⚓Cancellation of Obsolete Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars
The Coast Guard announces the cancellation of three obsolete Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs). NVICs are guidance documents issued by the Coast Guard that do not have the force of law. However, NVICs ensure Coast Guard inspections and other regulatory actions conducted by field personnel are complete and consistent. Similarly, the marine industry and the general public rely on NVICs as a way to assess how the Coast Guard will enforce certain regulations or conduct various marine safety programs. Thus, it is important that the public is made aware when NVICs are cancelled so as to avoid confusion.
Learn More🎆Coast Guard's Special Local Regulations for July Fireworks Events
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations North Charleston Fireworks and the Patriots Point Fireworks on July 4, 2025; with an alternative date on July 5, 2025. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during marine events. During the enforcement periods, if you are the operator of a vessel in the regulated area you must comply with directions from the COTP Charleston or designated representative.
Learn More🚢Regulated Navigation Area Established for Cuyahoga River Construction
The Coast Guard is issuing an interim rule that will extend enforcement of an existing temporary Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) for certain waters of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near the "Irishtown Bend" in Cleveland, Ohio, during a bank stabilization construction project from July 11, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of all waterside work on November 30, 2025. This rulemaking continues to limit vessel speeds near the area and prohibit vessels from being inside the RNA during construction hours unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this rulemaking.
Learn More⚓Federal Maritime Commission's Investigation into Flagging Practices
The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) is initiating a nonadjudicatory investigation into whether the vessel flagging laws, regulations, or practices of foreign countries, including so-called flags of convenience, or competitive methods employed by the owners, operators, agents, or masters of foreign-flagged vessels, are creating unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade of the United States. The Commission invites the public to submit comments for its consideration.
Learn More🚀Establishment of Safety Zones for Rocket Launches in Gulf of America
The Coast Guard proposes to establish two permanent safety zones to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by commercial spaceflight activities. The proposed permanent safety zones are located in navigable waters of South Bay, TX and in navigable waters of the Gulf of America. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the safety zones during scheduled launches, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi (COTP) or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Learn More🚧Temporary Safety Zone Established in Gulf of America
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone one nautical mile in all directions around well #59 at approximate position 29[deg]04'28.919" N, 089[deg]10'48.720" W, near the Pass A Loutre State Wildlife Management Area. The safety zone is needed to protect persons and critical infrastructure from the potential contamination due to an oil spill in the Gulf of America. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone, or movement of vessels within this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Learn More⛵Coast Guard Enforces Local Regulation for California Triathlon Event
The Coast Guard will enforce the California Half Ironman Triathlon special local regulations on the waters of Oceanside, California on April 5, 2025. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of the participants, crew, spectators, sponsor vessels, and general users of the waterway. During the enforcement period, persons and vessels are prohibited from anchoring, blocking, loitering, or impeding within this regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, or his designated representative.
Learn More🚫Security Zone Enforcement Notification for DC Rivers, January 2025
The Coast Guard will enforce a security zone along the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and adjacent waters at Washington, DC, for the State Funeral for former President James Carter. This action is necessary to protect government officials, mitigate potential terrorist acts and incidents, and enhance public and maritime safety and security immediately before, during, and after this activity. During the enforcement period, entry into or remaining within the zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or their designated representative.
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