Section 161.23 - Reporting exemptions(a) Unless otherwise directed, the following vessels are exempted from providing Position and Final Reports due to the nature of their operation: (1) Vessels on a published schedule and route;(2) Vessels operating within an area of a radius of three nautical miles or less; or(3) Vessels escorting another vessel or assisting another vessel in maneuvering procedures.(b) A vessel described in paragraph (a) of this section must:(1) Provide a Sailing Plan at least 5 minutes but not more than 15 minutes before navigating within the VMRS area; and(2) If it departs from its promulgated schedule by more than 15 minutes or changes its limited operating area, make the established VMRS reports, or report as directed.CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 97-023, 62 FR 33364, June 19, 1997; USCG-2003-14757, 68 FR 39367, July 1, 2003