Coast Guard Cordon Off Guam Waters for Secret Drone Shenanigans
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Rule
Summary
From January 26 to 30, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the Philippine Sea near Guam to keep people and boats safe during a military drone test. No one can enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect everyone without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Safety Zone — No Entry Allowed
You or your vessel may not enter the defined safety zone north of Andersen Air Force Base in the Philippine Sea between January 26, 2026 and January 30, 2026 during the listed enforcement periods unless you get permission from the Captain of the Port. The zone is bounded by the coordinates 13°37'30"N, 144°53'30"E; 13°38'30"N, 144°51'00"E; 13°41'00"N, 144°51'00"E; and 13°41'00"N, 144°53'50"E; to seek permission contact VHF-FM channel 16 or call (671) 355-4824.
Coast Guard: Small Businesses Not Seriously Harmed
The Coast Guard certifies this safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. It says vessel traffic can safely transit around the regulated area, enforcement is during times when traffic is normally low, and the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM channel 16 so operators can adjust plans.
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.
2026-18558, Special Local Regulation; Southern California Annual Marine Events for the San Diego Captain of the Port Zone, San Diego Bayfair
The Coast Guard will enforce the San Diego Bayfair special local regulation on the waters of Mission Bay, California from September 18, 2026, through September 20, 2026. This special local regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, sponsor vessels, and general users of the waterway. During the enforcement period, persons and vessels are prohibited from anchoring, blocking, loitering, or impeding within this regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.
2026-18670, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, Portland, OR
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations at one location in the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone in Portland, OR from September 12, 2026, to September 13, 2026. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life and property on these navigable waters during marine events. During the enforcement periods, the operator of any vessel in the regulated area must comply with the directions from the Patrol Commander or any official patrol vessel.
2026-18557, Safety Zone; York River, Yorktown, VA
On October 16, 2026, from 9 to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone on the York River in Yorktown, VA, to keep people and boats safe during a cool drone light show. No one can enter the zone without special permission, so boaters should plan ahead. This short rule helps prevent accidents and keeps the river safe without costing anyone money.
2026-18463, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Ocean City, NJ
On September 20, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules around Ocean City, NJ, during the Airshow to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter the zone with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This means some boaters might need to plan ahead and expect temporary waterway restrictions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01059, Streamlining Export Controls for Drone Exports
Starting January 20, 2026, the government is making it easier to export certain drones by cutting down on the paperwork and licenses needed. Small commercial drones that fly less than an hour can now be sent to many friendly countries without a license, while bigger, non-military drones for cargo or farming can be exported to close U.S. allies with some reporting. This change helps American drone makers sell more globally while keeping security in check.
Next: 2026-01070, Fixed and Moving Safety Zone; Vicinity of the M/V ZHEN HUA 24; Houston Ship Channel and Morgan's Point, TX
From January 16 to 31, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up safety zones around the ship M/V ZHEN HUA 24 in the Houston Ship Channel near Morgan's Point, TX. These zones keep people and boats at a safe distance during the transfer of giant gantry cranes to prevent accidents and protect the environment. Only authorized vessels can enter, so expect some waterway restrictions but no fees or fines if you follow the rules.