anchorages inside the federal breakwater. All anchorages outside
(seaward) of the federal breakwater will
[[Page 43394]]
be assigned by Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) Center Los
Angeles-Long Beach. The master, pilot, or person in charge of a vessel
must notify the Long Beach Pilots (for anchorages inside the federal
breakwater) or VMRS Center Los Angeles-Long Beach (for anchorages
outside the federal breakwater) of their intention to anchor, upon
anchoring, and at least fifteen minutes prior to departing an
anchorage. All anchorage assignments will be made as described in this
part unless modified by the Captain of the Port.
(ii) Radio communications for port entities governing anchorages
are as follows: VMRS Center Los Angeles-Long Beach, call sign ``San
Pedro Traffic'', Channel 14 VHF-FM; Long Beach Port Pilots, call sign
``Long Beach Pilots'', Channel 12 VHF-FM.
* * * * *
(2) * * *
(i) * * *
(B) No vessel may anchor anywhere else within Los Angeles or Long
Beach harbors (inside the federal breakwater) for more than 10
consecutive days unless extended anchorage permission is obtained from
the Captain of the Port. In determining whether extended anchorage
permission will be granted, consideration will be given, but not
necessarily limited to: The current and anticipated demands for
anchorage space within the harbor, the requested duration, the
condition of the vessel, and the reason for the request.
* * * * *
(3) Other General Requirements. (i) When at anchor, all commercial
vessels greater than 1600 gross tons shall, at all times, have a
licensed or credentialed deck officer on watch and maintain a
continuous radio listening watch unless subject to one of the
exemptions in this paragraph. The radio watch must be on CH-12 VHF-FM
when anchored inside the federal breakwater, and on CH-14 VHF-FM when
anchored outside the federal breakwater, except for unmanned barges;
vessels which have less than 100 gallons of oil or fuel onboard
regardless of how the fuel is carried; and other vessels receiving
advance approval from the Captain of the Port.
(ii) When winds are forecasted and/or observed at 35 knots or
greater (including wind gusts) vessels shall ensure their propulsion
plant is placed in immediate standby and a second anchor, if installed,
is made ready to let go. Vessels unable to comply with this requirement
must immediately notify the Captain of the Port. In such case, the
Captain of the Port may require additional precautionary measures,
including but not limited to one or more tugs standing by to render
immediate assistance.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(6) Commercial Anchorage F (outside of Long Beach Breakwater). (i)
The waters southeast of the Long Beach Breakwater bounded by a line
connecting the following coordinates:
Table 6 to Paragraph (b)(6)(i)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning Point................. 33[deg]43'05.1'' N 118[deg]08'04.0''
W
Thence west to.................. 33[deg]43'05.0'' N 118[deg]10'32.5''
W
Thence south/southeast to....... 33[deg]42'13.3'' N 118[deg]09'54.8''
W
Thence south/southeast to....... 33[deg]40'51.3'' N 118[deg]09'32.2''
W
Thence south/southeast to....... 33[deg]38'36.2'' N 118[deg]07'43.8''
W
Thence north/northeast to....... 33[deg]40'44.4'' N 118[deg]06'51.4''
W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) And thence north/northwest to the beginning point.
(7) Commercial Anchorage G (outside of the Middle Breakwater). (i)
The waters south of the Middle Breakwater bounded by a line connecting
the following coordinates:
Table 7 to Paragraph (b)(7)(i)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning Point................. 33[deg]43'05.4'' N 118[deg]11'17.9''
W
Thence west to.................. 33[deg]43'05.4'' N 118[deg]12'18.6''
W
Thence south/southwest to....... 33[deg]42'25.8'' N 118[deg]14'19.2''
W
Thence southeast to............. 33[deg]40'50.4'' N 118[deg]13'01.2''
W
Thence northeast................ 33[deg]41'02.9'' N 118[deg]12'19.0''
W
Thence east/northeast to........ 33[deg]42'10.8'' N 118[deg]11'36.0''
W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) And thence north/northeast to the beginning point.
* * * * *
(c) Individual anchorage requirements: (1) Table 11 to this
paragraph (c) lists anchorage grounds, identifies the purpose of each
anchorage, and contains specific regulations applicable to certain
anchorages. Requirements for the explosives anchorage are contained in
paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) The geographic boundaries of each anchorage are contained in
paragraph (b) of this section.
Table 11 to Paragraph (c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anchorage General location Purpose Specific regulations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B.................................. Long Beach Harbor.... ......do............. ......Do.
C.................................. ......do............. ......do............. Notes a, g.
D.................................. ......do............. Commercial & Naval... Notes a, b, g.
E.................................. ......do............. Commercial........... Note c.
F.................................. Outside Breakwater... ......do............. Notes c, d, g.
[[Page 43395]]
G.................................. ......do............. ......do............. Notes c, d.
N.................................. Los Angeles Harbor... Small Craft.......... Note e.
P.................................. Long Beach Harbor.... ......do............. Note f.
Q.................................. ......do............. ......do............. Notes c, g.
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Notes:
a. Bunkering and lightering are permitted.
b. West of 118[deg]09'48'' W priority for use of the anchorage will be given to commercial vessels over 244
meters (approximately 800 feet). East of 118[deg]09'48'' W priority for use of the anchorage will be given to
Naval and Public vessels, vessels under Department of Defense charter, and vessels requiring use of the
explosives anchorage.
c. Bunkering and lightering are prohibited.
d. This anchorage is within a Regulated Navigation Area and additional requirements apply as set forth in 33 CFR
165.1152.
e. This anchorage is controlled by the Los Angeles Port Police. Anchoring, mooring and recreational boating
activities conforming to applicable City of Los Angeles ordinances and regulations are allowed in this
anchorage.
f. This anchorage is controlled by the Long Beach Harbor Master. Anchoring, mooring and recreational boating
activities conforming to applicable City of Long Beach ordinances and regulations are allowed in this
anchorage.
g. When the explosives anchorage is activated portions of this anchorage lie within the explosives anchorage and
the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section apply.
* * * * *
Dated: September 4, 2025.
Jeffrey W. Novak,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 2025-17318 Filed 9-8-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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