Coast Guard Regulates River Raft Races: No Drifting Without Permission!
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to set up special rules on the Neuse and Trent Rivers near New Bern, NC, during the annual raft races to keep everyone safe. Only people and boats with permission from the Captain of the Port can be in the race area. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 18, 2026, to speak up—no fees or costs are involved, just safety first!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No-Entry Zone Without COTP Permission
If you operate a vessel or are a person on the Neuse and Trent Rivers near Union Point in New Bern, NC, you may not enter the regulated race area between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on June 6, 2026 or on one Saturday in June each year unless you have written permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. The regulated area is all navigable waters encompassed by a line connecting the listed coordinates (beginning at 35°6.250' N, 77°2.067' W and returning to that point).
Permission Process and Notices for Vessels
Vessels may request permission to enter the regulated area from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or their designated representative. The Coast Guard will announce enforcement and any alternate event dates in the Federal Register and via Local Notices to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF FM marine channel 16.
Coast Guard Finds Minimal Small-Business Impact
The Coast Guard certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule "would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities." The rule notes vessel traffic can safely transit around the regulated course, and the regulation will affect the predetermined course for approximately six hours.
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
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
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.
2026-20632, Special Local Regulations; San Francisco Bay Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels Demonstration, San Francisco, CA
From October 8 to 11, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off parts of San Francisco Bay for the Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels air show to keep everyone safe. Boats and people who aren’t authorized won’t be allowed in certain areas during specific times. If you’re planning to be on the water, expect some changes and plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
2026-20527, Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee (AMSC), Eastern Great Lakes, Western New York; Sub-Committee Vacancy
The Coast Guard is looking for someone to fill a spot on the Eastern Great Lakes, Western New York Area Maritime Security Committee. This group helps keep local ports safe by planning and updating security measures. If you want to apply, send your application by October 31, 2026—no cost involved, just a chance to help protect your community’s waterways!
2026-20522, Safety Zone; Luminsea Miami Shootout and Races, Miami Marine Stadium Harbor, Miami FL
From October 22 to 25, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Miami Marine Stadium Harbor for the Luminsea Miami Shootout powerboat races. This means no boats or people can enter the area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe from race-related dangers. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays—no extra fees, just smooth sailing with a heads-up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08826, Modification of Certain Terminology in Title 21
The FDA wants to change some words in its rules by swapping out "gender" for "sex" or removing it altogether to follow a new government order. This affects anyone who reads or follows FDA rules, making the language clearer and more consistent. You can share your thoughts on these changes by July 6, 2026, and there’s no cost involved—just a chance to speak up!
Next: 2026-08910, Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 58B
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 58B proposes new rules to update how much deep-water grouper can be caught, including setting clear limits for recreational fishers and adjusting how the catch is shared between groups. Comments are open until June 5, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in before these changes could impact fishing seasons and catches.