Coast Guard Blocks River Access for Baltimore Fleet Week

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.

2026-13681 — Safety Zone; Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Corpus Christi, TX

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel near Port Aransas from July 1 to July 8, 2026, to keep everyone safe during underwater diving and salvage work. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect workers, vessels, and the environment without causing delays or extra costs.

2026-13554 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Coast Guard East District

From July 10 to 12, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules around Sparrows Point, MD, during the Tiki Lee's Shootout on the River Airshow to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators near the airshow must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols during set hours. These temporary rules help protect people without charging fees but require cooperation during the event times.

2026-13548 — Safety Zones; Annual Events Requiring Safety Zones in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan Zone

The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Michigan City, IN, for the Super Boat Grand Prix on August 1-2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, boats can’t enter or hang out in the area without special permission to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, be ready to follow Coast Guard instructions or risk being turned away.

2026-13619 — Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL

On July 10, 2026, from 8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone in Monroe Harbor and nearby Lake Michigan to keep people and boats safe during the Taste of Chicago fireworks and drone show. Only authorized vessels can enter this zone during that time. This quick action helps prevent accidents and protects the environment without costing anyone extra.

Previous: 2026-09160 — Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.

Next: 2026-09168 — Safety Zone; Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

From June 24 to July 1, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor during a big air show event. Boats and people can’t enter the zone without special permission to keep everyone safe during flyovers and demonstrations. The zone will be enforced daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so plan ahead if you’re on the water!