Coast Guard Makes Minor Updates to Navigation and Shipping Rules

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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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.

2026-22733, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0100

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about ships arriving in U.S. waters, with no changes to the current process. This affects ship operators who must keep sending their arrival details on time. You’ve got until December 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this paperwork helps keep our ports safe without adding extra hassle or costs.

2026-22734, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Harlem River, Between the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, New York City, New York

The Coast Guard plans to let the Macombs Dam Bridge between Manhattan and the Bronx stay closed from February 1 to November 30, 2027, so it can get fixed up. This means boats that usually pass under the bridge will need to find other routes during that time. If you have thoughts, you can share them by December 7, 2026, but no extra costs are expected for the public.

2026-22677, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Wishkah River, Aberdeen, WA

Starting December 7, 2026, the Puget Sound and Pacific railroad bridge over the Wishkah River in Aberdeen, WA, will stay fully closed unless a 24-hour notice is given to open it. No bridge operator will need to be on site anymore, making things smoother for the railroad and boaters. This change helps balance train schedules with river traffic without extra costs or delays.

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!