Coast Guard Sets Boating No-Go Zones for Great Lakes Events
Published Date: 7/22/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones for annual water events in August and September 2025 to keep everyone safe on the water. Boats and people can’t enter these zones without special permission during these times. This helps protect lives and property, so plan ahead if you’re boating in the Eastern Great Lakes area!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary No‑Entry Zones for Boaters
In August and September of 2025, the Coast Guard will enforce multiple safety zones on navigable waters in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes area. During those enforcement periods, no person or vessel may enter the safety zones without permission from the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative. If you plan to boat or operate a vessel in the Eastern Great Lakes in August or September 2025, you must plan ahead to get permission or avoid those zones.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
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.
2026-20224, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Ocean City, NJ
On October 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules for the Ocean City Chase Race in New Jersey to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the race area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This means some boaters might need to plan ahead and expect delays during the event.
2026-20223, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Philadelphia, PA
On October 3, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of the Delaware River in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Cup Regatta to keep everyone safe. Boat operators in the area must follow directions from Coast Guard officials and can only enter the zone with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This temporary change runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps make the event smooth and secure without extra costs.
2026-20124, Safety Zone; Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone, Mobile, AL
The Coast Guard wants to create temporary safety zones in Mobile Bay and Mobile River to keep people and boats safe while the old aircraft carrier EX ENTERPRISE is towed in and dismantled. These zones will be off-limits unless you get special permission, and the work is expected to finish by December 2030. If you have thoughts, you need to share them by October 16, 2026—no fees or costs for the public, just safety first!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13753, Rescission of Regulations Regarding Surface Protection Requirements
The Bureau of Land Management is scrapping some old rules about protecting land during mining near power sites. This change affects miners and land users by making the process simpler and cutting red tape. It starts right away, saving time and possibly money for everyone involved.
Next: 2025-13764, Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; Inseason Action for the 2025 Area 2A Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery
Fishermen in Area 2A get an extra chance to catch Pacific halibut with a new fishing period from July 22 to July 24, 2025. Each boat can haul in up to 5,000 pounds of halibut during this time. This move helps make sure the 2025 fishing limits are met while giving fishers more time to work and earn.