Coast Guard Maps Safer Waters for Great Lakes Events
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update rules for special local regulations and safety zones in the Eastern Great Lakes to keep everyone safe during annual marine events. These changes affect boaters and event organizers by setting clear boundaries and times for safety zones. You have until February 20, 2025, to share your thoughts—no fees or fines yet, just safer waters ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Safety Zones Limit Boating Access
The Coast Guard proposes new and revised special local regulations and safety zones for annual events in the Eastern Great Lakes that prohibit any vessel or person from entering the listed zones without permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative. The zones include many fixed-radius areas (examples in the rule range from 105 feet up to 1,400 feet) and moving/route-based zones during event times (examples: 'on or around' specified weekends such as the 2nd weekend of July or the 4th of July weekend). You must ask permission to transit these areas while they are enforced; comments are due by February 20, 2025.
Coast Guard Says Small Businesses Not Hard Hit
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If your small business or organization believes it would be significantly affected, you may submit comments to docket USCG-2024-0879 by February 20, 2025 and contact the person listed in the rule for assistance.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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