Coast Guard Bans Boats for St. Thomas Regatta Fun

2026-05216 — Safety Zone; San Pedro Channel and San Pedro Bay, CA

Starting March 17 through April 30, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in San Pedro Channel and San Pedro Bay, CA, to keep people and boats safe while damaged cargo is removed from the vessel OOCL SUNFLOWER. No one can enter this zone without special permission, protecting everyone from possible dangers and environmental harm. This rule kicks in quickly and affects anyone navigating these waters during this time.

2025-17095 — Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2026 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology

The Coast Guard is planning to lower Great Lakes pilotage rates by about 7% for the 2026 shipping season, making it cheaper for ships to get expert help navigating these waters. They’re also tweaking how they calculate these rates by removing one step to keep things fair and simple. This affects shipping companies and anyone relying on Great Lakes trade, with changes kicking in next year and open for public feedback now.

2026-03044 — Sabine Pass Safety Fairway Anchorages

The Coast Guard wants to add two new deep-water anchor spots near Sabine Pass, Texas, mainly for big oil tankers with deep drafts. This change will make shipping safer and smoother, helping energy move faster and boosting the economy. If you have thoughts, send them in by May 18, 2026—no cost to you, just your voice!

2026-03226 — Streamlined (Vessel) Inspection Program (NVIC 02-99)-Request for Information

The Coast Guard wants your ideas to make its Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) better and faster for U.S. ships. This update aims to boost national security, help the maritime workforce, and keep American vessels competitive without extra hassle. If you’re involved with U.S.-flagged or built ships, speak up by March 20, 2026, to help shape the future—and maybe save time and money!

2026-03183 — Safety Zone; Fireworks Displays Within the USCG East District (Formerly Fifth Coast Guard District); The Wharf, Washington, DC

On February 22, 2026, from 6:30 to 6:40 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off part of the Washington Channel near The Wharf, DC, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats can’t enter or pass through this area unless they get special permission. This short safety zone helps make sure the fireworks event goes off without a hitch and keeps water traffic safe.

2026-03209 — Proposal To Relocate the COLREGS Demarcation Line, Atlantic Coast, New York Harbor

The Coast Guard wants to move the COLREGS line in New York Harbor to improve boat safety and navigation. They’re asking boaters, companies, and the public to share their thoughts by May 19, 2026. This change could affect how ships travel but won’t cost anyone money directly—just your input!

Previous: 2026-01655 — Oil and Gas Resources

Starting February 27, 2026, the USDA’s Forest Service is updating the rules for oil and gas activities on National Forest lands. These changes affect companies leasing land for drilling by making the process clearer, improving how operations are monitored, and applying to both current and future leases. The updates aim to modernize and speed up approvals while keeping an eye on compliance, helping everyone work smarter and safer.

Next: 2026-01688 — Annual Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment

The Department of Health and Human Services is raising its civil penalty amounts to keep up with inflation, making sure fines stay fair and effective. These new penalty amounts apply to violations from November 2, 2015, onward and take effect as soon as this rule is published. If you’re involved in health-related regulations, watch out—penalties might be a bit higher now!