Sailors Get Green Light for Digital Charts Over Paper
Published Date: 8/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The Coast Guard just updated the rules for ships about what kinds of charts and navigation papers they need to carry. This change lets vessels use electronic charts or special paper versions that count as equal to the old ones, making life easier for ship crews. If you run a vessel, check out these new options and inspection steps—no extra costs or deadlines, just more flexibility starting now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New alternative chart carriage options
NVIC 01-16 Change 3 clarifies that Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), electronic publications, and ENC-derived paper nautical charts can be used as alternative compliance options to existing chart and publication carriage requirements. If you operate a vessel, this gives you more ways to meet the rules for what charts and navigation papers you must carry.
Inspection procedures for equivalency use
NVIC 01-16 Change 3 provides procedures for how inspections will be conducted for vessels that choose to use one or more equivalencies. If you operate a vessel and elect to rely on an equivalency, inspectors will follow these procedures when checking compliance.
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
2026-13137, 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.
2026-17217, Safety Zone; T/V DENISE FOSS (O.N. 1254223), Honolulu, HI
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the T/V DENISE FOSS and its tow in Honolulu to keep people and boats safe while three big ship-to-shore cranes are being moved. This safety zone runs from August 19 to August 25, 2026, and no one can enter without special permission. If you’re boating nearby, expect some changes but no fees or costs are involved.
2026-17216, Notice of Availability and Request for Comments on Draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 02-99 Change 1-Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program
The Coast Guard announces the availability of draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99, Change 1, Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program. NVIC 02-99, Change 1 would modernize the program guidance to reflect industry advancements in digital recordkeeping, maintenance management systems, and third-party auditing. This update would emphasize a risk-based verification model that reduces redundant physical inspections, broadens acceptable compliance formats, and provides updated procedures for deficiency management and temporary hull repairs.
2026-17097, Security Zone; Philippine Sea, Pacific Ocean, Apra Harbor, Guam
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone for certain navigable waters of the Philippine Sea in the Pacific Ocean in Apra Harbor, Guam. The Coast Guard will only enforce this rule when the United States government officials or other persons under the protection of the Secret Service are present or expected to be present. This action is necessary to protect the official party, public, and surrounding waterways from terrorist acts, sabotage, or other subversive acts. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.
2026-17098, Safety Zone: Piers Park, Boston Inner Harbor, East Boston MA
On September 13, 2026, from 7 a.m. to noon, the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone near Piers Park in Boston Inner Harbor to keep swimmers safe during a swim event. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps avoid accidents in a busy part of the harbor without causing any fees or long delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16478, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)
The EPA wants to keep using focus groups to help with their economic projects and is asking the public for feedback before renewing this plan. This affects people who join these focus groups and helps the EPA gather useful info without adding extra costs or delays. You’ve got 60 days to share your thoughts before the renewal is finalized by October 2025.
Next: 2025-16481, Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit
Kentucky and local air officials say the EPA took too long to decide if part of Louisville meets clean air rules. They’re asking the court to make the EPA set clear deadlines to approve or deny this air quality update by October 16, 2024. This means faster action to keep the air cleaner and clearer for everyone in the area.