Coast Guard Bans Boats Near Tall Ship Cannon Blasts
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Rule
Summary
From June 19 to June 21, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone near the Great Bridge Bridge on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in Chesapeake, VA. This zone keeps boats and people at least 250 yards away to stay safe during blank cannon fire from a visiting Tall Ship. If you want to enter, you’ll need special permission, but no fees or costs are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
250‑Yard Safety Zone for Tall Ship
From June 19 through June 21, 2026, a safety zone around a visiting Tall Ship near the Great Bridge Bridge on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in Chesapeake, VA keeps people and vessels at least 250 yards away. You may not enter the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative; to request permission contact VHF‑FM channel 16 or call 877-722-5727. The rule states no fees or costs are required to seek permission.
Limited Enforcement Time Windows
The safety zone is effective June 19–21, 2026, but will be enforced only during specific hours: June 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; June 20 and June 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These specific windows mean navigation is restricted only during those listed times.
Small Businesses Can Seek Assistance
The rule notes the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis was not required and instructs small businesses affected by the safety zone to contact the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman or the Regional Fairness Boards by calling 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard says it will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about the rule.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-13763 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone
From July 24-26 and on September 5, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of the Columbia River during the Kennewick Hydroplane Races and Columbia Crossing Swim. Boat operators in these areas must follow patrol instructions and may face delays or restricted movement to keep everyone safe. These temporary changes help protect people and property without any extra fees.
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.
2026-13556 — Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the USCG East District
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Tred Avon River near Oxford, Maryland, for a power boat race on July 18, 2026 (or July 19 if the weather is bad). During the race, only authorized boats can enter the area to keep everyone safe. This short rule affects boaters in the area for a few hours and helps prevent accidents without any extra costs.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10170 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you fly Leonardo AB139, AW139, or AW189 helicopters, listen up! The FAA found cracks in some brake parts and now requires regular checks and fixes to keep you safe. Starting June 25, 2026, these inspections are a must, and some parts can’t be installed unless they meet new rules—so plan for a bit of extra maintenance time and cost.
Next: 2026-10177 — Authority of Drug Enforcement Administration Supervisory Diversion Investigators, Field Intelligence Managers, and Intelligence Group Supervisors To Sign and Issue Administrative Subpoenas
Starting May 21, 2026, certain DEA supervisors like Diversion Investigators and Intelligence Managers can now sign and issue administrative subpoenas. This change speeds up investigations by giving more DEA staff this power, helping them tackle drug-related cases more efficiently. No extra costs or delays are expected—just a smoother process for fighting illegal drugs!