Fireworks Fiasco: Coast Guard Blocks Boats in Baltimore Waters
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Rule
Summary
On December 13, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around a barge in Baltimore’s Patapsco River for a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this 300-foot zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This keeps everyone safe from fireworks hazards without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
One-Hour 300‑Foot Safety Zone
On December 13, 2025, from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., no vessel or person may enter all navigable waters within a 300‑foot radius of a barge at 39°17'3.37" N, 076°36'35.93" W in the Patapsco River (Baltimore Inner Harbor) unless the Captain of the Port authorizes entry.
Permission Needed to Enter Zone
If you need to enter the safety zone during that hour, you must obtain authorization from the Captain of the Port or the COTP's designated representative by contacting them on VHF‑FM channel 16 or by telephone at (410) 576‑2693.
Small Businesses May Be Affected
The Coast Guard notes this safety zone could affect small businesses operating in the area; the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis does not apply because notice and comment were waived, and small businesses with concerns may contact the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman (1‑888‑REG‑FAIR).
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.
2026-16807, Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Gary, IN
From August 20 to 23, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Lake Michigan near Gary, IN, to keep everyone safe during an air show, drone display, and fireworks. Boats and people can’t enter the zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps protect folks and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
2026-16805, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 21, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the North Avenue Swim & Triathlon Yo (NASTY) Carb Party swim race. Boats can’t enter or stay in this area unless they get special permission. This keeps swimmers safe and helps the event run smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
2026-16832, Anchorages; Bolivar Roads Channel, Galveston, TX
The Coast Guard is proposing to amend the regulation for the Galveston Harbor, Bolivar Roads Channel, Texas Anchorage grounds (the "Bolivar Anchorage") to institute a 48 hour time limit for anchorage area (A) East. Amending this regulation would align the time limit for anchorage area (A) East with the already established 48 hour time limits for Bolivar Anchorage areas (A), (B) and (C). We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
2026-16806, Safety Zone; ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU) Outer Continental Shelf Facility, Green Canyon Block 763, Gulf of America
The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around the ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU), located in Green Canyon Block 763 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of America. Establishing a safety zone around the facility will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, collisions, security breaches, oil spills, releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and the environment. This rule prohibits entry of vessels into this safety zone unless specifically authorized Commander, Coast Guard Heartland District or their designated representative.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22517, Air Plan Approval; Arizona; Maricopa County Air Quality Department; Volatile Organic Compounds and Particulate Matter; Solvent Cleaning; Architectural Coatings; Incinerators, Burn-Off Ovens, and Crematories
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to new air pollution rules in Maricopa County, Arizona, targeting smelly solvents, paint fumes, and smoke from incinerators and crematories. These changes help keep the air cleaner starting January 12, 2026, and affect businesses using these materials or equipment. No big costs are expected, but everyone will breathe easier with these smarter pollution controls in place.
Next: 2025-22540, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Extension of Temporary Placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act
The DEA is extending the temporary ban on MDMB-4en-PINACA, a powerful synthetic drug, keeping it in the strictest control category (Schedule I) for another year until December 12, 2026, or until a permanent decision is made. This means anyone making, selling, or using this drug faces serious legal consequences. The extension helps keep communities safe while the government finishes its review.