Coast Guard Clears Colorado River for Casino-Backed Water Ski Races

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 They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards.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.

2026-21240, Safety Zone; Cumberland River, Hendersonville, TN

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Cumberland River near Hendersonville, TN, to keep everyone safe during two fireworks shows on October 29 and 31, 2026. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This helps protect folks, boats, and the environment during the big celebrations, with safety rules active a bit before and after the fireworks.

2026-21146, Implementation of Electronic Submission of Mariner Course Completion Data

The Coast Guard is delaying the rule that requires training providers to submit mariner course completion data electronically until at least November 25, 2028. This delay happens because the system to handle these electronic submissions isn’t ready yet. Mariners and training providers can keep submitting paperwork the old-fashioned way for now, with no extra costs or changes until the new system is up and running.

2026-21157, Special Local Regulation; Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City, AZ

On October 20, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lake Havasu will have special rules to keep everyone safe during the Pineapple Races canoe event. Boats can’t enter certain parts of the water unless they get special permission, because the race will block some channels and have lots of participants. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays and follow the new rules for a smooth, fun day!

Previous: 2026-21157, Special Local Regulation; Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City, AZ

On October 20, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lake Havasu will have special rules to keep everyone safe during the Pineapple Races canoe event. Boats can’t enter certain parts of the water unless they get special permission, because the race will block some channels and have lots of participants. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays and follow the new rules for a smooth, fun day!

Next: 2026-21161, Safety Zone; Atlantic Ocean, Culebra, Puerto Rico

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone near Playa Tamarindo Grande Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from October 16 to 25, 2026. This zone keeps boats and people away from dangerous unexploded bombs while experts safely remove them. If you’re boating nearby, you’ll need special permission to enter, but no fees or costs are involved.