Coast Guard Closes Texas Waters After Mystery Ship Crash
Published Date: 12/12/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the Texas City Channel between lights 7 and 19 to keep people and boats safe after a recent collision caused dangerous debris. No one can enter this area without special permission from the Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston. This safety zone is in effect from December 12 to December 31, 2025, so boaters should plan accordingly and stay clear to avoid trouble.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary safety zone blocks Texas City Channel
All boats and people are prohibited from entering the Texas City Channel between lights 7 and 19 from 3:00 p.m. on December 5, 2025, through 3:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, unless you get permission from the Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston. To request permission, contact the Captain of the Port or their representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by phone at (281) 464-4855. The zone covers all waters from surface to bottom encompassed by the listed coordinates for lights 7 through 19.
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: 2025-22684 — Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. Engines
The FAA is making new rules for certain CFM LEAP engines because cracks were found in important turbine blades after two engines shut down mid-flight. Starting December 29, 2025, these engines need regular inspections and maybe blade replacements to keep flying safely. Airlines and maintenance crews should act fast to avoid costly repairs and keep passengers safe.
Next: 2025-22697 — Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles
If you make or sell bassinets and cradles, get ready! The safety rules are getting an upgrade to the latest 2025 version, making these baby beds even safer. This new rule kicks in on February 21, 2026, so businesses have time to adjust without extra costs, but watch out for any big comments by January 12, 2026.