Coast Guard Proposes Automatic Hurricane Safety Zones
Published Date: 6/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to create a safety zone in the Mobile area’s waters whenever hurricanes, tropical storms, or severe weather hit. This means boats and industries must follow new rules to keep everyone and the environment safe before, during, and right after these storms. If you’re involved in shipping or boating there, get ready for quick changes that could affect your plans, especially from June to November.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety Zone for Gulf Coast Storms
The Coast Guard would create a safety zone covering all navigable waters in the Sector Mobile Captain of the Port (COTP) zone (affecting the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Alabama, and northwest Florida) that can be activated for hurricanes, tropical storms, or other severe weather, especially between June and November. The COTP will announce the exact areas and enforcement times by Broadcast Notice to Mariners and other public advisories.
Rules for Oceangoing Vessels and >500 GT Vessels
Oceangoing vessels and Coast Guard-regulated barges 500 gross tons (GT) and above must report intentions to depart or remain, and oceangoing vessels over 500 GT generally must depart by Port Condition YANKEE unless authorized to stay. Oceangoing commercial vessels and regulated barges >500 GT are prohibited from anchoring within territorial waters under the COTP during a severe weather event.
Terminal and Waterfront Facility Operations Limits
Terminal operators and waterfront facilities must prepare for storms by terminating certain cargo operations, removing or securing potential flying debris, securing hazardous materials, and stacking containers no more than 4 high. Bunkering and lightering may be suspended at the COTP's discretion and will be suspended when winds reach 40 mph sustained; transfer hoses and arms must be disconnected prior to sustained winds over 50 mph.
Port Condition Timing and Wind Thresholds
The rule defines port conditions tied to predicted arrival times of sustained gale-force winds (>39 mph / 47 knots): WHISKEY (within 72 hours), X-RAY (within 48 hours), YANKEE (within 24 hours), and ZULU (within 12 hours). These conditions trigger different mandatory actions for vessels and facilities before, during, and after storms.
AIS and Watch Requirements for Vessels
All commercial vessels with installed Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) in the regulated area must activate AIS prior to Port Condition X-RAY and keep AIS active through Port Condition RECOVERY; vessel operators must contact the COTP if AIS cannot be activated. Vessels permitted to remain in port under certain conditions must maintain a navigation watch and listen on Channel 16 VHF-FM.
Post-Storm Recovery Movement Restrictions
During Port Condition RECOVERY, regulated areas remain closed to vessel movements until safe; the COTP may permit restricted movements that could include draft, speed, size, horsepower, daylight limits, or specified routes. Vessels must follow lawful orders from the COTP or designated representatives.
Small Entities Economic Impact Certification
The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, and invites small entities to submit comments if they believe otherwise.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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