Coast Guard Fixes Regs for Tiki Lee's Boat Shootout Spectacle

2026-13137 — Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf

Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.

2026-08699 — Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast

The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.

2026-14127 — Safety Zone; Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC

On July 15, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the SS WRIGHT as it’s towed through Charleston Harbor. This means boats and people can’t enter the area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe during the move. The rule only lasts from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and won’t cost anyone extra money.

2026-14113 — Safety Zone; Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA

On July 24, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This zone keeps boats and people safe during a fireworks show by keeping them out unless they get special permission. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid the area during those hours—no fees or long-term changes, just a quick safety move!

2026-14045 — Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Lavaca Bay, Point Comfort, TX

On July 11, 2026, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around Lavaca Bay near Point Comfort, TX, to keep boats and people safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter this 700-foot radius zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps prevent accidents from falling fireworks debris without causing any fees or long-term changes.

2026-14072 — Safety Zone; Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago, IL

The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone on a 2-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal for electric fish barrier testing. From July 13-17 and July 27-31, 2026, boats can’t enter or anchor there during certain morning and afternoon hours without special permission. This keeps everyone safe while the testing happens, with no extra costs for boaters—just a heads-up to plan around the restricted times.

Previous: 2025-05091 — Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Hackensack River, Little Snake Hill, NJ

The Coast Guard is changing how the Amtrak Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River opens to keep things safe while a new bridge is being built right next to it. This means the bridge won’t open as wide as before to avoid hitting the new construction. Boat operators and train riders near Little Snake Hill, NJ, should expect these changes during the building project, but no extra costs are involved.

Next: 2025-05147 — Extension of Import Restrictions Imposed on Archaeological and Ethnological Material of Ecuador and Correction

The U.S. is keeping import restrictions on special archaeological and cultural items from Ecuador until January 16, 2030. This means certain artifacts can’t be brought into the country to protect Ecuador’s heritage. If you deal with these items, get ready for the extension—no changes in fees, just more time to follow the rules!