Coast Guard: Keep Proving You Can Pay for Oil Spills, Please Comment
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about Certificates of Financial Responsibility for oil pollution, just like before—no changes! They’re asking the public to share thoughts by October 5, 2026. This helps make sure the paperwork stays useful without adding extra hassle or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork requirement stays in place
If you operate vessels or are an approved insurer, you must continue to provide Certificates of Financial Responsibility under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The requirement applies generally to operators and financial guarantors of tank vessels over 100 gross tons and all vessels over 300 gross tons, uses forms CG-5585 and CG-5586 series, is collected annually on a three-year cycle, and the Coast Guard estimates a total burden of 3,400 hours per year.
No changes; status quo preserved
The Coast Guard is seeking OMB approval to extend the current information collection (OMB Control Number 1625-0046) without change. The agency is inviting public comments on that extension, and comments must be received by October 5, 2026.
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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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.
2026-22733, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0100
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about ships arriving in U.S. waters, with no changes to the current process. This affects ship operators who must keep sending their arrival details on time. You’ve got until December 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this paperwork helps keep our ports safe without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-22734, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Harlem River, Between the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, New York City, New York
The Coast Guard plans to let the Macombs Dam Bridge between Manhattan and the Bronx stay closed from February 1 to November 30, 2027, so it can get fixed up. This means boats that usually pass under the bridge will need to find other routes during that time. If you have thoughts, you can share them by December 7, 2026, but no extra costs are expected for the public.
2026-22677, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Wishkah River, Aberdeen, WA
Starting December 7, 2026, the Puget Sound and Pacific railroad bridge over the Wishkah River in Aberdeen, WA, will stay fully closed unless a 24-hour notice is given to open it. No bridge operator will need to be on site anymore, making things smoother for the railroad and boaters. This change helps balance train schedules with river traffic without extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15965, Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0002
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0002, Applications for Vessel Inspection, Waiver and Continuous Synopsis Record; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Next: 2026-15969, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0003
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an approval of a revision of the following collection of information: 1625-0003, Coast Guard Boating Accident Report Form; with change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.