Coast Guard Cages Great Lakes for Tall Ships' Slow-Motion Race Spectacle
Published Date: 5/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up temporary safety zones around tall ships visiting Erie, Detroit, and Duluth from July 10 to October 1, 2025, during the Tall Ships Challenge race. These zones will keep boats at a safe distance to protect everyone from accidents caused by the big, slow-moving ships. If you boat or watch the event, expect some new rules and watch for updates before June 2, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
100-Yard Safety Zones Around Tall Ships
If you boat or watch the Tall Ships Challenge in Erie, Detroit, or Duluth between 12:01 a.m. July 10, 2025 and 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2025, all navigable water within 100 yards of any tall ship is a safety zone and you may not enter it unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. The Coast Guard will enforce these zones to protect participants and spectators from the limited maneuverability of tall ships.
Confined Harbor Exception and 25-Yard Minimum
If you must operate in a confined harbor or channel during the enforcement period (12:01 a.m. July 10, 2025 to 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2025) and there is not enough navigable water outside safety zones, you may be allowed to operate inside the safety zone only with authorization and you must travel at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course. Even when authorized to operate inside a safety zone, you may not come within 25 yards of a tall ship unless the COTP or an authorized representative permits it.
Moored/Anchored Vessel Requirement When Approached
During the enforcement period (12:01 a.m. July 10, 2025 to 12:01 a.m. October 1, 2025), if a tall ship approaches a vessel that is moored or anchored, that stationary vessel must remain moored or anchored while it is within the tall ship's safety zone unless the COTP, designated representative, or on-scene official patrol orders or permits otherwise.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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