This just came in from a kayak list. I though some of you PNW folks might find it useful: Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District 3publicaffairs.com/clients/uscg-13/46810.gif> News Release Date: February 12, 2009 Contact: LCDR Emily Saddler (206) 220-7210 Coast Guard announces Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing Regulated Navigation Areas along the Oregon and Washington coasts SEATTLE - The Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking Thursday that would establish Regulated Navigation Areas along the Oregon and Washington coasts. The proposed rule would amend Coast Guard regulations at Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 165, Subpart F, specifically adding Section 165.1322, which would establish Regulated Navigation Areas along the Oregon and Washington coasts encompassing the coastal inlets and rivers that have hazardous bars. The proposed rule would establish clear procedures for restricting recreational and uninspected passenger vessel traffic from crossing a hazardous bar within the Regulated Navigation Area. The proposed rule would also establish clear procedures for closing hazardous bars within the Regulated Navigation Area to all vessels during severe environmental conditions. In addition, the proposed rule would establish additional safety requirements for recreational and small commercial vessels to comply with during certain hazardous conditions. This proposed rule would mitigate the risks associated with the bars and enhance the safety of the persons and vessels operating on and in the vicinity of them. The Coast Guard encourages the public to view the final rule at 74 FR 7022 http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-2592.pdf and to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2008-1017. All comments received will be posted, without change.