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.

2026-16645, Safety Zone; West Passage Narragansett Bay, Narragansett, RI

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters on the West Passage Narragansett Bay. The safety zone is needed to protect swimmers, personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards during a swim event. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Southeastern New England, or their designated representative.

2026-16660, Special Local Regulation; ChattaWake Wakesurfing Event, Tennessee River, Chattanooga TN

From August 13 to 16, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting special rules on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga for the ChattaWake wakesurfing event. Boats not part of the event must slow down to no-wake speed between Mile Markers 462 and 466 to keep everyone safe. This means boaters should plan for slower travel and watch for wakesurfers during these dates.

2026-16644, Safety Zone; St. Clair River; Port Huron, MI

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles beginning in Port Huron, MI. Though this is an unsanctioned, non-permitted marine event, this zone is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during a float down event near Port Huron, MI. Entry into this zone of vessels or non-participants in the event is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Detroit (COTP) or their designated representative.

2026-16643, Safety Zone; Atlantic Ocean, Culebra, Puerto Rico

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within 200 yards west of Carlos Rosario Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with unexploded ordnance and associated removal operations. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Juan, or their designated representative.

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!