Coast Guard's Late-Night Filing: Expired Boat Safety Rules Finally See Daylight

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.

2026-13136 — Safety Zone; Aerial Drone Displays, Upper Bay, New York, NY

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Upper New York Bay near Ellis and Liberty Islands from June 30 to July 20, 2026, to keep everyone safe during aerial drone shows. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission, helping prevent accidents and protect the environment. This rule affects boaters and event organizers but won’t cost anyone extra.

2026-13029 — Safety Zone; Columbia River, Richland, WA

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Columbia River near Richland, WA, on June 27-28, 2026, to keep everyone safe during high-speed hydroplane races. Boats and people can’t enter this zone unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect racers, spectators, and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.

2026-13028 — Safety Zone; Ouachita River, West Monroe, LA

On July 4, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Ouachita River near West Monroe, LA, 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, vessels, and the environment without any extra costs or delays.

2026-13033 — Safety Zones; Potomac River, Woodbridge VA to District of Columbia

The Coast Guard is setting up temporary safety zones on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers from June 24 to July 6, 2026, to keep boats and people safe during the Salute to America Fireworks Show. If you’re boating near Woodbridge, VA, or DC, you’ll need special permission to enter these zones. This rule helps protect everyone from fireworks hazards without costing you a dime!

Previous: 2026-08733 — Regulated Navigation Area; Raritan River, Perth Amboy, NJ

Starting May 5, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules on the Raritan River near Perth Amboy because a new bridge is being built. Boats will need to slow down, avoid certain areas, and sometimes can’t enter the channel at all during tricky construction times. These rules keep everyone safe and will last until June 30, 2030, with no extra costs for boaters.

Next: 2026-08741 — 2024 Quarterly Listings; Second Quarter; Safety Zones, Security Zones, and Special Local Regulations

The Coast Guard is letting everyone know about temporary safety and security rules that were active between April and June 2024 but expired before they could be officially published. These rules affect boaters, event organizers, and waterfront users by setting up safety zones, security zones, and special event regulations to keep things safe and smooth. No new fees or costs are involved, but folks should stay alert for these kinds of quick, important changes.