Proposed Rule2026-06619
Special Local Regulation; 4th of July Fireworks, East River and Upper New York Bay, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY
Primary source
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Published
April 6, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary special local regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the East River and Upper New York Bay in New York Harbor, NY. The SLR is needed to provide for the safety of life on these highly congested waterways immediately before, during, and after a 4th of July fireworks display. The rule would control vessel movement, prohibit entry into moving protection zones around transiting fireworks barges, establish exclusion zones near launch sites, and create spectator zones. The Coast Guard invites public comment on this proposed rulemaking.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17170-17176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06619]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket Number USCG-2025-1120]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulation; 4th of July Fireworks, East River and
Upper New York Bay, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary special
local regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the East River
and Upper New York Bay in New York Harbor, NY. The SLR is needed to
provide for the safety of life on these highly congested waterways
immediately before, during, and after a 4th of July fireworks display.
The rule would control vessel movement, prohibit entry into moving
protection zones around transiting fireworks barges, establish
exclusion zones near launch sites, and create spectator zones. The
Coast Guard invites public comment on this proposed rulemaking.
[[Page 17171]]
DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before May 6, 2026.
ADDRESSES: To submit comments and view available documents at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2025-1120.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
proposed rule, contact MST1 Scott Baumgartner, Sector New York
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 718-801-
2932, or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#396a5a564d4d1778177b584c545e584b4d575c4b794c4a5a5e17545055"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="db88b8b4afaff59af599baaeb6bcbaa9afb5bea99baea8b8bcf5b6b2b7">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port, Sector New York
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec. Section
SLR Special Local Regulation
U.S.C. United States Code
VHF FM Very High Frequency Modulated Radio Transmission
II. Background and Authority
Macy's has hosted an annual 4th of July fireworks display in New
York harbor since 1976 in varying locations. In 2022, the Coast Guard
established a permanent special local regulation (SLR) for the event,
codified at 33 CFR 100.110.
However, the locations of the barge-based fireworks launch sites
and the number of barges used have varied each year since then. On
October 23, 2025, the Coast Guard received an updated Application for
Marine Event, Form CG-4423, in which Macy's proposed to launch
fireworks from multiple locations in a significantly larger event in
2026 than in past years. On January 16, 2026, Macy's updated their
fireworks launch location to five barges on the East River south of
Roosevelt Island, NY, three barges on the East River southwest of the
Brooklyn Bridge near Manhattan, NY, and one land-based location from
the deck of the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River. As such, the Coast
Guard is proposing a temporary rule for Macy's 2026 fireworks display.
Additionally, this year's proposed display would take place
concurrently with an International Naval Review and Sail 4th 250 event
in New York Harbor. Refer to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2025, titled
``Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and
Security Zones: Sail 4th 250, International Naval Review 250; Port of
New York and New Jersey'' (90 FR 59422). Any waterway restrictions
established as a result of the temporary final rule for that regulatory
project would also apply to any Special Local Regulation established
under this regulatory project. The comment period for that regulatory
project has closed. The Coast Guard is not accepting any comments on
that rulemaking and is evaluating all comments already received.
Hazards from fireworks displays include accidental discharge of
fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other
debris. The COTP has therefore determined that potential hazards
associated with fireworks are a safety concern for anyone within
exclusion areas Charlie and Echo. In addition, when large numbers of
vessels operate in close proximity to one another, the potential for
other hazards, such as collisions and allisions with persons, vessels,
and infrastructure is also heightened. The COTP has determined the high
volume of commercial and recreational vessels expected to be operating
in close proximity to one another in addition to the hazard areas
around the fireworks displays warrant additional regulation to ensure
the safety of participant and non-participant vessels. This rule also
proposes to prohibit the operation of all personal watercraft within
the regulated areas during the enforcement period of the rule. Due to
their high speed and maneuverability, coupled with a history of
incursions into exclusion zones within New York harbor, personal
watercraft pose a significant safety risk in congested waterways and
are considered a risk to the safety and security of this event.
The COTP is proposing this rule under the authority of 46 U.S.C.
70041 to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, non-
participants, and other transiting vessels by establishing multiple
zones for viewing the event and ensuring a safe distance from the
fireworks launch sites. The proposed regulatory text appears at the end
of this document.
III. Discussion of the Rule
This proposed rule would establish a special local regulation from
5:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026, until 11:30 p.m. on July 5, 2026. It would
only be enforced from 5:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026,
unless the event is delayed because of weather conditions, in which
case it will be subject to enforcement during those same hours on July
5, 2026. The duration of the enforcement times is intended to ensure
the safety of vessels, participants, spectators and non-participants,
and other vessels transiting the area immediately before, during, and
after the fireworks display.
The regulated area would cover all navigable waters within 50 yards
of the eight fireworks barges during their transit from their
respective staging area to their respective launch location. This
proposed rule would also create seven stationary regulated areas: an
exclusion area around the Brooklyn Bridge area fireworks launch
locations, an exclusion area around the Roosevelt Island area fireworks
launch locations, and five spectator viewing areas. As shown in Figure
1 below, the exclusion areas, CHARLIE (``C'') and ECHO (``E''), would
exclude all non-participant vessels, including spectator vessels, from
the area surrounding the fireworks launch locations immediately before,
during, and after the fireworks display. The five separate spectator
viewing areas, ALPHA (``A''), BRAVO (``B''), DELTA (``D''), FOXTROT
(``F'') and GOLF (``G)'', would be available to vessels based on the
vessel's length and the timing of its entry into each zone. This
proposed rule is based on the best available planning information at
this time. It is important to note that, due to ongoing discussions
regarding navigational safety and security concerns, spectator area
DELTA (``D'') may ultimately be designated as an exclusion area rather
than a spectator area in the temporary final rule. However, at this
stage, the rule is being proposed with DELTA (``D'') included as a
spectator area. We welcome and encourage all comments on this topic to
help us understand the complex competing demands within this area.
Spectator area DELTA (``D'') would be open to all vessels. Any
vessel desiring to utilize spectator area DELTA (``D'') would have to
enter the regulated area by 7:30 p.m. and would not be permitted to
exit the area through either exclusion area, CHARLIE (``C'') or ECHO
(``E''), until those areas are disestablished, or until spectator and
other non-participant vessels are released from area Delta (``D'') by
the COTP or their designated representative. Spectator areas ALPHA
(``A'') and FOXTROT (``F'') would be open to vessels greater than 65.6
feet (20 meters) in length. Spectator areas BRAVO (``B'') and GOLF
(``G)'' would be open to vessels 65.6 feet (20 meters) or less in
length. Vessels desiring to utilize areas ALPHA (``A''), BRAVO (``B''),
FOXTROT (``F'') and GOLF (``G)'' would be able to begin entering their
designated viewing area at 8:00 p.m. Additionally, vessels desiring to
utilize area FOXTROT (``F'') would have to be in a holding position no
later than 9:00 p.m. and would be required to depart the area without
delay following the
[[Page 17172]]
conclusion of the fireworks display to enable the safe and timely
resumption of ferry services. The conclusion of the fireworks display
will be announced via a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM Channel
16 or on-scene by the COTP or their designated representative. The
waters to the west, north, and south of spectator area Foxtrot (``F'')
will be immediately available for these purposes while the waters to
the east within exclusion area ECHO (``E'') will remain closed to
unauthorized traffic until the ``cooling off'' period for the fireworks
barges has expired.
Some of the areas regulated by this proposed rule overlap with
areas covered by the proposed rule, ``Special Local Regulation,
Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Security Zones: Sail 4th
250, International Naval Review 250; Port of New York and New Jersey,''
published in the Federal Register on December 19, 2025 (90 FR 59422).
Only vessels authorized under the Sail 4th 250 and International Naval
Review 250 proposed rule would be allowed to operate in the regulated
areas proposed in this rulemaking during the enforcement period.
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
Figure 1: Chartlet Showing the Area and Proposed Layout of the Special
Local Regulation
[[Page 17173]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06AP26.084
BILLING CODE 9110-04-C
Navigation rules, 33 CFR part 83, which are now in force, would
continue to apply at all times within the regulated areas. The Coast
Guard would provide notice of the special local regulation by Local
Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and on-scene
designated representatives. The regulatory text we are proposing
appears at the end of this document.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes
and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.
A. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider
[[Page 17174]]
the potential impact of regulations on small entities during
rulemaking. The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses,
not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated
and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions
with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5
U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the
following reasons.
Vessel traffic would be able to safely transit around this
regulated area using the Hudson River and Harlem River. Vessel traffic
would only be restricted in the regulated area for approximately six
hours on either July 4, 2026, or July 5, 2026. In addition, the Coast
Guard would make advance public notification through a Broadcast Notice
to Mariners (BNM) via VHF FM marine channel 16, a Local Notice to
Mariners (LNM), a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB), and/or a
Coast Guard Advisory Notice (CGAN) which would allow small entities to
adjust their transit plans and operations. The proposed rule would also
allow vessels to request permission to enter the regulated area from
the COTP.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to
what degree this proposed rule would economically affect it.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this proposed rule will
affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction
and you have questions, contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section. Small businesses may send comments to the
Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the
Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards by calling 1-888-
REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
B. Collection of Information
This proposed rule does not call for a new collection of
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).
C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, and have determined that it is consistent with the
fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described
in that Order.
Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
As required by The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1531-1538), the Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule would not
result in an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted for
inflation) by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland
Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series),
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), and have
determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment.
This proposed rule is a special local regulation. It is
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L61.
V. Public Participation and Request for Comments
We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or
recommendation.
Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type
USCG-2025-1120 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for
this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click
on the Comment option. If you cannot submit your material by using
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, call or email the person in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate
instructions.
Viewing material in the docket. To view available documents, find
the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select
``Supporting & Related Material'' in the Document Type column. We will
post public comments in our online docket. Additional information is on
the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we
post to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> will include any personal
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Waterways
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:
PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05-1.
0
2. Add Sec. 100.T0199-1120 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.T0199-1120 Special Local Regulation; 4th of July Fireworks,
East River and Upper New York Bay, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY
(a) Regulated areas. The regulations in this section apply to the
following areas:
(1) Spectator Area ALPHA (``A''): All navigable waters of the East
River bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting at
40[deg]45'30.76'' N, 073[deg]57'30.62'' W (near the Ed Koch Queensboro
Bridge, Manhattan); thence to 40[deg]45'26.02'' N, 073[deg]57'19.97'' W
(near the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Roosevelt Island); thence along
shore to 40[deg]44'58.05'' N, 073[deg]57'41.72'' W (near the southern
tip of Roosevelt Island); thence to 40[deg]45'04.74'' N,
073[deg]57'54.27'' W (near E 48th Street, Manhattan), then along the
shoreline back to the point of origin.
(2) Spectator Area BRAVO (``B''): All navigable waters of the East
River bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting at
[[Page 17175]]
40[deg]45'22.71'' N, 073[deg]57'12.19'' W (near the Ed Koch Queensboro
Bridge, Roosevelt Island); thence to 40[deg]45'18.72'' N,
073[deg]57'03.05'' W (near the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Queens);
thence along shore to 40[deg]44'51.80'' N, 073[deg]57'28.67'' W (near
46th Avenue, Queens); thence to 40[deg]44'57.87'' N, 073[deg]57'41.46''
W (near the southern tip of Roosevelt Island), then along shore back to
the point of origin.
(3) Exclusion Area CHARLIE (``C''): All navigable waters of the
East River bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting
at 40[deg]45'04.74'' N, 073[deg]57'54.27'' W (near E. 48th Street,
Manhattan); thence to 40[deg]44'51.80'' N, 073[deg]57'28.67'' W (near
46th Avenue, Queens); thence along shore to 40[deg]43'48.62'' N,
073[deg]57'40.66'' W (near Greenpoint Water View, Brooklyn); thence to
40[deg]43'47.56'' N, 073[deg]58'18.59'' W (near E 15th Street,
Manhattan), then along shore back to the point of origin.
(4) Spectator Area DELTA (``D''): All waters of the East River
bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting at
40[deg]43'47.56'' N, 073[deg]58'18.59'' W (near E 15th Street,
Manhattan); thence to 40[deg]43'48.62'' N, 073[deg]57'40.66'' W (near
Greenpoint Water View, Brooklyn); thence to 40[deg]42'16.42'' N,
073[deg]59'20.13'' W (near Manhattan Bridge; Brooklyn); thence to
40[deg]42'34.43'' N, 073[deg]59'30.24'' W (near Manhattan Bridge;
Manhattan), then along the shore back to the point of origin.
(5) Exclusion Area ECHO (``E''): All navigable waters of the East
River bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting at
40[deg]42'34.43'' N, 073[deg]59'30.24'' W (near Manhattan Bridge;
Manhattan); thence to 40[deg]42'16.42'' N, 073[deg]59'20.13'' W (near
Manhattan Bridge; Brooklyn); thence along shore to 40[deg]41'38.59'' N,
074[deg]00'12.43'' W (near Pier 6, Brooklyn); thence to
40[deg]41'33.44'' N, 074[deg]00'43.56'' W (near the Hugh Carey Tunnel
Ventilator Building, Governors Island); thence to 40[deg]42'00.15'' N,
074[deg]00'43.06'' W (near the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, Manhattan);
then along shore back to the point of origin.
(6) Spectator Area FOXTROT (``F''): All navigable waters of New
York Harbor bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting
at 40[deg]42'00.15'' N, 074[deg]00'43.06'' W (near the Whitehall Ferry
Terminal, Manhattan); thence to 40[deg]41'33.44'' N, 074[deg]00'43.56''
W (near the Hugh Carey Tunnel Ventilator Building, Governors Island);
thence along shore to 40[deg]41'35.48'' N, 074[deg]01'10.57'' W (near
Castle Williams, Governors Island); thence to 40[deg]41'52.28'' N,
074[deg]01'16.13'' W (near Deep Water Channel Lighted Buoy ``1'');
thence to 40[deg]42'11.45'' N, 074[deg]01'03.02'' W (near Castle
Clinton, Manhattan); then along shore back to the point of origin.
(7) Spectator Area GOLF (``G''): All navigable waters of New York
Harbor bounded by a line connecting the following points: starting at
40[deg]41'33.44'' N, 074[deg]00'43.56'' W (near the Hugh Carey Tunnel
Ventilator Building, Governors Island); thence to 40[deg]41'38.59'' N,
074[deg]00'12.43'' W (near Pier 6, Brooklyn); thence along shore to
40[deg]40'44.32'' N, 074[deg]01'10.24'' W (near Brooklyn Cruise
Terminal, Brooklyn); thence to 40[deg]41'03.13'' N, 074[deg]01'32.08''
W (near the southern tip of Governors Island); then along shore back to
the point of origin.
(8) Moving Protection Zone: A moving protection zone on all
navigable waters within a 50-yard radius of the participating barges
while they are loaded with explosive material will be enforced from the
point of departure within the COTP New York zone until placement at the
intended destination. The point of departure will be determined prior
to enforcement of the moving protection zone, and the details will be
released through a Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
(9) These coordinates are based on the World Geodetic System (WGS
84)/North American Datum 83 (NAD 83).
(b) Definitions. As used in this section--
(1) Designated representative means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander,
including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer
operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, State, and local officer
designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Sector New York
(COTP) in the enforcement of the regulated areas in this section.
(2) Official Patrol Vessel means any Coast Guard, Coast Guard
Auxiliary, Federal, State or local law enforcement vessel assigned or
approved by the COTP to assist in the enforcement of the regulated
areas in this section.
(3) Participant means all persons and vessels registered with the
event sponsor as a participant in the event.
(4) Personal watercraft means any vessel propelled by a water-jet
pump or other machinery as its primary source of motive power and
designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on
the vessel, rather than sitting or standing within the vessel's hull.
(5) Non-participant means a person or vessel, including a spectator
or spectator vessel, not registered with the event sponsor as
participants or official patrol vessels.
(c) Regulations. (1) All non-participants are prohibited from
entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the
regulated areas described in paragraph (a) of this section, except as
provided in paragraph (c)(2), unless authorized by the COTP or their
designated representative.
(2) All vessels that are authorized by the COTP or their designated
representative to enter the regulated areas established by this section
must adhere to the following restrictions:
(i) Spectator Area ALPHA (``A'') is limited to vessels over 65.6
feet (20 meters) in length. Vessels desiring to use spectator area
ALPHA (A'') may enter the area starting at 8:00 p.m.
(ii) Spectator Area BRAVO (``B'') is limited to vessels less-than
or equal to 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length. Vessels desiring to use
spectator area BRAVO (``B'') may enter the area starting at 8:00 p.m.
(iii) All non-participant vessels are prohibited from entering
exclusion area CHARLIE (``C'') without permission from the COTP or
their designated representative after 7:30 p.m. All vessels authorized
to transit by the COTP or their designated representative must pass as
close to the pierhead as safely possible and must transit through the
area no later than 8:00 p.m. Vessels must operate at the minimum speed
necessary to maintain safe course while crossing through area CHARLIE
(``C'') and comply with all directions that may be provided by the COTP
or their designated representative.
(iv) Spectator Area DELTA (``D'') is open to all vessels. All
vessels desiring to enter and exit area DELTA (``D'') must complete
their transit by 7:30 p.m. Vessels within spectator area DELTA (``D'')
at 7:30 p.m. will not be able to exit through exclusion areas CHARLIE
(``C'') and ECHO (``E'') until those areas are disestablished by COTP
or after receiving authorization from the COTP or their designated
representative.
(v) All non-participant vessels are prohibited from entering
exclusion area ECHO (``E'') without permission from the COTP or their
designated representative after 7:30 p.m. All vessels authorized to
transit by the COTP or their designated representative must pass as
close to the pierhead as safely possible and must transit through the
area no later than 8:00 p.m. Vessels must operate at the minimum speed
necessary to maintain safe course while crossing through area ECHO
(``E'') and comply with all directions that may be provided by the
Coast Guard.
[[Page 17176]]
(vi) Spectator Area FOXTROT (``F'') is limited to vessels over 65.6
feet (20 meters) in length. Vessels desiring to use area FOXTROT
(``F'') may begin entering the designated spectator area at 8:00 p.m.
and must be in a holding position no later than 9:00 p.m. Vessels must
depart spectator area FOXTROT (``F'') without delay following the
conclusion of the fireworks display.
(vii) Spectator Area Golf (``G'') is limited to vessels less than
or equal to 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length. Vessels desiring to use
spectator area GOLF (``G'') may enter the area starting at 8:00 p.m.
(3) During periods of enforcement all persons and vessels in the
regulated areas must comply with all lawful orders and directions from
the COTP or their designated representative.
(4) During periods of enforcement, the COTP or their designated
representative may restrict the number of vessels allowed within the
regulated area to prevent overcrowding and ensure safe navigation. Once
the COTP or their designated representative determines that the
regulated area has reached a safe capacity, no additional vessels will
be allowed to enter unless specifically authorized by the COTP or their
designated representative.
(5) The operation of personal watercraft is prohibited in any
regulated areas.
(6) Vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the
regulated areas outside the restrictions identified in (c)(2) of this
section should contact the COTP or their designated representative at
844-NYC-USCG or on VHF 16 to obtain permission.
(7) Non-participant and Spectator Vessels must not anchor, block,
loiter or impede the transit of event participants or official patrol
vessels in the regulated areas during the enforcement period and times
unless authorized by the COTP or their designated representative.
(d) Enforcement periods. (1) This section is in effect from 5:30
p.m. July 4, 2026, to 11:30 p.m. July 5, 2026. It will only be subject
to enforcement, however, from 5:30 p.m. through 11:30 p.m. on Saturday,
July 4, 2026, unless the event is delayed because of weather
conditions, in which case it may be subject to enforcement of those
same hours on July 5, 2026.
(2) The COTP will provide advance notice of the enforcement period
for the regulated areas as well as any changes to the enforcement times
of the regulated area through local notice to mariners, broadcast
notice to mariners, and through on-scene notice by the COTP's
designated representative or official patrol vessels.
Jonathan A. Andrechik,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector New York.
[FR Doc. 2026-06619 Filed 4-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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