Coast Guard Asks for Ideas to Streamline US Ship Checks

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!

2026-03209 — 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!

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.

2026-03138 — Safety Zone; San Juan Harbor, San Juan, PR

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.

Previous: 2026-03225 — Notice of Agreement Filed

Big shipping companies teamed up to change how they share ships between North Europe and the U.S. East Coast. They want these changes to start by March 23, 2026, and asked for a quick review. If you’re interested, you can send your thoughts within 7 to 12 days after this notice.

Next: 2026-03229 — Certain Polycrystalline Diamond Compacts and Articles Containing Same; Notice of Commission Determination To Institute a Modification Proceeding and To Grant a Joint Motion for Limited Service of Confidential Exhibit; Modification of the Limited Exclusion Order; Termination of Modification Proceeding

The U.S. International Trade Commission has changed its rules to remove Shenzhen Haimingrun Superhard Materials from a special import ban on certain diamond products. This means Haimingrun can now sell these products in the U.S. again, ending the previous restrictions. The change wraps up a legal process started in 2020, affecting companies involved in diamond compact imports and sales.