Coast Guard Cages Defiant Barge in San Juan Safety Bubble
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the grounded Barge DEFIANT near San Juan Harbor to keep people, boats, and the environment safe. From February 18 to 23, 2026, no one can enter this 200-yard zone without special permission. This quick action helps prevent accidents and protects the area without causing any fees or long delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
200‑Yard Safety Zone Established
A temporary safety zone covers all navigable waters within a 200‑yard radius of the grounded Barge DEFIANT at 18°28'19.1" N 66°07'30.5" W near the entrance to San Juan Harbor. From February 9, 2026 (enforcement) and effective without actual notice February 18 through February 23, 2026, no vessels or persons may enter this zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Juan.
How to Request Access
If you need to enter the safety zone, you must get authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or the COTP's designated representative. To request permission, contact the COTP by telephone at (787) 289-2041 or a designated representative via VHF-FM radio on channel 16, and you must follow any lawful orders given.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 / Next Documents
Previous: C1-2025-20399 — Glufosinate; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA fixed a date typo in the rules about how much glufosinate pesticide residue is allowed on food. This change affects farmers, food producers, and anyone tracking pesticide safety by pushing a key deadline from May 20, 2025, to May 20, 2026. No new costs or big changes—just a simple date update to keep things on track!
Next: 2026-03150 — IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments
The FAA is updating the official flying altitudes and switch points for certain air routes to keep flights safe and smooth as the airspace changes. These updates affect all pilots flying under instrument rules and take effect on March 19, 2026. No extra costs are expected, just smarter skies and better navigation for everyone in the air.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in