Coast Guard Sets Seasonal No-Go Zones on Eastern Lakes

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.

2026-19652, Implementation of Training Requirements for Personnel Serving on U.S.-Flagged Passenger Ships That Carry More Than 12 Passengers on International Voyages

Starting October 26, 2026, crew members on U.S.-flagged passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers on international trips must complete new emergency and crowd management training. This rule helps keep everyone safer at sea by making sure the crew knows exactly what to do in emergencies. If you work on these ships, get ready for updated training that boosts safety without extra costs.

2026-19653, Special Local Regulation; Milwaukee River and Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI

On October 3, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Coast Guard will temporarily block off parts of the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers for a big rowing race with about 150 boats. Only authorized people and vessels can enter the area to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead because this special rule means no cruising through the race zone during the event.

2026-19429, Safety Zone; Zach's Bay, Wantagh, NY

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Zach's Bay, Wantagh, NY, on September 25-26, 2026, to keep swimmers, boats, and everyone safe during the IRONMAN 70.3 swim event. No boats or people can enter the zone without special permission during event hours, so plan ahead if you're nearby. This rule helps protect thousands of swimmers and spectators without any extra costs to the public.

2026-19430, Safety Zone; Massachusetts Bay, Boston, MA

The Coast Guard wants to create a temporary safety zone in Massachusetts Bay, 22 miles northeast of Boston, to keep people and boats safe during underwater demolition work. This means no one can enter the area without special permission while the Neptune LNG Deepwater Port is being taken apart. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 23, 2026, to comment—no costs for the public, just safety first!

Previous: 2026-12821, Safety Zone; Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay, OH

Heads up, boaters and visitors around Put-In-Bay, Ohio! A new safety zone is being set up on Lake Erie to keep everyone safe during special events. This means certain areas will be off-limits for a while, so plan ahead—no fees, just smooth sailing with clear rules starting soon.

Next: 2026-12823, Special Local Regulation; Sandusky Bay, Sandusky, OH

Heads up, boaters and visitors to Sandusky Bay, Ohio! New special rules will be in place to keep everyone safe during certain events on the water. These changes mean some areas will be off-limits for a while, so plan ahead and enjoy the fun without any fines or hassle.