The speed restrictions are in place as an attempt to reduce the number of ship strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales. Mariners are advised to avoid these areas or reduce speeds to 10 knots or less while transiting there. The areas and periods for which the speed restrictions apply are specified in 50 CFR 224.105.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a vessel may operate at a speed necessary to maintain safe manoeuvring speed instead of the required ten knots only if justified because the vessel is in an area where oceanographic, hydrographic and/or meteorological conditions severely restrict the manoeuvrability of the vessel and the need to operate at such speed is confirmed by the pilot on board or, when a vessel is not carrying a pilot, the master of the vessel.
See attached file: North Atlantic Right Whales – USA.pdf
北大西洋露脊鲸 – 美国
为减少北大西洋露脊鲸遭遇船舶碰撞的危险，实施该限速规则。建议海员绕开这些限速区或将船速降至十节以下。限速水域和实施期限参《美国联邦法规》50 CFR 224.105。
根据《美国联邦法规》，如航行所在水域的海洋、水文和/或气象条件使船舶操纵严重受限，在合理的必要情况下，船舶可以按安全航行的速度行船而不必保持十节速度，但前提是必需经船上领航员(若无领航员则经船长)确认。
详细信息请参阅附件。
