Coast Guard Locks Gulf Waters for Endless Texas Rocket Parties
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 4, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up two permanent safety zones in the Gulf of America and South Bay, Texas, to keep people and boats safe during rocket launches. If you’re near Boca Chica Beach or those waters, you’ll need special permission to enter these zones during launches. This helps protect everyone and the environment without costing you a dime!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
No Boats in Launch Safety Zones
Starting June 4, 2026, two permanent safety zones off Boca Chica Beach, TX (South Bay and the Gulf of America) will be off-limits to people and vessels during scheduled rocket launches unless you get written permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. To ask for permission or get information, contact the COTP on VHF-FM Channel 16 or by phone at 1-800-874-2143.
How You’ll Be Notified About Launches
When a launch is planned, the Coast Guard will notify the public by Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM Channel 16 and by Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), and will publish a Notification of Enforcement (NOE) in the Federal Register at least 2 days before launches if it has enough advance notice. The Coast Guard intends to provide notice at least 24 hours before launches and often issues broadcasts in Spanish as well as English.
How Big the Safety Zones Are
The rule creates two zones: Safety Zone A in the Gulf of America of about 115 square miles, and Safety Zone B in South Bay of about 4.5 square miles. The safety zones cover the water column from surface to bottom; beach areas shoreward of the Territorial Sea Baseline are not included, though local authorities may restrict beach access during launches.
Small Businesses: Limited, Short Closures
The Coast Guard says the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the zones will only be enforced for a few hours (expected 4 to 8 hours) on launch days and a few times per month, vessels can transit around the zones, and operators can request permission to enter the zone from the COTP.
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