Coast Guard Wants to Keep Tracking Ships
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting electronic vessel transit data to keep our waters safe, with no changes to the current process. This affects anyone who reports vessel movements and helps the Coast Guard track ships better. They’re asking for your thoughts by August 31, 2026, before asking the government to approve this again—no new costs or extra paperwork are planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Data supports port safety and commerce flow
The Coast Guard uses LRIT and AIS data to enhance maritime domain awareness for securing the maritime domain, preventing adverse events, and supporting marine safety and environmental protection. The agency says this collection is needed to ensure port safety and security and to ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
Vessel operators must keep sending LRIT/AIS data
The Coast Guard will continue collecting electronic vessel transit data (LRIT and AIS) from owners and operators of certain vessels with no change to the current process. The estimated annual hour burden for respondents increased from 52,728 hours to 52,968 hours a year (an increase of 240 hours). The notice also states there are no new forms and the collection is submitted to OMB under control number 1625-0112.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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