MIAMI, USA – The Captain of the Port for Coast Guard Sector Miami has announced a new regulated navigation area in the waters surrounding Port Miami. This regulation, effective January 29, 2025, will mandate a slow-speed zone for vessels less than 50 meters (164 feet) in length navigating through Fisherman’s Channel and the Main Ship Channel.
Published in the Federal Register on December 30, this measure aims to enhance recreational boating safety in one of the busiest maritime zones, ensuring both the safety of life at sea and the uninterrupted flow of commerce through the region’s marine transport network.
“Reducing vessel speeds in heavily trafficked seaports is essential in preventing injuries and saving lives,” emphasized a spokesperson from the Coast Guard. This regulation comes under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70034 and aims to protect high-risk vessel and port operations while minimizing navigational hazards for waterway users and mariners.
A safety assessment conducted in early May 2023 identified high vessel speeds and wakes from increased traffic as critical safety concerns. These findings were reinforced by recent incidents, including a high-speed collision between a recreational vessel and a vehicle ferry on June 25, 2023, resulting in loss of life and significant disruptions to cargo and passenger movement for 12 hours. Another incident on February 12, 2024, involved a recreational vessel colliding with an inspected passenger vessel, resulting in 13 injuries.
The implementation of this regulated navigation area aims to significantly reduce navigational risks associated with high-speed vessels in these crowded waterways.
