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.
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
2026-13137, 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.
2026-18279, Safety Zone; Laguna Madre, South Padre Island, TX
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters on the Laguna Madre. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with an over water fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi, or their designated representative.
2026-18130, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone for the Chicago Masters' Big Shoulders 5K and 2.5K Open Water Swim event to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during a swim event. Our regulation for marine events within the Great Lakes Coast Guard District identified the safety zone for this event in Chicago, IL. During the enforcement period, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or a designated on-scene representative.
2026-18062, Special Local Regulation; Allegheny River Mile Markers 0-3.5 and Ohio River Mile Marker 0-3, Pittsburgh, PA
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation (SLR) on the waters of the Allegheny River from mile marker 0 to mile marker 3.5 and the Ohio River from mile marker 0 to mile marker 3 in Pittsburgh, PA. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters from potential hazards during the Pitt Paddle planned on September 6, 2026. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the six-and-a-half- mile regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated representative.
2026-18044, Safety Zone; Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Buffalo's Outer Harbor on September 5, 2026, from 9:15 to 10:15 p.m. This zone keeps boats and people away from a fireworks show to keep everyone safe. If you want to enter, you’ll need special permission, but no fees or long delays are involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11305, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jefferson, TX
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Cypress River Airport in Jefferson, TX, to support safer flying with new instrument procedures. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Jefferson and helps keep flights smooth and safe. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 20, 2026—no costs for the public, just better skies ahead!
Next: 2026-11312, Louisiana: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
Louisiana wants to take charge of its own coal ash cleanup by running its own permit program instead of following the federal rules. The EPA thinks Louisiana’s plan mostly works but wants your thoughts before giving the final thumbs-up. If approved, this could speed up local decisions and might affect companies handling coal waste starting soon.