Whale-Safe Ship Speeds: NOAA's Info Collection Call
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory Logbook Entry for Speed Deviations
If you operate a vessel and legally exceed a North Atlantic right whale speed limit, you must make a logbook entry documenting the safety-related deviation. Each required logbook entry is estimated to take five minutes, and logbooks may be requested by federal authorities if questions arise.
Voluntary Surveys and Focus Group Burden
NOAA will continue voluntary surveys and focus groups of pleasure yachts and large ocean-going vessel operators to inform outreach on right whale speed restrictions. The agency estimates 3,624 respondents, with responses taking about one hour for an electronic survey or two hours and 30 minutes for focus groups, contributing to an estimated 674 total annual burden hours and an estimated total annual cost to the public of $0.00.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
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