Coast Guard Creates Race-Day No-Go Zone Off Atlantic City
Published Date: 6/1/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the Atlantic Ocean near Atlantic City on June 27-28, 2026, for a high-speed offshore boat race. During the race hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), only authorized boats can enter the area to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays or fines during these two exciting race days!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Boating access restricted during race
You may not enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated area of the Atlantic Ocean near Atlantic City, NJ during enforcement hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 27, 2026 and June 28, 2026 unless the Captain of the Port (COTP) or their designated representative authorizes you. The regulated area covers all navigable waters inside the polygon of coordinates listed in the rule off Atlantic City.
Designated spectator area for race viewing
A spectator area inside the regulated polygon is reserved for non-participant vessels so you can watch the offshore boat race from the water within the specified spectator-area coordinates. Non-participant vessels in that spectator area must still follow the rule's limits and any directions from the COTP or their designated representative.
Must get COTP permission and use VHF channel 16
If you want to enter the regulated area during enforcement hours, you must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or their designated representative and may request permission by contacting them on VHF-FM channel 16. Anyone in the area must comply with lawful orders or directions from the COTP or their designated representative during enforcement hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 27 and June 28, 2026.
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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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: 2026-10880, Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and how capital improvements are handled. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these rules won’t take effect until December 31, 2027. This delay gives everyone more time to think through the changes and what they mean for growers and poultry dealers.
Next: 2026-10887, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Cape May, NJ
On June 28, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules for the Around the Island Paddle event in Cape May, NJ. Boat operators in the area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols, and anyone not in the event needs permission to enter the waterway. This keeps everyone safe and the event running smoothly without any surprise waves!