Safety Zones; Rocket Launches in the Gulf of America and South Bay, Boca Chica Beach, TX

• Citation: 91 FR 24126
• Published date: 05 May 2026
• FR Document: 2026-08732
• Pages: 24126-24130
• Section: Rules and Regulations
• Issuer: Coast Guard,Homeland Security Department

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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2026 / Rules and Regulations

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

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 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 is a safety zone. It is

categorically excluded from further

review under paragraph L60(a) of

Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction

Manual 023–01–001–01, Rev. 1. A

Record of Environmental Consideration

supporting this determination will be

available in the docket.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation

(water), Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Security measures,

Waterways.

For the reasons discussed in the

preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33

CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION

AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

■1. 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;

Department of Homeland Security Delegation

No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

■2. Add § 165.T09–0153 to read as

follows:

§ 165.T09–0153 Safety Zone; Keweenaw

Waterway, Hancock, MI

(a) Location. The following area is a

safety zone: All waters of the Keweenaw

Waterway in Hancock, MI, from surface

to bottom, within the arc of a circle with

a radius of no more than 1120 feet from

the fireworks launch site in front of the

City of Houghton Public Pier at position

47°07′22″ N, 088°24′56″ W. These

coordinates are based on the World

Geodetic System (WGS 84).

(b) Definitions. As used in this

section, 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 Marine Safety Unit Duluth

(COTP) in the enforcement of the safety

zone.

(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general

safety zone regulations in subpart C of

this part, you may not enter the safety

zone 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’s

representative on VHF–FM channel 16.

Those in the safety zone must comply

with all lawful orders or directions

given to them by the COTP or the

COTP’s designated representative.

(d) Enforcement period. This section

will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 11:30

p.m. on June 13, 2026.

J.P. Botti,

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of

the Port Marine Safety Unit Duluth.

[FR Doc. 2026–08724 Filed 5–4–26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110–04–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG–2025–0332]

RIN 1625–AA00

Safety Zones; Rocket Launches in the

Gulf of America and South Bay, Boca

Chica Beach, TX

AGENCY

: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION

: Final rule.

SUMMARY

: The Coast Guard is

establishing two permanent safety zones

to protect personnel, vessels, and the

marine environment from potential

hazards created by commercial

spaceflight activities. The permanent

safety zones are located in navigable

waters of South Bay, TX and in

navigable waters of the Gulf of America.

This rule prohibits persons and vessels

from being in the safety zones during

scheduled launches, unless authorized

by the Captain of the Port, Sector

Corpus Christi (COTP) or a designated

representative.

DATES

: This rule is effective June 4,

2026.

ADDRESSES

: To view documents

mentioned in this preamble as being

available in the docket, go to https://

www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2022–

0332 in the search box and click

‘‘Search.’’ Next, in the Document Type

column, select ‘‘Supporting & Related

Material.’’

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

: If

you have questions on this rule, call or

email Sector Corpus Christi Waterways

Management Division (dpw), U.S. Coast

Guard; telephone 361–244–4784, email

CCWaterways@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

:

I. Table of Abbreviations

AOR Area of responsibility

BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COTP Captain of the Port

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FR Federal Register

MSIB Marine Safety Information Bulletin

NASA National Aeronautics and Space

Administration

NOE Notification of Enforcement

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

NM Nautical Mile

§ Section

SpaceX Space Exploration Technologies

Corporation

TX Texas

U.S. United States

U.S.C. United States Code

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II. Background Information and

Regulatory History

The Coast Guard has long monitored

space activities impacting the maritime

domain and taken actions to ensure the

safety of vessels, persons, and the

marine environment during space

launch operations. In conducting this

activity, the Coast Guard engages with

other government agencies, including

the Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA) and the National Aeronautics and

Space Administration (NASA), and

private space operators, including Space

Exploration Technologies Corporation

(SpaceX). This engagement is necessary

to ensure the safety of waterway users

during launch operations. During this

engagement, SpaceX, a U.S. company,

informed the Coast Guard that future

launch activities may be hazardous and

impact U.S. navigable waters in the

Coast Guard Heartland District’s

(formerly the Eighth District) area of

responsibility (AOR). Specifically, the

launches will create potential hazards in

South Bay, TX and offshore of Boca

Chica Beach, TX in the Gulf of America.

In response to previous SpaceX

activities, the Coast Guard published

temporary final rules in the Federal

Register (such as 87 FR 23441) for

anticipated rocket launching operations

within the Coast Guard Heartland

District’s AOR offshore of Boca Chica

Beach, TX. Based on the dates the Coast

Guard was informed of rocket launching

operations and the immediate need to

establish safety zones, the Coast Guard

did not have sufficient time to publish

a notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM) for those rules. The Coast

Guard has determined that these

activities will be ongoing, and regularly

recurring, and therefore permanent

safety zones are required. These

permanent safety zones will be enforced

only during launch activities. Vessels

and people may enter these areas when

the zones are not being enforced.

On May 15, 2025, the Coast Guard

published a notice of proposed

rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal

Register titled, ‘‘Safety Zones; Rocket

Launches in the Gulf of America and

South Bay, Boca Chica, TX. In the

NPRM (90 FR 20572). we stated the

purpose of the rulemaking was to create

two permanent safety zones in the Gulf

of America and South Bay, Boca Chica,

TX, for the protection of vessels,

persons, and the marine environment in

navigable waters of the U.S. from the

potential hazards created by rocket

launch activities. The NPRM invited

comments on the proposed rule. During

the comment period that ended June 16,

2025, we received four comments.

This final rule creates two permanent

safety zones for the safety of vessels,

persons, and the marine environment

from ongoing, and regularly recurring

rocket launch activities. The safety

zones will only be enforced during

actual launches, which will be

announced by the Coast Guard via

Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF–

FM channel 16 and Marine Safety

Information Bulletin (MSIB). The Coast

Guard will also publish a Notification of

Enforcement (NOE) in the Federal

Register if we receive sufficient advance

notice of the launch activity.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule

under section 46 U.S.C. 70034. The

Sector Commander, Coast Guard Sector

Corpus Christi has determined there are

potential safety hazards associated with

the launch of spacecraft over the waters

of South Bay, TX and the Gulf of

America. The purpose of this rule is to

ensure the protection of vessels,

persons, and the marine environment

from rocket launch activities.

IV. Discussion of Comments and

Changes

As noted above, we received four

comments on the NPRM that was

published on May 15, 2025. The

comments covered a variety of topics

which have been grouped below.

Hazards: One commenter requested to

know what specific types of hazards are

associated with commercial spaceflight

activities that necessitate establishment

of the safety zones and how the Coast

Guard will effectively mitigate those

specific risks to vessels and the marine

environment. The Starbase launch site

is a non-military commercial range.

Access to Boca Chica Beach from the

land during launch activities is

controlled by SpaceX and local

Cameron County Law Enforcement.

Current and forecasted access to Boca

Chica Beach may be found at

cityofstarbase-texas.com. The safety

zones created by this rule only control

access to water areas around the launch

facility, in the Gulf of America, and in

South Bay. The Captain of the Port

Corpus Christi has determined that

potential hazards associated with rocket

launches from Starbase City, TX include

a risk of explosion, falling debris, and

release of hazardous materials. The

safety zone will only be activated at a

reasonable time before a launch and

deactivated once the area is no longer

hazardous. The purpose of this rule is

to ensure the safety of vessels, mariners,

and the navigable waters in the safety

zone before, during, and after the

scheduled event.

Activation and enforcement: Two

commenters requested that the Coast

Guard clarify when the safety zone will

be activated and enforced. The Coast

Guard has modified paragraph (a) of the

regulatory text to further clarify that the

safety zones will only be enforced

around the times that rocket launches

are scheduled to occur at the SpaceX

facility in Boca Chica, TX. We expect

the safety zones will only be enforced

for 4 to 8 hours each day that launch

activities are occurring.

Notice: Two commenters wanted to

ensure that the Coast Guard will provide

adequate notice when the safety zone

will be activated. One was concerned

about whether the notices would occur

and how far in advance the notice

would be given. Two had concerns

about whether multilingual

communications were needed, and

whether standard Coast Guard

communications would reach certain

communities, such as beachgoers, local

and subsistence fishers, and tribal

communications. One commenter

suggested additional methods of

notification for beachgoers. The Coast

Guard is reliant on the commercial

company responsible for the rocket

launches to notify us that a launch will

be occurring. If the Coast Guard is

notified that a launch will occur, we

will activate and enforce the safety

zones and will provide notice through

our standard methods of notification

and communication. We will issue

Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF–

FM channel 16 and Marine Safety

Information Safety Bulletin (MSIB) as

soon as practicable after receiving

notice. In addition, if we receive notice

far enough in advance, we will issue a

Notification of Enforcement (NOE) in

the Federal Register. Sector Corpus

Christi often issues broadcasts in

Spanish as well as in English. The Coast

Guard has determined that these

methods provide appropriate and

sufficient notice of the launches.

Public Meetings: One commenter

asked that we consider holding public

meetings regarding this rule. We

considered holding public meetings but

determined that they are not warranted

for a rule that establishes routine safety

zones for confined and infrequent

activity. In addition, to the extent that

the commenters may have been seeking

a public meeting to discuss the rocket

launches themselves, that is outside the

purview of the Coast Guard. This rule is

limited to creating safety zones to

ensure maritime safety during the

launches.

Beaches: One commenter expressed

that it is hard to tell whether the safety

zones include beaches. The regulation

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does not include the beaches. We have

revised the description of the safety

zone areas and added a chart to make

this more clear.

Small businesses, commercial fishers,

subsistence harvesters, and eco-tourism

operators: One commenter was

concerned that the safety zone closures

will adversely impact small businesses

such as commercial fishing, subsistence

harvesters, and eco-tourism operators.

This commenter recommended the

Coast Guard implement a plan for

compensation or mitigation. The Coast

Guard considered these possible adverse

impacts, and fully considered public

comments on this issue, but has

determined that the risk to life and

property of permitting people and

vessels in the safety zones during rocket

launches outweighs the potential

economic harm of excluding small

businesses for a few hours during a

launch activity. The potential impact on

business is factored into the regulation,

in that it will only be enforced during

rocket launches, and because vessels

can transit in areas around the safety

zones.

Indigenous peoples and Native

American tribes: Another commenter

requested that the Coast Guard consult

with local tribes and Indigenous

peoples, including Texas coastal tribes,

on potential impacts to cultural and

fishing rights, in accordance with

Executive Order 13175, and include a

public record of such consultations in

the docket. This rule relates only to the

establishment of the water-side safety

zone and does not regulate or control

activity at the SpaceX facility, including

launch approvals, frequency, or

environmental impact related to those

launches. 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.

Environmental impact: Some

commenters were concerned with the

environmental impact of the rule. One

commenter requested an environmental

justice analysis. Another commenter

recommended evaluating the

cumulative environmental impact of the

rocket launches. The Coast Guard has

completed the environmental analysis

required for this rule, which will be

available in the docket. That document

sets forth the Coast Guard’s

environmental considerations required

by law. One commenter requested that

the Coast Guard mandate continuous

environmental monitoring before,

during, and after launches to assess

impacts on endangered species, water

quality, and habitats, and require public

release of these data, with input from

independent scientists and local

community representatives. As

discussed with respect to the comment

above, this rule relates only to the

establishment of the off-shore safety

zone. The Coast Guard does not regulate

or oversee launch activity itself,

including potential environmental or

other impacts related to launches. The

Coast Guard has undertaken all

environmental analysis required by law

for the purposes of establishing these

maritime safety zones. The impact of the

rocket launches themselves is beyond

the scope of this rule, because the Coast

Guard is not responsible for regulating

these rocket launches.

Local emergency response: One

commenter suggested that we require

investment in local emergency response

capability. The Coast Guard does not

have authority over state and local

emergency response procedures and

equipment, nor can we require them to

expend funds in a particular manner.

Concerns regarding state and local

response capabilities should be directed

towards those entities.

Stakeholder advisory panel: One

commenter suggested forming a formal

stakeholder advisory panel to review

and provide input. The Coast Guard has

determined that a formal advisory panel

is not necessary; persons wishing to

provide input have had an opportunity

to do so through this rulemaking

process, and the Coast Guard has

thoroughly considered all public

comments.

Adaptive management: One

commenter suggested implementing an

adaptive management process for

‘‘annual, data-driven reviews’’ that

would have ‘‘automatic triggers for

revision or rollback.’’ The Coast Guard

has followed all legal requirements in

proposing, reviewing, and finalizing this

rule. We find that formal annual reviews

are not necessary. If we determine that

adjustments to the rule are necessary,

we will follow standard rulemaking

procedures.

Data: One commenter requested that

‘‘all environmental, safety, and

economic data related to these safety

zones’’ be posted online. Any data

collected and maintained by the Coast

Guard may be made available upon

request, pursuant to the Freedom of

Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.

Expansion of this rule: One

commenter expressed concern that a

Navy or Air Force base could be built

in this area, and the safety zones would

be permanently activated, prohibiting

people from ever entering these areas.

The Coast Guard has no knowledge of

plans to build a Navy or Air Force base

in this area.

Stop the launches: One commenter

asked the Coast Guard to stop allowing

the rocket launches, stating that they are

harmful to local land and ocean-

dwelling wildlife. As discussed above,

the Coast Guard does not regulate,

permit, nor oversee the launch activity,

and so does not make determinations

regarding whether launches should or

should not occur. Rather, when the

Coast Guard is notified that a launch

will be occurring, we create a safety

zone near the launch site to avoid injury

and damage to people, vessels, and the

marine environment, as much as

possible. Decisions regarding whether to

permit rocket launches are outside the

scope of the Coast Guard’s authority and

the scope of this rule.

V. Discussion of the Rule

The Coast Guard has analyzed this

rule establishing safety zone areas 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. The activation of the

safety zone is expected to be four to

eight hours total per occurrence. It is

categorically excluded from further

review under paragraph L60(a) 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. For instructions

on locating the docket, see the

ADDRESSES

section of this preamble.

The permanent safety zones

established by the Final Rule are located

within the Coast Guard Heartland

District AOR in South Bay, TX and

offshore of Boca Chica Beach, TX in the

Gulf of America. The rule prohibits

persons and vessels from being in the

safety zones during limited times

around scheduled rocket launches,

unless authorized by the Captain of the

Port, Sector Corpus Christi (COTP) or a

designated representative.

The safety zones cover an area of the

South Bay, TX approximately 4.5 square

miles in size, and an area of the Gulf of

America offshore of Boca Chica Beach,

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TX approximately 115 square miles in

size. The approximate coordinates for

the two safety zones are presented in the

regulatory text at the end of this

document.

To the extent feasible, the COTP or a

designated representative will inform

the public of the activation of the two

safety zones by a Notification of

Enforcement (NOE) published in the

Federal Register at least 2 days before

rocket launching activities. The NOE

will identify the approximate date(s)

and timeframes during which rocket

launching activities will occur.

To the extent possible, twenty-four

hours before rocket launching activities,

the COTP or designated representative

will inform the public of the activated

safety zones (subject to enforcement) via

Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF–

FM channel 16, and/or MSIB (as

appropriate). The BNM and MSIB will

include the geographic coordinates of

the activated safety zones, a map

identifying the location of the activated

safety zones, and information related to

potential hazards associated with rocket

launching activities.

When the safety zone is activated, the

COTP or a designated representative

will be able to restrict vessel movement

including but not limited to transiting,

anchoring, or mooring within the safety

zone to protect vessels from hazards

associated with rocket launching

activities. Once rocket launching

activities have concluded, the COTP or

designated representative will issue a

Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF–

FM channel 16 announcing the

activated safety zones are no longer

subject to enforcement.

VI. 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 Coast Guard certifies that,

although some small entities may intend

to transit the safety zone above, this rule

will not have a significant economic

impact on a substantial number of small

entities, as mandated by the Regulatory

Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–

612 for the following reasons. Vessel

traffic will be able to safely transit

around this safety zone. This safety zone

will only be enforced for a few hours a

few times per month. In addition, the

Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast

Notice to Marines via VHF FM marine

channel 16, which will allow small

entities to adjust their transit plans, and

the rule allows vessels to request

permission to enter the zone from the

COTP.

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.

Under section 213(a) of the Small

Business Regulatory Enforcement

Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121),

we want to assist small entities in

understanding this rule. If the rule

would affect your small business,

organization, or governmental

jurisdiction and you have questions

concerning its provisions or options for

compliance, please call or email 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).

C. Collection of Information

This rule would not call for a new

collection of information under the

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44

U.S.C. 3501–3520).

D. 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.

E. 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.

F. 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 the

establishment of two temporary safety

zones for navigable waters in the Gulf of

America and South Bay, TX. The safety

zones are needed to protect personnel,

vessels, and the marine environment

from potential hazards created by rocket

launching activity that may include free

falling debris and/or descending

vehicles or vehicle components under

various means of control. It is

categorically excluded from further

review under paragraph L60(a), in

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. For instructions

on locating the docket, see the

ADDRESSES

section of this preamble.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation

(water), Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Security measures,

Waterways.

For the reasons discussed in the

preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33

CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION

AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

■1. 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.

■2. Add § 165.847 to read as follows:

§ 165.847 Safety Zones; Rocket Launches

in the Gulf of America and South Bay, Boca

Chica Beach, TX.

(a) Location. The safety zone areas are

described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of

this section and the approximate

locations are displayed in figure 1 to

this paragraph (a). All coordinates are

based on World Geodetic System (WGS)

84.

(1) Safety Zone A consists of all

navigable waters of the Gulf of America

from the surface to bottom,

encompassed by a line connecting the

following points beginning at Point 1A:

26°2′36″ N, 097°9′8″ W; thence to Point

2A: 26°3′0″ N, 097°7′0″ W; thence to

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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2026 / Rules and Regulations

Point 3A: 26°7′48″ N, 096°56′2.2″ W;

thence south following the 12NM line to

the Maritime Boundary Line between

the United States of America and

Mexico; thence west along the Maritime

Boundary Line to Point 4A: 25°57′24.2″

N, 097°8′49″ W; thence returning north

along the coast to Point 1. The area of

Boca Chica Beach shoreward of the

Territorial Sea Baseline is not included

in this safety zone, however beach

access during launches may be

restricted by local authorities.

(2) Safety Zone B consists of all

navigable waters of South Bay, from the

surface to bottom, encompassed by a

line connecting the following points

beginning at Point 1B: 26°2′45″ N,

097°11′6.3″ W; thence to Point 2B:

26°2′45″ N, 097°10′53.4″ W; thence

clockwise along the coastline of South

Bay until returning back to Point 1B.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (a)—

Approximate Safety Zone Locations

(Refer to GPS Coordinates for Specific

Locations)

(b) Definitions. As used in this

section, designated representative

means a Coast Guard coxswain, petty

officer, or other officer operating a Coast

Guard vessel and Federal, State, and

local officer designated by the Captain

of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi

(COTP) in the enforcement of the safety

zones.

(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general

safety zone regulations in subpart C of

this part, you may not enter the safety

zones described in paragraph (a) of this

section unless authorized by the COTP

or a designated representative. They

may be contacted on Channel 16 VHF–

FM or by telephone at 1–800–874–2143.

(2) If permission is granted, all

persons and vessels shall comply with

the instructions of the COTP or

designated representative.

(d) Notification of enforcement. (1)

When time permits, the COTP or a

designated representative will inform

the public of the activation of the safety

zones by Notification of Enforcement

(NOE) published in the Federal

Register. The NOE will identify the

approximate date(s) and time(s) during

which rocket launching activities would

occur. Rocket launch activities are often

weather-dependent, and therefore

alternate dates and times may also be

provided.

(2) The COTP or designated

representative will inform the public

each time the safety zones are being

activated via Broadcast Notice to

Mariners on VHF–FM channel 16 and

by Marine Safety Information Safety

Bulletin (MSIB). The Coast Guard

intends to provide this notice at least

twenty-four hours before rocket

launching activities.

(3) Once rocket launching activities

have concluded, the COTP or

designated representative will issue a

Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF–

FM channel 16 announcing the safety

zones are no longer subject to

enforcement.

Torrey Bertheau,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the

Port, Sector Corpus Christi.

[FR Doc. 2026–08732 Filed 5–4–26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110–04–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG–2026–0370]

Safety Zones; Annual Events in the

Captain of the Port Detroit Zone

AGENCY

: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION

: Notification of enforcement of

regulation.

SUMMARY

: The Coast Guard will enforce

the safety zone for the Freedom Festival

Luna Pier, MI from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30

p.m. on June 27, 2026, to protect the

safety of life and property on the

navigable waters immediately prior to,

during, and immediately after this

event. During each enforcement period,

no person or vessel may enter the

respective safety zone without

permission of the COTP Detroit or a

designated representative.

DATES

: The regulations in 33 CFR

165.941 will be enforced for the

Freedom Festival Luna Pier, MI

regulated area listed in item (38) in

Table 1 to § 165.941, from 9:30 p.m. to

10:30 p.m. on June 27, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

: If

you have questions about this

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