Coast Guard Publishes Ghost Zones from 2025 Past
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is letting everyone know about temporary safety and security rules that were active in early 2025 but expired before they could be officially published. These rules affect boaters, event organizers, and waterfront businesses by setting up safety zones and special event regulations to keep things safe and secure. While these rules didn’t cost money directly, they helped protect people and property during important events and emergencies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Safety & Security Zones Enforced
If you operate a boat or run a waterfront business, the Coast Guard temporarily set safety and security zones at specific waterways that were effective primarily between January 2025 and March 2025 (for example, St. Croix on 1/2/2025 and Troy Locks to Tarrytown, NY on 3/31/2025). These zones limited access to parts of the waterway while they were in effect and were enforced by Coast Guard patrols even though the rules expired before Federal Register publication.
Special Local Rules for Marine Events
If you organize or attend regattas or marine events, the Coast Guard issued special local regulations to enhance safety for participants and spectators, with examples effective during the period between January and March 2025 (for example, Lake Havasu, AZ on 2/22/2025). These rules governed event areas and safety measures while in effect.
Enforcement Notices Issued but Not Published
If you are a mariner, the Coast Guard issued notifications of enforcement for some recurring regulations that became effective primarily between January and March 2025 but were not published in the Federal Register before the enforcement period ended. The Coast Guard informed the public through Local Notices to Mariners, press releases, patrol vessels, and by posting the notices to their dockets.
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: 2026-00147 — Hazard Communication Standard; Corrections
OSHA fixed some small but important mistakes in its Hazard Communication Standard to keep things clear and safe for workers and businesses. These corrections, effective January 8, 2026, help avoid confusion on chemical labels and safety sheets without adding extra costs. If you handle or label hazardous chemicals, these updates make sure you’re following the right rules smoothly and on time.
Next: 2026-00154 — Petroleum-Equivalent Fuel Economy Calculation
The Department of Energy is rolling back a 2024 rule about how electric vehicles’ fuel economy is calculated, following a court decision. This change affects car makers who must meet fuel standards and takes effect January 8, 2026, with legal impact starting September 5, 2025. It means the way electric cars’ efficiency is measured will return to an earlier method, keeping things fair and clear for everyone.