Who has the authority to establish Regulated Navigation Areas?

The authority to establish Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) is vested in the District Commander or Captain of the Port (COTP) with jurisdiction over the relevant area. This is grounded in the need for localized decision-making, as each District Commander or COTP is familiar with the specific navigational challenges, environmental conditions, and safety considerations particular to their waters. By allowing these local authorities to create RNAs, the Coast Guard ensures that regulations can be tailored to address unique situations, such as navigational hazards or environmental protection needs.

In contrast, while the Coast Guard Commandant is an important figure in the overall organization and policy direction of the Coast Guard, they do not directly engage in the establishment of RNAs. Similarly, the Secretary of Transportation oversees broader transportation policy but does not get involved in the specifics of local navigational area regulation. Lastly, State Governors may have jurisdiction over state waters but their authority does not extend to federal navigation regulation, which includes the establishment of RNAs by the Coast Guard.