The U.S. Coast Guard, operating under the Department of Homeland Security, has initiated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement new permanent Special Local Regulations (SLRs) for three annual marine events in the Virginia Captain of the Port Zone. Published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2026, this proposal, identified under Docket Number USCG-2026-0548, seeks to enhance safety on the navigable waters of the York River, East River, and Elizabeth River Western Branch. The move specifically targets high-speed boat races and docking contests that occur annually, transitioning from temporary rules to a more enduring framework for managing these popular, yet potentially hazardous, events.
Understanding Special Local Regulations
Coast Guard regulations define a "regatta or marine parade" as an organized water event of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule. As outlined in 33 CFR 100.15, organizations planning such events must apply for a permit if the event's nature, circumstances, or location introduces extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life on U.S. navigable waters. Upon approval, the Captain of the Port (COTP), in this case, Sector Virginia, may issue Special Local Regulations as deemed necessary to ensure safety immediately before, during, and after the event, under the authority of 33 CFR 100.35(a).
Many recurring SLRs within the USCG East District are compiled in 33 CFR 100.501, organized by Captain of the Port Zone. This current NPRM proposes to add three more recurring marine events to the table for the Virginia Captain of the Port Zone. These general provisions, including definitions, vessel movement controls, and Coast Guard contact information, would apply to the newly proposed SLRs. The primary objective is to mitigate hazards such as personal injury and property damage resulting from potential collisions among participating vessels, spectator vessels, and other non-participant vessels.
The Specific Events in Focus
The proposed permanent SLRs address three distinct events, each involving high-speed vessel activity:
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East River Fest: This event is a boat docking contest held on the East River at Williams Wharf in Mathews, Virginia. Sponsored by the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, it features multiple commercial workboats competing to moor at designated slips at high speed.
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Power Boats at the Park: Located on the Elizabeth River Western Branch near Portsmouth City Park in Portsmouth, Virginia, this event is a high-speed boat race. Sponsored by the Portsmouth Power Boat Association, it showcases multiple vintage and historic recreational vessels performing on a designated course, often at high rates of speed.
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Yorktown Battle of the Boats: This event takes place on the York River in the vicinity of the Coleman Bridge in Yorktown, Virginia. Sponsored by the County of York, it includes both a high-speed boat race and a boat docking contest. Participants are multiple deadrise fishing boats racing on a predetermined course and competing to moor at the Yorktown waterfront piers.
The COTP has specifically identified the hazards associated with these events as personal injury and property damage, potentially stemming from collisions between vessels involved in the event, spectator vessels, and other transiting vessels. To counter these risks, and under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70041, the COTP is moving to issue these SLRs.
Proposed Regulated Areas and Enforcement
Each proposed SLR defines a specific regulated area and an enforcement period. For the East River Fest, a regulated area would be established on the East River around Williams Wharf, subject to enforcement on one Saturday in June or July of each year, for example, June 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Power Boats at the Park event would involve a regulated area on the Elizabeth River Western Branch, enforced on the second or third Saturday and Sunday of August each year, starting August 15-16, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The Yorktown Battle of the Boats would have two regulated areas on the York River, enforced on the first Saturday and Sunday in June, beginning June 6-7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The first area would be near the Coleman Bridge for the high-speed race on Saturday, and the second within the docking basin between the Yorktown Waterfront Piers for the docking contest on Sunday.
It is important to note that the dates and times for these events are subject to change. Consequently, the enforcement periods for the proposed SLRs would also be flexible, aligning with existing regulatory text in 33 CFR 100.501(g) and the footnote to Table 1 of paragraph (i)(3) of Section 100.501. In the event of a change, the Captain of the Port will issue a public Notification of Enforcement in the Federal Register and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners. During the enforcement duration, no vessel or person would be permitted to enter the special local regulation area without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
Rationale and Regulatory Impact
The decision to propose permanent SLRs, rather than continuing to issue temporary final rules, reflects the Coast Guard's recognition of these events' annual recurrence. This approach aims to create a more efficient and predictable regulatory environment for both event organizers and mariners.
In its regulatory analysis, the Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980. The rationale is that vessel traffic can safely transit around the regulated areas, which are small, enforced for only a few hours, and occur during periods of typically low vessel traffic. Furthermore, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners via VHF FM marine channel 16, allowing small entities to adjust their transit plans. The rule also allows vessels to request permission to enter the regulated area from the COTP.
Furthermore, the Coast Guard has determined that the proposed rule is consistent with federalism principles and does not have tribal implications under Executive Orders 13132 and 13175, respectively. It is also certified not to result in significant unfunded mandates for state, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector, as per the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Environmentally, the proposed rule is considered categorically excluded from further review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as it constitutes a special regulated area with no individually or cumulatively significant effect on the human environment.
Public Participation
The Coast Guard views public participation as essential to effective rulemaking. Comments and related material on this proposed rule must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 20, 2026. The public is encouraged to submit comments via regulations.gov by searching for Docket Number USCG-2026-0548. This comment period provides an opportunity for affected parties and the general public to influence the final outcome of these important safety regulations.
