Coast Guard Locks Down Harbor for Epic 250th Birthday Naval Bash
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
From July 1 to July 9, 2026, the Coast Guard will set up special rules and safety zones in New York Harbor and nearby waters for big events like Sail 4th 250, the International Naval Review 250, and fireworks. These changes will temporarily stop some boats from anchoring and control where vessels can go to keep everyone safe. Boaters and visitors should plan ahead and watch for updates—comments on the plan are open until February 17, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Regulated Areas Restrict Boating
From 10 a.m. on July 1, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on July 9, 2026, the Coast Guard proposes Regulated Area 'B' (Upper Bay, Hudson, Harlem, East Rivers, and Kill Van Kull) where only participating vessels, assisting tugs, and specifically authorized vessels may enter. Regulated Area 'A' (Lower Bay and Sandy Hook Bay staging area) would be enforced from 6 a.m. on July 2, 2026, until 4 p.m. on July 4, 2026.
Temporary Suspension of Specific Anchorages
The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily suspend multiple anchorage grounds listed in 33 CFR 110.155 (including Anchorage Nos. 16, 17, 19W, 20-A through 20-G, 21-B, 21-C, 23-A, 23-B, 24, 25, 49-F, and 49-G) from July 1, 2026, through July 9, 2026. Vessels seeking to anchor in those anchorages while suspended must request authorization from Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTS) via VHF-FM channel 14 or telephone (718) 354-4088.
Security Zones Around Naval Vessels
The proposal establishes multiple security zones enforced from 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. July 9, 2026, including a 100-yard security zone for foreign naval vessels and naval vessel protection zones for U.S. Naval Vessels per 33 CFR 165.2025. A moving 500-yard security zone will protect the 'U.S. Naval Review Ship' from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 4, 2026, and a 500-yard security zone will protect the Reviewing Official Viewing Platform from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2026.
Temporary Spectator Areas with Size Limits
Nine temporary spectator areas are proposed from 3 p.m. on July 3, 2026, until 8 a.m. on July 5, 2026, at locations including Liberty Island, Caven Point, Robbins Reef, Bay Ridge, and Staten Island. Each spectator area has vessel size restrictions (for example, some areas are exclusive to vessels less than 82 feet (25 meters), others allow vessels between 82 and 197 feet (25–60 meters), and one area is first-come, first-served).
Prohibitions on Swimming, Drones, and Surveying
While Regulated Area 'B' is in effect (10 a.m. July 1, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. July 9, 2026), swimming, underwater diving operations, operating surface or underwater drones, and conducting surveying operations are prohibited within that regulated area unless expressly permitted by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Authorized Transit and VTS Permission Process
Vessels seeking permission to transit security zones or to anchor in suspended anchorages must contact the Captain of the Port or Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTS). Contact methods include VHF-FM Channel 16 for security-zone transit requests and VHF-FM Channel 14 or telephone (718) 354-4088 for anchoring permission; the Coast Guard will notify exact enforcement dates/times via Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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