Safety Zones; Recurring Events in Captain of the Port Duluth Zone
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is updating safety rules for yearly events in the Duluth area of Lake Superior to keep boaters safer and better informed. They’re adding clear definitions and improving how and when safety zones are enforced, so everyone knows what’s happening and when. These changes start December 26, 2025, and help prevent accidents during busy marine events without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer, Faster Safety Notices
The Coast Guard will publish consolidated Notifications of Enforcement in the Federal Register and issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners on VHF-FM Channel 16 so you and other boaters get clearer, more timely notice about when recurring safety zones in the Duluth Captain of the Port Zone will be enforced. The rule explicitly allows a single Notification of Enforcement to announce multiple zones or dates to reduce fragmented or delayed notices.
Restricted Access During Listed Events
During enforcement periods, no vessel or person may enter, transit, or anchor within a designated safety zone in the Duluth COTP Zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Duluth or their on-scene representative; vessel operators must contact them (contact via VHF Channel 16) to request permission. Many listed fireworks displays use a safety-zone arc with a radius of no more than 1,120 feet from the launch site and enforcement occurs on specified dates (for example, on or around July 4th for multiple displays).
Flexibility: Suspensions, Waivers, Exemptions
The Captain of the Port Duluth may suspend enforcement earlier than listed, may waive requirements for individual vessels when application is unnecessary or impractical, and public vessels (U.S., State, or political subdivisions) are exempt. Suspensions and waivers will be announced by Broadcast Notice to Mariners or on-scene notice.
Small Businesses Not Significantly Affected
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because safety zones are short in duration, geographically limited, often occur during off-peak periods, Broadcast Notices on VHF-FM Channel 16 will allow adjustments, and vessels can request permission to enter zones.
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