Coast Guard Makes Minor Updates to Navigation and Shipping Rules

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.

2026-10262 — Safety Zones; Recurring Safety Zones in Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes Zone

The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones on the water in the Northern Great Lakes during special events like fireworks and airshows. Boaters need to stay out of these zones unless they get permission, especially on specific dates from June to September 2026. These rules keep everyone safe and won’t cost you extra, but you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid delays.

2026-10261 — Safety Zone; Cheboygan River, Cheboygan, MI

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Cheboygan River in Michigan from May 18 to May 31, 2026, to protect people and boats while repairs happen on flood-damaged dam gates and cables. No one can enter this area without special permission, keeping everyone safe and the environment protected. This quick action means boaters need to plan ahead and avoid the zone during these dates.

2026-10265 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes Zone

The Coast Guard is stepping up to keep everyone safe during big annual fireworks events in the Eastern Great Lakes area this July 3rd. They’ll enforce special safety zones on the water, meaning boats can’t enter these areas without permission during the shows. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays—no extra fees, just smooth and safe celebrations!

2026-10198 — Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0074

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about fees for inspecting commercial ships, both U.S. and foreign, without making any changes. If you’re involved with these inspections, this means the current rules and fees stay the same. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or paperwork increase coming your way.

2026-10158 — Special Local Regulation; Battle of the Boats; York River, Yorktown, VA

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the York River near Yorktown, VA, for the high-speed "Battle of the Boats" race and docking contest on June 6-7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. During this time, only authorized boats and people can enter the race area to keep everyone safe. If you’re planning to be on the water, expect some restrictions but no fees or costs are involved.

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!