Coast Guard Claims 'Gulf of America' for Oil Rig No-Go Zone
Published Date: 8/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around the ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU), located in Green Canyon Block 763 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of America. Establishing a safety zone around the facility will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, collisions, security breaches, oil spills, releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and the environment. This rule prohibits entry of vessels into this safety zone unless specifically authorized Commander, Coast Guard Heartland District or their designated representative.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
500m Safety Zone Around ANCHOR FPU
The Coast Guard establishes a safety zone extending 500 meters (1,640.4 feet) from each point of the ANCHOR Floating Production Unit located at 27°12'23.0394" N, 91°11'53.1594" W (NAD 83) in Green Canyon Block 763, Gulf of America. No vessel may enter or remain in the zone after the rule is effective September 17, 2026, except attending vessels (per 33 CFR 147.20), vessels under 100 feet not towing, or vessels authorized by the Commander, Coast Guard Heartland District.
Small Entities Economic Impact Finding
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this safety zone rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency states vessel traffic may safely transit around the zone and smaller vessels may be permitted entry or obtain permission from the District Commander.
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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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: 2026-16805, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 21, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the North Avenue Swim & Triathlon Yo (NASTY) Carb Party swim race. Boats can’t enter or stay in this area unless they get special permission. This keeps swimmers safe and helps the event run smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
Next: 2026-16807, Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Gary, IN
From August 20 to 23, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Lake Michigan near Gary, IN, to keep everyone safe during an air show, drone display, and fireworks. Boats and people can’t enter the zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps protect folks and the environment without any delays or extra costs.