Unmanned Aerial Systems and Maritime Transportation Security Act Regulated Waterfront Facility Reporting Processes
The Captain of the Port New Orleans (COTP) has identified an increase in the frequency of National Response Center (NRC) reports addressing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operating in the vicinity of and/or in airspace directly above the property boundaries of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulated waterfront facilities in the New Orleans COTP Zone. To reduce the frequency of erroneous or unverifiable NRC reports and to more efficiently employ investigative and law enforcement resources, it is recommended that the facility intending to conduct UAS operations notify the adjacent facilities 24-48 hours in advance of the operation along with providing a “24-Hour Advanced Notice of UAS Operation” form to Sector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch at Facilitiesnola@uscg.mil and D08-SMB-SECNOLA-Intel@uscg.mil.
If a facility representative observes an unidentified UAS operating in the vicinity of and/or in airspace directly above the property boundaries of a MTSA regulated waterfront facility (to include “Secure Areas” and/or “Restricted Areas”) utilize; the standard NRC reporting process for MTSA regulated waterfront facilities in the New Orleans COTP Zone. Facility personnel and mariners are encouraged to report suspicious UAS activity to American Waterways Watch (877-249-2824).
If the UAS lands or impacts the ground and/or physical infrastructure within a “Secure Area” and/or “Restricted Area” of a MTSA regulated waterfront facility, a “Security Breach” report shall be filed with the NRC as per 33 Code of Federal Regulations 101.305. Facility representatives shall follow their approved Facility Security Plan Security Incident Procedures.
A “24-Hour Advanced Notice of UAS Operation” form is supplied with this MSIB, identified as MSIB XX Issue 016 and can also be located at the Sector New Orleans page at Homeport.uscg.mil.
For further information, contact:
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Facilities Compliance Branch: (504) 365-2370
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802, (202) 267-2675 or (202) 267-4477
