Bacalar, Q.R. — The southern Capitanía de Puerto of Quintana Roo reports a new zoning navigation system for the Bacalar lagoon. The Captain of the Port of Chetumal and Bacalar, Román Bustos Gómez, made the announcement in a recent meeting the maritime community.
The new Bacalar lagoon zoning, he reported, is progress in the publication of the General Navigation Rules, which will come into force once published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
Bustos Gómez explained that they are also working to address specific issues related to navigation, since environmental protection measures are the responsibility of other federal, state and municipal agencies.
These measures are related to comprehensive strategies that include containment of water runoff from the Campeche mountains, control of agrochemicals, reforestation to reinforce natural containment barriers, drainage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and, most importantly, increased citizen awareness.
He said that the Port Captaincy will, within the scope of its powers, follow any provisions or recommendations issued by environmental authorities and that it intends to assist and collaborate in environmental protection.
He explained that the rules aim to establish minimum safety provisions for navigation on board all vessels as well as measures for the use of docks, ramps and launches. Any vessel navigating in Bacalar Lagoon will be required to have a copy of the rules.
He added that the General Navigation Rules for Bacalar Lagoon were designed based on the experience and knowledge of local researchers and “may be modified if necessary,” he noted.
The newly formed five established zones include:
Zone 1: Navigation with caution, which includes the coastline up to 50 meters towards the center of the lagoon, intended for bathers, docking maneuvers and departure of smaller recreational and sports vessels, with a speed that must not exceed 7.4 km/h.
Zone 2: Low speed navigation, maximum 18.52 km/h, for all types of vessels.
Zone 3: Recreational towing navigation, for towing activities and ski sports, whose circulation will be clockwise, at a speed not exceeding 37 km/h.
Zone 4: Jet ski navigation, area where the use of jet skis is permitted, whose circulation will be clockwise, at a speed not exceeding 37 km/h.
Zone 5: Navigation Restriction, which includes the area known as Los Rápidos, which is the connecting channel between the Lagoons, Bacalar and Xul Há and the area known as El Canal de los Piratas, where navigation is restricted to motor and sail boats, while in the Canal de los Piratas only navigation of motor-propelled boats will be permitted with authorization from the Captaincy.
He explained that there are sensitive areas marked with buoys where access is prohibited. No type of boat or swimmer is allowed in these areas.
“I recognize,” he said, “the coordinated work carried out by some organizations in society with the captaincy to install these buoys, and we are willing to support these actions.”
He reiterated that the Port Authority is responsible for enforcing the new Navigation Rules, the core of which consists of delimiting zones and speeds.
“We hold these types of meetings so boaters can learn about and become familiar with the navigation areas and respect the established restrictions.”
