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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
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.
2026-17480, Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays in the USCG East District-Beach Haven, NJ
The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during a barge-based fireworks display. Our regulation for marine events within the USCG East District identifies the boundaries of the regulated area. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter, remain in, or transit through the regulated area, and anyone in the vicinity must comply with directions from the Patrol Commander or any Official Patrol displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
2026-17522, Safety Zone; Aerial Displays, Upper Bay, New York, NY
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Upper New York Bay, in the vicinity of Liberty Island and Governors Island. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with aerial displays. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector New York (COTP), or their designated representative.
2026-17481, Safety Zones; Fireworks Displays in the USCG East District-Philadelphia, PA
On September 18, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a safety zone around the fireworks show at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators must follow Coast Guard instructions and avoid the 500-foot radius around the fireworks barge. This temporary rule helps prevent accidents during the big celebration and affects anyone boating nearby.
2026-17483, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Albemarle Sound to Sunset Beach, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), Wrightsville Beach, NC
The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily modify the operating schedule for the S.R. 74 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW), mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC. This action is necessary to alleviate vehicle traffic congestion on the S.R. 74 Bridge caused by the replacement and lane reductions of two nearby bridges during construction. Upon completion of the construction project, the S.R. 74 Drawbridge will return to its normal operating schedule. The Coast Guard invites your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
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.