Coast Guard Cages Defiant Barge in San Juan Safety Bubble
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the grounded Barge DEFIANT near San Juan Harbor to keep people, boats, and the environment safe. From February 18 to 23, 2026, no one can enter this 200-yard zone without special permission. This quick action helps prevent accidents and protects the area without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
200‑Yard Safety Zone Established
A temporary safety zone covers all navigable waters within a 200‑yard radius of the grounded Barge DEFIANT at 18°28'19.1" N 66°07'30.5" W near the entrance to San Juan Harbor. From February 9, 2026 (enforcement) and effective without actual notice February 18 through February 23, 2026, no vessels or persons may enter this zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Juan.
How to Request Access
If you need to enter the safety zone, you must get authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative. To request permission, contact the COTP by telephone at (787) 289-2041 or a designated representative via VHF-FM radio on channel 16, and you must follow any lawful orders given.
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.
2026-14883, Special Local Regulation; Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor, OH
On August 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a special safety zone on Lake Erie near Fairport Harbor for the Lake Metroparks Pirate Triathlon. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission, keeping the 350 athletes safe during the swim and paddle race. This temporary rule helps avoid accidents and keeps the event running smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
2026-14894, Safety Zone; Lake Erie, Avon Lake, OH
On August 1, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone on Lake Erie near Avon Lake, OH, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect folks, boats, and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
2026-14895, Safety Zone; Lake St. Clair; New Baltimore, MI
The Coast Guard is setting up a new safety zone on Lake St. Clair near New Baltimore, Michigan to keep everyone safe during special events. This means boats will have to stay out of certain areas for a while, but no fees or big costs are involved. If you’re boating there, watch for the new rules starting soon!
2026-14888, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 8, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the Swim Across America race. Boats can’t enter, pass through, or anchor in this area unless they get special permission. This keeps swimmers safe and helps the event run smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: C1-2025-20399, Glufosinate; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA fixed a date typo in the rules about how much glufosinate pesticide residue is allowed on food. This change affects farmers, food producers, and anyone tracking pesticide safety by pushing a key deadline from May 20, 2025, to May 20, 2026. No new costs or big changes—just a simple date update to keep things on track!
Next: 2026-03150, IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments
The FAA is updating the official flying altitudes and switch points for certain air routes to keep flights safe and smooth as the airspace changes. These updates affect all pilots flying under instrument rules and take effect on March 19, 2026. No extra costs are expected, just smarter skies and better navigation for everyone in the air.