Coast Guard Bans Boats from Airport Flight Path in St. Thomas
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the waters west of Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas to keep boats and people safe from low-flying planes. No one can enter this zone without special permission until March 31, 2026. This rule helps prevent accidents and protects the environment, with no extra costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Safety Zone Blocks Boat Access
From 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026, all vessels and people are prohibited from entering the safety zone west of Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas unless authorized. The safety zone covers all navigable waters within 400 yards from shore directly west of the airport runway between two private port authority yellow buoys at 18°20.288' N, 64°59.343' W and 18°20.116' N, 64°59.343' W.
Authorized Entry Requires Coast Guard Permission
If you need to enter the safety zone during January 1–March 31, 2026, you must get permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) San Juan or a designated representative. To request authorization, call (787) 289-2041 or contact a designated representative by VHF-FM radio on channel 16, and if granted you must follow all instructions from the COTP or representative.
No New Costs, Paperwork, or Major Environmental Effects
The Coast Guard states this temporary safety zone will not impose new information collection requirements, will not result in annual expenditures of $100,000,000 or more, and is categorically excluded from further environmental review. The agency also says there are no extra costs for the public related to this rule.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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