Coast Guard Wants to Redraw Invisible NY Harbor Boat Line
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to move the COLREGS line in New York Harbor to improve boat safety and navigation. They’re asking boaters, companies, and the public to share their thoughts by May 19, 2026. This change could affect how ships travel but won’t cost anyone money directly—just your input!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Proposed COLREGS Line Change
The Coast Guard is considering moving the COLREGS demarcation line in New York Harbor from a line from East Rockaway Inlet Breakwater Light to Sandy Hook Light to a new line from Highlands Light (LLNR 35025) to Jones Inlet Light (LLNR 30890), intersecting the RW 'A' Morse Alpha Buoy. This change would amend 33 CFR 80.165 and could change when vessels switch between the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, which can affect vessel operations and transits. The Coast Guard specifically requests information from commercial vessel operators, including deep-draft, towing, and fishing fleets about operational impacts.
No Direct Monetary Cost
The Coast Guard is requesting public comment and information and states the process is limited to collecting input; comments must be received by May 19, 2026. The notice indicates this request for information itself does not impose direct monetary costs on participants—Coast Guard is asking for observations and opinions rather than implementing a rule at this time.
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Key Dates
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