Coast Guard Enforces Mackinac Race Traffic Rules
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Rule
Summary
On July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules to keep boats safe during the Bayview Mackinac Race. If you’re boating nearby, you’ll need permission to enter the race area and must follow the Patrol Commander’s orders. This helps protect racers, other boaters, and commercial ships, so plan ahead and stay tuned for updates!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Enforcement Window for Race
On July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules for the Bayview Mackinac Race. If you are boating in the race area during that time, you must follow directions from the Patrol Commander or any Official Patrol displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
Prior Approval Required to Enter
During enforcement, no vessel may enter the regulated area without prior approval from the Coast Guard's designated Patrol Commander (PATCOM). The PATCOM may restrict which vessels may operate there and can be contacted on Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) using the call sign "Coast Guard Patrol Commander."
Transit Conditions and Notices
Vessels authorized to transit the regulated area must operate at no wake speed and in a manner that will not endanger race participants or other craft. The Coast Guard will provide advance notice via Broadcast Notice to Mariners or Local Notice to Mariners, and the Captain of the Port may suspend enforcement and notify the public by Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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.
2026-20224, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Ocean City, NJ
On October 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules for the Ocean City Chase Race in New Jersey to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the race area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This means some boaters might need to plan ahead and expect delays during the event.
2026-20223, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Philadelphia, PA
On October 3, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of the Delaware River in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Cup Regatta to keep everyone safe. Boat operators in the area must follow directions from Coast Guard officials and can only enter the zone with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This temporary change runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps make the event smooth and secure without extra costs.
2026-20124, Safety Zone; Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone, Mobile, AL
The Coast Guard wants to create temporary safety zones in Mobile Bay and Mobile River to keep people and boats safe while the old aircraft carrier EX ENTERPRISE is towed in and dismantled. These zones will be off-limits unless you get special permission, and the work is expected to finish by December 2030. If you have thoughts, you need to share them by October 16, 2026—no fees or costs for the public, just safety first!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13379, Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Monongahela River MM 127-127.5, Fairmont, WV
On July 4, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard will set up a temporary safety zone on the Monongahela River near Fairmont, WV, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect lives, vessels, and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.
Next: 2026-13381, Safety Zone; Western Lake Erie, Huron, OH
On July 5, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around 1314 Mirheath Drive in Huron, OH, to keep boats and people safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter this 150-yard zone unless the Captain of the Port Detroit says it’s okay. This quick action helps protect everyone and the environment without causing any fees or long delays.