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).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 / 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.