Rule2026-10392
Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Safety and Security Zones: Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 26, 2026
Effective
July 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is establishing temporary regulations, including special local regulations and multiple safety and security zones, and to temporarily suspend certain anchorage grounds in Boston Harbor, Boston, MA between July 10 and July 16, 2026. These regulations are necessary to promote the safe navigation of vessels and safety of life during `Sail Boston,' a gathering of tall ships and military ships to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30486-30491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10392]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Parts 100, 110, and 165
[Docket Number USCG-2025-0707
RIN 1625-AA08, AA01, AA87
Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension,
and Safety and Security Zones: Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026;
Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing temporary regulations,
including special local regulations and multiple safety and security
zones, and to temporarily suspend certain anchorage grounds in Boston
Harbor, Boston, MA between July 10 and July 16, 2026. These regulations
are necessary to promote the safe navigation of vessels and safety of
life during `Sail Boston,' a gathering of tall ships and military ships
to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United
States.
DATES: Effective July 10, 2026, 33 CFR 110.138, (Boston Harbor, Mass.),
is stayed until July 17, 2026. The regulations at 33 CFR 100.T0199-
0707, 33 CFR 165.T01-0707 and 33 CFR 165.T01-1162 are effective from
July 10, 2026, through July 16, 2026. In some cases, portions of the
rules will only be subject to enforcement during specified periods, and
these enforcement periods are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section and in the regulatory text.
ADDRESSES: To view available documents, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2025-0707.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule,
contact Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management, Coast Guard Northeast
District at (571) 607-6314, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f19283909896df95df9d908198949b9a9eb184829296df9c989d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e2d3c2f2729602a60222f3e272b2425210e3b3d2d2960232722">[email protected]</span></a> or call or
email Mr. Timothy Chase U.S Coast Guard Sector Boston Waterways
Management at (617) 447-1620 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#25514c484a514d5c0b520b464d44564065505646420b484c49"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89fde0e4e6fde1f0a7fea7eae1e8faecc9fcfaeaeea7e4e0e5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port, Sector Boston
CGD-NE Coast Guard Northeast District Commander
DHS Department of Homeland Security
[[Page 30487]]
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
TFR Temporary Final Rule
BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners
LNM Local Notice to Mariners
MA Massachusetts
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background and Authority
Sail250[supreg], a series of events which celebrates the 250th
anniversary of the United States of America, has been designated as a
Marine Event of National Significance under Coast Guard regulations.\1\
Among this series of events is a multiport tall ships tour, which
includes the ports of New Orleans, LA; Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD, and
New York City, NY, and which ends at the Port of Boston. Additional
information about Sail250[supreg] can be found at <a href="https://www.sail250.org/">https://www.sail250.org/</a>.
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\1\ 46 CFR 26.03-8.
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The Boston event, `Sail Boston,' is being held from July 11, 2026,
through July 16, 2026. It will commence with the arrival and anchoring
of the tall ships to Broad Sound, Massachusetts Bay, MA on July 10th,
2026. The Sail Boston Tall Ship Parade of Sail into Boston Harbor will
occur on July 11th, 2026, with participating tall ships mooring in
various berths throughout the Port of Boston, MA until their departure
on July 16th, 2026.
On February 11, 2026, the Coast Guard published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Special local regulation, Temporary
Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Safety and Security Zones: Sail
Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.'' In that
NPRM, we stated why we issued the NPRM and invited comments on our
proposed regulatory actions related to `Sail Boston' events.
Under the authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034, the Captain of the Port,
Sector Boston (COTP) has determined that this rule is necessary to
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential
hazards associated with the increase in waterway congestion resulting
from the `Sail Boston' Tall Ship Parade of Sail Event and associated
events. Mariners will be required to adhere to the advertised Special
Local regulations regarding designated spectator zones, established
traffic patterns, and established safety and security zones. No vessel
or person will be permitted to enter established safety and security
zones without obtaining permission from the COTP Boston MA, or their
designated representative.
III. Discussion of Comments and the Rule
During the comment period that ended on April 13, 2026, we received
two comments. Both commenters expressed concern that the proposed rule
would unduly restrict access and increase burdens for recreational and
nonprofit vessels, requesting accommodations to allow more direct
routing and ensure essential ferry services are not unreasonably
impeded during the temporary security zone. Discussion on these
comments is provided in greater detail below.
One commenter suggested that the Coast Guard consider issuing
special placards for certain vessels, permitting deviation from
established counterclockwise traffic patterns to facilitate access to
moorings or docks, particularly for vessels bound for Charles River
destinations. He expressed concern that the proposed routing would
increase travel time and fuel costs for boaters, especially those
departing East Boston, and argued that restricting access to the fan
pier to fish pier area solely to commercial vessels is discriminatory.
The Coast Guard acknowledges the concerns regarding increased
travel time and fuel costs for boaters. The primary purpose of the
established traffic patterns is to ensure navigational safety and
security within the regulated area. While the suggestion of issuance of
special placards was considered, the Coast Guard determined that
maintaining a consistent traffic pattern is necessary to minimize risk
and confusion among all waterway users during the event. However, the
Coast Guard will monitor any impacts to vessels and use lessons learned
for future events. Regarding access restrictions in the fan pier area
and fish pier area, these measures are based on operational security
needs and are not intended to discriminate against recreational users.
The Coast Guard will review these restrictions to ensure they remain
necessary and proportionate for future similar marine events of this
size.
The other commenter requested assurance that their passenger ferry
service between EDIC Pier and Thompson Island would not be unreasonably
impeded while the temporary security zone is in effect, noting the
critical importance of the service to the nonprofit's educational
mission and to island residents.
The Coast Guard recognizes the essential role of ferry services in
supporting nonprofit operations and island access. The temporary final
rule includes provisions to allow for reasonable and timely passage of
passenger ferries serving Thompson Island, subject to security
considerations.
There are no changes in the regulatory text of this rule from the
proposed rule in the NPRM.
This rule establishes temporary spectator areas, vessel movement
control measures, security zones around foreign naval vessels, and
safety zones around each Tall Ship while anchored, transiting and
moored in various berths in Boston Harbor. Additionally, these
regulations would temporarily suspend certain anchorage grounds. The
regulations would only be subject to enforcement at various specified
times between July 10th, 2026, through July 16th, 2026. Mariners may
request to deviate from the Special Local Regulations and Safety or
Security zones by obtaining permission from the COTP or their
designated representative.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this 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 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider 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. Section 605 of the RFA allows an agency to certify a rule, in
lieu of preparing an analysis, if the rulemaking is not expected to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
The Coast Guard certifies that, although some small entities may
intend to transit outside of the designated spectator zones,
established traffic patterns and established Safety/Security Zones,
this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. This regulation temporarily suspends certain
anchorage grounds, creates spectator areas, imposes traffic control
measures, and safety zones and security zones in portions of Boston
Harbor, Boston, MA, during the events, vessels needing to depart the
temporary spectator areas may do so with permission from the COTP's
designated on-scene representative and vessels will
[[Page 30488]]
have sufficient transit room around the outer edge of the designated
spectator areas. The traffic control measures are confined to areas of
minimal distance; they follow the natural flow of Boston Harbor,
Boston, MA, traffic; they are in compliance with the navigational rules
of the road, and crossovers have been established for vessels wanting
to change direction. The 25-yard safety zone around participating Tall
Ships while moored will have no impact to vessel movement in Boston,
Harbor, Boston, MA, and will only be in place during the five days of
Sail Boston 250th Anniversary activities. Over the past 6 months
Sail250[supreg], Inc has held multiple public meetings discussing Sail
Boston 250 events, and during each meeting, these proposals have been
discussed. An extensive advance notice will be made to mariners via
appropriate means, which may include broadcast notice to mariners,
local notice to mariners, marine safety information bulletin, local
Port Operators Group meetings, Harbor Safety Committee meetings, the
internet, USCG Sector Boston Facebook web page, handouts, and local
newspapers and media. The advance notice will permit mariners to adjust
their plans accordingly. Similar restrictions were established for
other Sail Boston events in 1992, 2000, 2009, 2017, and War of 1812 in
2012. Based upon the Coast Guard's experiences from those previous
events of similar magnitude, these proposed regulations have been
narrowly tailored to impose the least impact on maritime interests
while providing the necessary level of safety.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this 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 rule will 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 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 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 rule will 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 rule involves temporarily suspending permanent anchorages,
establishing temporary spectator areas and vessel traffic control
measures to facilitate the safety of all spectator and participant
vessels in the Sail Boston 250 Tall Ship Parade of Sail and events. It
is categorically excluded from further review under paragraphs L59(b),
L60(a), and L61 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-
01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting
this determination is available in the docket.
List of Subjects
33 CFR Part 100
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, and Waterways.
33 CFR Part 110
Anchorages Grounds.
33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record
keeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR parts 100, 110, and 165 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.T0199-0707 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.T0199-0707 Special Local Regulation: Sail Boston 250th,
Anniversary 2026; Port of Boston, MA
(a) Regulated areas: (1) Traffic Pattern Regulated Area--(i)
Location. The following area is a special regulation area: All waters
of Boston Harbor to include all waters west of a line drawn from the
monument at Castle Island in approximate position 42[deg]20'21'' N,
71[deg]00'37'' W, to the Logan Airport Security Zone Buoy ``24'' in
approximate position 42[deg]20'45'' N, 71[deg]00'29'' W, and then to
land in approximate position 42[deg]20'48'' N, 71[deg]00'27'' W,
including the Reserved Channel to the Summer Street retractile bridge
in approximate position 42[deg]20'34'' N, 71[deg]02'11'' W, the Charles
River to the Gridley Locks at the Charles River Dam in approximate
position 42[deg]22'07'' N, 71[deg]03'40'' W, the Mystic River at the
Alford Street Bridge in approximate position 42[deg]23'22'' N,
71[deg]04'16'' W, and the Chelsea River to the McArdle Bridge in
approximate position 42[deg]23'09'' N, 71[deg]02'21'' W. All positions
are expressed in Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based
on the World Geodetic System (WGS 84).
(ii) Traffic Pattern General Regulations.
(A) During the effective period, vessel operators transiting
through the regulated area shall proceed in a counterclockwise
direction at no wake speeds not to exceed five knots, unless otherwise
authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP).
(B) Vessel operators shall comply with the directions and orders of
the COTP or the COTP's representative, upon being hailed by siren,
radio, flashing lights, or other means. The COTP's representative may
be any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any
Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who has been
designated by the COTP to act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's
representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessel, a federal, state or local law enforcement or safety vessel, or
a location on shore.
[[Page 30489]]
(C) From 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026, through 8 a.m. on July 16, 2026,
vessel control measures will be implemented. The traffic pattern will
be in a counterclockwise rotation, such that all vessels shall stay
generally as far to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and
practicable.
(D) To facilitate commercial ferry traffic with minimal disruption,
commercial ferries within the regulated area, moving between stops on
their normal routes, will be exempt from the mandatory counterclockwise
traffic pattern. This exemption does not give ferries navigational
precedence or in any way alter their responsibilities under the Rules
of the Road or any other pertinent regulations.
(E) Vessel operators who are tenants of the World Tade Center and
Fish Pier docks will be allowed access to this portion of the Waterway.
Due to the mooring plan for the arriving Tall Ships severely
restricting the channels, recreational craft will not be allowed
access.
(F) Vessel operators transiting this area must maintain at least a
25-yard safe distance from all participating Sail Boston Tall Ships and
must make way for all deep draft vessel traffic underway in the area.
(G) When a vessel greater than 125-feet enters the waterway between
the Commonwealth Pier and the Fish Pier, no other vessel will be
allowed to enter until the larger vessel departs that area, unless
authorized by the on-scene COTP's representative.
(H) From 4 p.m. 11 July through 8:00 a.m. 16 July, while the
regulated area is in effect, only vessels which are tenants within the
channels of the Commonwealth and the Fish Pier will be authorized
access.
(I) The COTP may control the movement of all vessels operating on
the navigable waters of Boston Harbor when the COTP has determined that
such orders are justified in the interest of safety by reason of
weather, visibility, sea conditions, temporary port congestion, or
other temporary hazards circumstance.
(J) To obtain permissions required by this regulation, individuals
may reach the COTP or a COTP representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-
449-0593 (Sector Boston Command Center).
(iii) Penalties. Those who violate this section are subject to the
penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036 and 46 U.S.C. 70052.
(iv) Enforcement Period. This regulation will be enforced from
11:59 p.m. on July 10, 2026, through 4 p.m. on July 16, 2026, unless
otherwise noted. Readers should refer to paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this
section for additional information on specific enforcement times and
locations
(2) Spectator areas. (i) Locations and regulations--
(A) Spectator Area 1--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]22'06'' N/071[deg]02'43'' W, 42[deg]22'11'' N/
071[deg]02'39'' W, 42[deg]22'07'' N/071[deg]02'32'' W, and
42[deg]22'03'' N/071[deg]02'35'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels that are 45 feet or less
in length and have superstructures that do not exceed 10 feet in
height.
(B) Spectator Area 2--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'41'' N/071[deg]02'25'' W, 42[deg]21'47'' N/
071[deg]02'20'' W, 42[deg]21'35'' N/071[deg]01'53'' W, and
42[deg]21'29'' N/071[deg]01'58'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels that are 45 feet or less
in length and have superstructures that do not exceed 10 feet in
height.
(C) Spectator Area 3--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'26'' N/071[deg]01'51'' W, 42[deg]21'32'' N/
071[deg]01'47'' W, 42[deg]21'25'' N/071[deg]01'33'' W, and
42[deg]21'19'' N/071[deg]01'37'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels that are 45-feet or less
in length and their height above water does not exceed 50-feet.
(D) Spectator Area 4--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'19'' N/071[deg]01'37'' W, 42[deg]21'25'' N/
071[deg]01'33'' W, 42[deg]21'09'' N/071[deg]01'02'' W, and
42[deg]21'04'' N/071[deg]01'06'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of inspected and uninspected small passenger
vessels (certificated by the Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of
Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations), and charter vessels that do not
exceed 50-feet in height above the water line.
(E) Spectator Area 5--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'04'' N/071[deg]01'06'' W, 42[deg]21'09'' N/
071[deg]01'02'' W, 42[deg]20'48'' N/071[deg]00'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'47'' N/071[deg]00'29'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of inspected and uninspected small passenger
vessels (certificated by the Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of
Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations), and charter vessels that do not
exceed 50-feet in height above the water line.
(F) Spectator Area 6--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'09'' N/070[deg]59'39'' W, 42[deg]20'23'' N/
070[deg]59'32'' W, 42[deg]20'19'' N/071[deg]59'17'' W, and
42[deg]20'07'' N/070[deg]59'24'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels.
(G) Spectator Area 7--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'06'' N/070[deg]59'23'' W, 42[deg]20'32'' N/
070[deg]59'08'' W, 42[deg]20'32'' N/070[deg]58'31'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]58'45'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels.
(H) Spectator Area 8--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'06'' N/070[deg]58'43'' W, 42[deg]20'35'' N/
070[deg]58'28'' W, 42[deg]20'33'' N/070[deg]57'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]57'31'' W. This spectator area is designated a
Deep Draft and general spectator area, in the event a visiting foreign
Naval Vessel is anchored within the zone, a 500-yard Naval Protective
Zone will be established prohibiting all vessels from entering the
established zone.
(I) Spectator Area 9--(i) All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'45'' N/070[deg]59'55'' W, 42[deg]19'58'' N/
070[deg]59'55'' W, 42[deg]19'57'' N/070[deg]58'47'' W, and
42[deg]19'44'' N/070[deg]58'47'' W. This spectator area is designated
as general transient spectator area for all vessels that do not exceed
50-feet in height above the water line, with no overnight anchoring.
This spectator area is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026,
until 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(J) Spectator Area 10--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'44'' N/070[deg]58'44'' W, 42[deg]19'58'' N/
070[deg]58'47'' W, 42[deg]19'55'' N/070[deg]57'28'' W, and
42[deg]19'43'' N/070[deg]57'35'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of recreational vessels with no overnight
anchoring. This anchorage is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11,
2026, until 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(K) Spectator Area 11--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'30'' N/070[deg]56'30'' W, 42[deg]21'58'' N/
070[deg]56'05'' W, and 42[deg]21'32'' N/070[deg]55'27'' W. This
spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of late arriving
recreational vessels and no overnight anchoring. This spectator area is
only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026, until 4 p.m. on July 11,
2026.
(L) Spectator Area 12--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'07'' N/070[deg]56'28'' W, 42[deg]21'43'' N/
070[deg]54'51'' W, 42[deg]21'18'' N/070[deg]54'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]55'51'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the exclusive use of late arriving recreational vessels and no
overnight anchoring. This spectator area is only applicable from 6 a.m.
on July 11,2026, until 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(M) Spectator Area 13--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'55'' N/070[deg]56'40'' W, 42[deg]20'06'' N/
070[deg]56'28'' W, 42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]55'51'' W, and
42[deg]19'51'' N/070[deg]56'05'' W. This spectator area is designated
for the
[[Page 30490]]
exclusive use of inspected and uninspected small passenger vessels
(certificated by the Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of Title 46,
Code of Federal Regulations), and charter vessels. This spectator area
is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026, until 4 p.m. on July
11, 2026.
(ii) Spectator Area General regulations. The spectator area
designated in paragraphs (2)(i)(A) through (M) of this section are
expressed in Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on
the World Geodetic System (WGS 84), and subject to the following
regulations:
(A) General Operational Requirements for all spectator areas.
Vessel operators using any of the spectator areas established in this
section shall:
(1) Ensure their vessels remain safely within the spectator area
during marine events.
(2) Vessel operators shall comply with the directions and orders of
the COTP or the COTP's representatives, upon being hailed by siren,
radio, flashing lights, or other means. The COTP's representative may
be any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any
Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who has been
designated by the COTP to act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's
representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessel, a federal, state, or local law enforcement or safety vessel, or
a location on shore.
(3) Vacate spectator areas after termination of their effective
periods.
(4) Buoy with identifiable markers and release anchors fouled on
lobster trap lines if such anchors cannot be freed or raised.
(5) Display anchor lights when anchoring at night in any spectator
area.
(6) Do not leave vessels unattended in any spectator area at any
time.
(7) Do not tie off to any aid to navigation or buoy.
(8) Maintain at least 20 feet of clearance if maneuvering between
anchored vessels.
(9) Do not nest or tie off to other vessels in spectator areas.
(10) Based on COTP approval and direction, vessels commercially
engaged in the collection and legal disposal of marine sewage may
operate within spectator areas during the applicable periods.
Note 1 to Sec. 100.T0199-0707: CAUTION: Designated spectator areas
in this section have not been subject to any special survey or
inspection and charts may not show all seabed obstructions or the
shallowest depths. In addition, if you decide to anchor, spectator
areas are in areas of substantial currents, and not all spectator areas
are over good holding ground.
Note 2 to Sec. 100.T0199-0707: NO-DISCHARGE ZONE: Boston Harbor,
MA, located in EPA Region 01, is a No-Discharge Zone. No Discharge
Zones prohibit the discharge of sewage from vessels to protect water
quality. Mariners are warned they cannot discharge any treated or
untreated sewage within the designated area and must instead retain it
on board and use onshore pump-out facilities to dispose of it later.
Additional information on commercial vessels or the location of onshore
pump-out facilities dedicated to the collection and legal disposal of
marine sewage may be found at <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boat-pumpout-facilities">https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boat-pumpout-facilities</a>.
PART 110--ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS
0
3. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70006, 70034; 33 CFR 1.05-
1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision
No. 4.
0
4. Temporarily stay 33 CFR 110.138, (Boston Harbor, Mass.), effective
from July 11, 2026, through July 16, 2026.
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
0
5. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
6. Add Sec. 165.T01-0707 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-0707 Safety Zone: Sail Boston 250th, Anniversary 2026;
Port of Boston, MA
(a) Location. The following are safety zones (all coordinates are
NAD 1983):
(1) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within a 100-yard
radius of each participating Tall Ship while anchored in Broad Sound.
(2) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within 1000-yards
ahead and astern and 100-yards on each side of participating Tall
Ships, during their transit from anchorage to mooring.
(3) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within 25-yards
surrounding participating Tall Ships while moored at various locations
throughout the Port of Boston.
(b) Regulations. While these safety zones are being enforced, the
following regulations, along with those contained in 33 CFR 165.23,
apply:
(1) No person or vessel may enter or remain in a safety zone
without the permission of the COTP, Sector Boston or the COTP's
representative.
(2) Any person or vessel permitted to enter the safety zones shall
comply with the directions and orders of the COTP or the COTP's
representative. Upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing lights, or
other means, the operator of a vessel within the zone shall proceed as
directed. Any person or vessel within the security zone shall exit the
zone when directed by the COTP or the COTP's representative.
(3) To obtain permissions required by this regulation, individuals
may reach the COTP or a COTP representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-
449-0593 (Sector Boston Command Center) to obtain permission.
(4) Penalties. Those who violate this section are subject to the
penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036 and 46 U.S.C. 70052.
(c) COTP Representative. The COTP's representative may be any Coast
Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any Federal, state, or
local law enforcement officer who has been designated by the COTP to
act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's representative may be on a Coast
Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel, a federal, state or local
law enforcement or safety vessel, or a location on shore.
(d) Enforcement dates. Paragraph (a) of this section is applicable
on July 10, 2026, through June 16, 2026.
0
7. Add Sec. 165.T01-1162 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-0707 Security Zones; Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary
2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.
(a) Location. Security Zones for Foreign Naval Vessels. (i) All
navigable waters within Sector Boston Marine Inspection and Captain of
the Port Zone as described in 33 CFR 3.05-10 extending from the surface
to bottom, within a 100-yard radius of any foreign flag naval vessels.
(ii) Effective and enforcement periods. This rule will be effective
from 12:01 a.m. July 10, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. on July 16, 2026. The
Captain of the Port (COTP) will make notification of the exact names of
the vessels in advance of each enforcement period for the security zone
to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners
(LNMs) and Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs). The Coast Guard
Northeast District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at: <a href="http://www.navcen.uscg.gov">http://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative
[[Page 30491]]
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 COTP
in the enforcement of the security zone.
Foreign Naval Vessel means any naval vessel of a foreign state,
which is not required to be licensed for entry into the U.S. for visit
purposes under 22 CFR 126.6, provided it is not undergoing repair or
overhaul.
(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general security zone regulations in
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the security zones described
in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the
COTP's designated representative.
(2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP
representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-449-0593 (Sector Boston
Command Center) to obtain permission. Those in a security zone must
comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP
or the COTP representative.
M.E. Platt,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Coast Guard Northeast
District.
[FR Doc. 2026-10392 Filed 5-22-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 26, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.