Coast Guard seals bay for towing nuclear carrier Enterprise to scrapyard
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
100-yard Moving Safety Zone During Tow
While the EX ENTERPRISE is being towed, all navigable waters within a 100-yard radius of the vessel (and all vessels involved in the dead-ship tow) will be a moving safety zone you may not enter without permission. Enforcement begins when the tow is underway in the Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone and continues until the vessel is moored; the rule is effective starting November 13, 2026. To request permission, contact the Captain of the Port on VHF-FM Channel 16 or by telephone at (251) 266-5888.
Fixed Channel Safety Zone from Mobile Bar to Cochrane Bridge
A temporary fixed safety zone will cover all navigable waters of the Federal channel from Mobile Bar Lighted Buoy 1 (LLNR 6100) northward to the Mobile River Channel ending at the Cochrane Bridge, enforced beginning when EX ENTERPRISE arrives at the Mobile Bar Channel entrance and continuing until the vessel is moored at the receiving facility. You may not enter this channel safety zone without authorization from the Captain of the Port.
200-foot Moored Safety Zone During Dismantling
When EX ENTERPRISE is moored at the receiving facility at 701 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL, a temporary fixed safety zone will extend 200 feet around the vessel and remain in effect throughout dismantling operations—an estimated period of five years—with enforcement continuing until the Captain of the Port deems nearby traffic safe or the project is completed by December 2030. Vessels may transit portions of this safety zone that overlap the Federal channel only for direct and expeditious passage while remaining in the channel, keeping maximum safe distance, and not stopping or loitering.
Coast Guard Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
The Coast Guard certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agency says vessels can transit around the safety zones or request permission to enter, and it will issue a Marine Safety Information Bulletin and Broadcast Notice to Mariners to help small businesses adjust their transit plans.
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.
2026-20121, Special Local Regulations; Englewood Beach Offshore Championship; Gulf of America; Englewood, FL
The Coast Guard is setting special rules for boats during the OPA World Championships near Englewood Beach, FL, on October 10-11, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're boating in the area, you must follow the Patrol Commander's instructions to keep everyone safe. This means some boating activities might be limited, so plan ahead and stay alert!
2026-20122, Safety Zone; St. Lawrence River, Massena, NY
From September 30 to October 3, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up two temporary safety zones on the St. Lawrence River near Massena, NY. These zones keep boats and people out to protect everyone during the replacement of overhead electrical wires. If you’re boating there, expect restricted access but no fees or long-term changes.
2026-19945, Safety Zone; Bridge Demolition, Upper Mississippi River, Chester, IL
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Upper Mississippi River near Chester, IL, from September 28 to 30, 2026, to keep everyone safe during bridge demolition. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect workers, boaters, and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20123, General Provisions; Revised List of Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to update the list of birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by adding 32 new species, removing 7 that no longer live here, and fixing bird names to match current science. This means 1,131 bird species will be protected, helping everyone know which birds are covered by the law. People can share their thoughts on these changes until November 30, 2026.
Next: 2026-20143, Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses
The FTC is planning new rules to stop scams where fake websites or social media accounts pretend to be the government or real businesses to trick people out of money. This affects online platforms like search engines and social media sites, which may have to change how they handle these impersonation scams. The FTC wants your thoughts by November 30, 2026, before making any final decisions.