Rule2026-16013
Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District
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
August 6, 2026
Effective
September 8, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is amending a table of special local regulations (SLR's) located in the Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port Zone by adding regulations for four annual marine events, revising regulations for three SLR's already in the table, and revising the order of entries within the table. These rules serve to protect participants, spectators, and vessels from the hazards associated with a variety of marine events. This rulemaking prohibits people and vessels from being present in the regulated areas during an enforcement period unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50711-50714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-16013]
[[Page 50711]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket Number USCG-2025-1046]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East
District
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending a table of special local
regulations (SLR's) located in the Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the
Port Zone by adding regulations for four annual marine events, revising
regulations for three SLR's already in the table, and revising the
order of entries within the table. These rules serve to protect
participants, spectators, and vessels from the hazards associated with
a variety of marine events. This rulemaking prohibits people and
vessels from being present in the regulated areas during an enforcement
period unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated
representative.
DATES: This rule is effective September 8, 2026.
ADDRESSES: To view documents referred to as being available in the
docket, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2025-
1046.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
proposed rule, contact Petty Officer Dominick Dobridge, Waterways
Management Division, Sector Delaware Bay, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone
(206) 815-6688, option 3, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0556606641606947647c52524845707666622b686c69"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91c2f4f2d5f4fdd3f0e8c6c6dcd1e4e2f2f6bffcf8fd">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay COTP Zone
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
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
On June 9, 2026, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Special Local Regulation; Marine Events
Within the USCG East District.'' There, we stated why we issued the
NPRM, and we invited comments on our proposed regulatory action to
amend 33 CFR 100.501, Table I to paragraph (i)(1) by adding permanent
special local regulations (SLRs) for four recurring marine events and
revising regulations for three recurring events already in the table.
During the comment period that ended July 9, 2026, we received no
comments.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C.
70041. Within the Coast Guard, that authority has been delegated to the
Captain of the Port, Delaware Bay COTP Zone (COTP), as provided in 33
CFR 1.05-1(i).
The COTP has determined that participants in the events listed in
this rule and other waterway users could be at risk of injury or death
resulting from actual or near contact with non-participants traversing
areas regulated by these rules during the events. To protect the safety
of all waterway users, including event participants and spectators,
this rulemaking establishes SLRs subject to enforcement at the times
and locations provided, or to be provided, for each marine event. This
rule prohibits vessels from entering, transiting, mooring or anchoring
within areas specifically designated as regulated areas during periods
of enforcement unless authorized by the COTP, or designated Event
Patrol Commander.
IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule
As noted above, we received no comments on the NPRM we published
June 9, 2026. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this rule
from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
The Coast Guard is adding entries for four recurring SLRs to Table
1 to Paragraph (i)(1) of 33 CFR 100.501 for annual marine events in the
Delaware Bay Captain of the Port Zone. We are also modifying entries
for three existing marine events in the Table. The Coast Guard will
publish annual ``Notifications of Enforcement'' in the Federal Register
and provide other notice of the exact dates and times the regulations
will be subject to enforcement. For each event, these notices will
provide the geographical description of each regulated area and other
pertinent details concerning the nature of the event.
This rulemaking will serve to protect participants spectators, and
vessels from the hazards associated with a variety of marine events.
While subject to enforcement, these SLRs prohibit non-participant
persons or vessels from entering into, remaining within, transiting
through, or anchoring in a regulated area unless authorized by the COTP
or a designated representative of the COTP. The regulatory text appears
at the end of this document.
Below is a description of the four recurring marine events that we
are adding to Table 1 to Paragraph (i)(1) in 100.501.
1. Wildwood Airshow
This marine event takes place one Saturday or Sunday in September,
at the location described as follows: The event is in Wildwood, NJ,
within the following area: All navigable waters of Atlantic Ocean near
Wildwood, NJ, within a polygon bounded by the following: originating on
the shore line at approximate position latitude 38[deg]59'26'' N,
longitude 074[deg]47'37'' W; thence southeast to approximate position
latitude 38[deg]59'07'' N, longitude 074[deg]46'40'' W; thence
southwest to approximate position to latitude 38[deg]57'42'' N,
longitude 074[deg]48'43'' W; thence northwest to the shoreline at
approximate position latitude 38[deg]58'11'' N, longitude
074[deg]49'43'' W; thence northeast along the shoreline to the point of
origin. The sponsor is Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and
Development Authority.
2. Philadelphia Cup Regatta
This marine event takes place one Saturday or Sunday in September
or October. The event is in Philadelphia, PA, at the following
location: All navigable waters of the Delaware River in Philadelphia,
PA, shoreline to shoreline at approximate position 39[deg]58'33'' N,
longitude 075[deg]4'51'' W, southerly to approximate position
39[deg]56'04'' N, longitude 075[deg]8'23'' W. The sponsor is Liberty
Sailing Club.
3. Treasure Island Sprint Triathlon
This marine event takes place one Saturday or Sunday in September
or October. The event is in Point Pleasant, NJ, at the following
location: All navigable waters of the Manasquan River in Point
Pleasant, NJ, within a polygon bounded by the following: originating at
40[deg]5'39'' N, longitude 074[deg]4'26'' W, thence to 40[deg]5'19'' N,
longitude 074[deg]4'26.'' W, thence to 40[deg]5'19'' N, longitude
074[deg]4'7'' W, thence to 40[deg]5'39'' N, longitude 074[deg]4'6'' W,
and along the shoreline back to the point of origin. The sponsor is
Point Pleasant Foundation for Excellence in Education.
4. Ocean City Chase Race
This marine event takes place on Saturday or Sunday in October. The
event is in Ocean City, NJ, at the
[[Page 50712]]
following location: All navigable waters of the New Jersey Intracoastal
Waterway near Ocean City, NJ, shoreline to shoreline, between
approximate position 39[deg]13'41'' N, longitude 074[deg]39'00'' W. and
approximate position 39[deg]15'20'' N, longitude 074[deg]37'34'' W. The
sponsor is Ocean City, NJ.
Below is a description of the three SLRs in Table 1 to Paragraph
(i)(1) in 100.501 that we are changing.
1. Battle at Brigantine (Formerly ``Stockton Boat Race'')
The name for this marine event has been updated to Battle at
Brigantine and has changed locations from Atlantic City, NJ to
Brigantine, NJ at the following location: All navigable waters of
Bonita Tideway in Brigantine, NJ, within a polygon originating at
position latitude 39[deg]24'33'' N, longitude 074[deg]22'28'' W; thence
southwest across the Bonita Tideway to the shoreline to latitude
39[deg]24'22'' N, longitude 074[deg]22'49'' W; thence southwest along
the shoreline to latitude 39[deg]23'49'' N, longitude 074[deg]23'33''
W; thence across the Bonita Tideway to the shoreline at latitude
39[deg]23'43'' N, longitude 074[deg]23'33'' W; thence north along the
shoreline to the point of origin. The event will take place one
Saturday or Sunday in March or April. The event sponsor is still
Stockton University.
2. Atlantic City Airshow (Formerly ``Thunder Over the Boardwalk Air
Show'')
The name for this marine event has been updated to Atlantic City
Airshow and the dates have been changed to ``four consecutive days in
May, June, July, or August.'' The event location is in Atlantic City,
NJ in the following location: The waters of the Atlantic Ocean,
adjacent to Atlantic City, NJ, bounded by a polygon, originating at the
shoreline at position latitude 39[deg]21'51'' N, longitude
074[deg]24'27'' W; thence southeast to approximate position latitude
39[deg]21'13'' N, longitude 074[deg]23'48'' W; thence southwest to
approximate position to latitude 39[deg]20'17'' N, longitude
074[deg]26'24'' W; thence northwest to the shoreline at approximate
position latitude 39[deg]20'57''N, longitude 074[deg]26'52''W; thence
northeast along the shoreline to the point of origin. The sponsor has
been changed to Visit Atlantic City.
3. Ocean City Airshow
The coordinates have been updated to create a larger regulated area
for the event. The event location in Ocean City, NJ is more
specifically described as: All navigable waters of the Atlantic Ocean
near Ocean City, NJ, bounded by a polygon originating on the shoreline
at latitude 39[deg]17'01'' N, longitude 074[deg]33'20'' W, thence
southeast to latitude 39[deg]16'28'' N, longitude 074[deg]32'27'' W,
thence southwest to latitude 39[deg]15'08'' N, longitude
074[deg]34'46'' W, thence northwest to latitude 39[deg]15'44'' N,
longitude 074[deg]35'30'' W, thence northeast to point of origin.
V. 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, 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. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that these
proposed rules would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. These regulatory action
determinations are based on size, location, duration and time-of-day of
the regulated areas. The regulated areas would be for short durations
and are necessary for safety of life to participants in the event.
Moreover, the Coast Guard would make a post in the Local Notice to
Mariners with details on the regulated area.
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). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities
that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of
the Coast Guard.
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
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
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
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this 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. 4321-4370f), 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
special local regulations at various locations and at various times to
maintain the safety of event participants, spectators, and transiting
vessel traffic. It is categorically excluded from further review under
paragraph L61 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-
001-01, Rev. 1. A memorandum for record (MFR) supporting this
determination is available in the docket. For instructions
[[Page 50713]]
on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble.
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. In Sec. 100.501, revise and republish paragraph (i)(1) to read as
follows:
Sec. 100.501 Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG
East District.
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(1) Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay--COTP Zone.
Table 1 to Paragraph (i)(1)
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Enforcement
Event Regulated area period(s) \1\ Sponsor
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Around the Island Paddle...... All waters within 50 yards in front of the One Saturday or Desatnick
lead safety vessel preceding the first Sunday in June, Foundation.
event participants, to 50 yards behind July or August.
the safety vessel trailing the last event
participants, and 100 yards on either
side of participant and safety vessels
during the event. The regulated area will
move with the safety vessels and
participants as they transit the waters
east through Cape May Harbor, south
through Cape May Inlet, west through the
Atlantic Ocean, north through the
Delaware Bay, then east through Cape May
Canal, and terminate at the Lost
Fishermen's Memorial in Cape May Harbor.
The regulated area will move at the pace
of event patrol vessels and participants.
Atlantic City Airshow......... The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, adjacent Four consecutive Visit Atlantic
to Atlantic City, NJ, bounded by a days in May, City.
polygon, originating at the shoreline at June, July or
position latitude 39[deg]21'51'' N, August.
longitude 074[deg]24'27'' W; thence
southeast to approximate position
latitude 39[deg]21'13'' N, longitude
074[deg]23'48'' W; thence southwest to
approximate position to latitude
39[deg]20'17'' N, longitude
074[deg]26'24'' W; thence northwest to
the shoreline at approximate position
latitude 39[deg]20'57'' N, longitude
074[deg]26'52'' W; thence northeast along
the shoreline to the point of origin.
Battle at Brigantine.......... All navigable waters of Bonita Tideway in One Saturday or Stockton
Brigantine, NJ, within a polygon Sunday in March University.
originating at position latitude or April.
39[deg]24'33'' N, longitude
074[deg]22'28'' W; thence southwest
across the Bonita Tideway to the
shoreline to latitude 39[deg]24'22'' N,
longitude 074[deg]22'49'' W; thence
southwest along the shoreline to latitude
39[deg]23'49'' N, longitude
074[deg]23'33'' W; thence across the
Bonita Tideway to the shoreline at
latitude 39[deg]23'43'' N, longitude
074[deg]23'33'' W; thence north along the
shoreline to the point of origin.
Escape the Cape Swim.......... All navigable waters of the Delaware Bay One Saturday or DelMoSports.
in Lower Township, NJ bounded by a line Sunday in June.
drawn from: Latitude 39[deg]0'57'' N,
longitude 074[deg]56'56'' W. in Villas,
NJ, thence west to latitude
39[deg]00'59'' N, longitude
074[deg]57'15'' W, thence south to
latitude 38[deg]58'08'' N, longitude
074[deg]58'11'' W, thence east to
latitude 38[deg]58'04'' N, longitude
074[deg]57'52'' W. in North Cape May, NJ,
thence north along the shoreline to the
point of origin.
Manasquan Inlet Intracoastal All waters of Manasquan Inlet extending One Saturday or Borough of
Tug. 400 feet from either side of the rope Sunday in Manasquan.
located between approximate locations September or
latitude 40[deg]06'09'' N, longitude October.
74[deg]02'08'' W. and latitude
40[deg]06'14'' N, longitude
74[deg]02'08'' W.
Ocean City Air Show........... All navigable waters of the Atlantic Ocean One Sunday in Ocean City, NJ.
near Ocean City, NJ, bounded by a polygon September.
originating on the shoreline at latitude
39[deg]17'01'' N, longitude
074[deg]33'20'' W, thence southeast to
latitude 39[deg]16'28'' N, longitude
074[deg]32'27'' W, thence southwest to
latitude 39[deg]15'08'' N, longitude
074[deg]34'46'' W, thence northwest to
latitude 39[deg]15'44'' N, longitude
074[deg]35'30'' W, thence northeast to
point of origin.
Ocean City Chase Race......... All navigable waters of the New Jersey One Saturday or Ocean City Crew
Intracoastal Waterway near Ocean City, Sunday in Boosters.
NJ, shoreline to shoreline, between October.
approximate position 39[deg]13'41'' N,
longitude 074[deg]39'00'' W. and
approximate position 39[deg]15'20'' N,
longitude 074[deg]37'34'' W.
Philadelphia Cup Regatta...... All navigable waters of the Delaware River One Saturday or Liberty Sailing
in Philadelphia, PA, shoreline to Sunday in Club.
shoreline at approximate position September or
39[deg]58'33'' N, longitude October.
075[deg]4'51'' W, southerly to
approximate position 39[deg]56'04'' N,
longitude 075[deg]8'23'' W.
Point Pleasant OPA/NJ Offshore All navigable waters of the Atlantic Ocean 1. One Saturday Point Pleasant
Grand Prix. in the vicinity of Point Pleasant Beach, and Sunday in OPA/NJ Offshore
NJ bounded by a line connecting the May; 2. or One Grand Prix.
following points: Latitude 40[deg]06'00'' Saturday or
N, longitude 074[deg]01'51'' W, thence Sunday in June.
east to latitude 40[deg]05'56'' N,
longitude 074[deg]01'16'' W, thence
southwest to latitude 40[deg]03'34'' N,
longitude 074[deg]01'53'' W, thence west
to latitude 40[deg]03'39'' N, longitude
74[deg]02'37'' W, thence north parallel
to the shoreline to the point of origin.
Treasure Island Sprint All navigable waters of the Manasquan One Saturday or Point Pleasant
Triathlon. River in Point Pleasant, NJ, within a Sunday in Foundation for
polygon bounded by the following: September or Excellence in
originating at 40[deg]5'39'' N, longitude October. Education.
074[deg]4'26'' W, thence to 40[deg]5'19''
N, longitude 074[deg]4'26.'' W, thence to
40[deg]5'19'' N, longitude 074[deg]4'7''
W, thence to 40[deg]5'39'' N, longitude
074[deg]4'6'' W, and along the shoreline
back to the point of origin.
[[Page 50714]]
Triathlons in Atlantic City... All navigable waters of the New Jersey 1. One Saturday Triathlons in
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) bounded by a in August; and. Atlantic City.
line connecting the following points:
Latitude 39[deg]21'27'' N, longitude
074[deg]27'10'' W, thence northeast to
latitude 39[deg]21'33'' N, longitude
074[deg]26'57'' W, thence northwest to
latitude 39[deg]21'37'' N, longitude
074[deg]27'03'' W, thence southwest to
latitude 39[deg]21'29'' N, longitude
074[deg]27'14'' W, thence south to
latitude 39[deg]21'19'' N, longitude
074[deg]27'22'' W, thence east to
latitude 39[deg]21'18'' N, longitude
074[deg]27'19'' W, thence north to point
of origin, near Atlantic City, NJ.
Wildwood Air Show............. All navigable waters of Atlantic Ocean One Saturday or Greater
near Wildwood, NJ, within a polygon Sunday in Wildwoods.
bounded by the following: originating on September.
the shore line at approximate position
latitude 38[deg]59'26'' N, longitude
074[deg]47'37''W; thence southeast to
approximate position latitude
38[deg]59'07'' N, longitude
074[deg]46'40'' W; thence southwest to
approximate position to latitude
38[deg]57'42'' N, longitude
074[deg]48'43'' W; thence northwest to
the shoreline at approximate position
latitude 38[deg]58'11'' N, longitude
074[deg]49'43'' W; thence northeast along
the shoreline to the point of origin.
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\1\ As noted, the enforcement dates and times for each of the listed events in this table are subject to change.
In the event of a change, or for enforcement periods listed that do not allow a specific date or dates to be
determined, the Captain of the Port will provide notice to the public by publishing a Notice of Enforcement in
the Federal Register, as well as, issuing a Broadcaster Notice to Mariner.
* * * * *
Roberto Rivera,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay.
[FR Doc. 2026-16013 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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