Coast Guard Makes Minor Updates to Navigation and Shipping Rules

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.

2026-19945, Safety Zone; Bridge Demolition, Upper Mississippi River, Chester, IL

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Upper Mississippi River near Chester, IL, from September 28 to 30, 2026, to keep everyone safe during bridge demolition. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect workers, boaters, and the environment without any delays or extra costs.

2026-19653, Special Local Regulation; Milwaukee River and Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI

On October 3, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will temporarily block off parts of the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers for a big rowing race with about 150 boats. Only authorized people and vessels can enter the area to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because this special rule means no cruising through the race zone during the event.

2026-19652, Implementation of Training Requirements for Personnel Serving on U.S.-Flagged Passenger Ships That Carry More Than 12 Passengers on International Voyages

Starting October 26, 2026, crew members on U.S.-flagged passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers on international trips must complete new emergency and crowd management training. This rule helps keep everyone safer at sea by making sure the crew knows exactly what to do in emergencies. If you work on these ships, get ready for updated training that boosts safety without extra costs.

2026-19429, Safety Zone; Zach's Bay, Wantagh, NY

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Zach's Bay, Wantagh, NY, on September 25-26, 2026, to keep swimmers, boats, and everyone safe during the IRONMAN 70.3 swim event. No boats or people can enter the zone without special permission during event hours, so plan ahead if you're nearby. This rule helps protect thousands of swimmers and spectators without any extra costs to the public.

Previous: 2025-20726, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bass River, Beverly, MA

The Coast Guard is changing how the Hall Whitaker Bridge over Bass River in Beverly, MA works while it gets a makeover. The bridge will stay closed because a temporary fixed bridge (that can’t open) will be built, and the old one will be torn down and rebuilt. This change starts November 24, 2025, and might last past April 2026, affecting boaters who can’t pass when the bridge is down.

Next: 2025-20740, Postmarks and Postal Possession

The Postal Service is adding a new rule to explain what postmarks are, how they work, and how you can prove when your mail was accepted. This won’t change how mail is handled but will help everyone understand postmarks better, especially with new mail tracking methods coming soon. The rule kicks in on December 24, 2025, so get ready to know your mail dates like a pro!