LNM01-51D384
Received 23 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC
Warning text
RARITAN RIVER CUTOFF CHANNEL - RARITAN RIVER
General / Bridges / Public Notice
The TIR published in the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-05/pdf/2026-08733.pdf. Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before August 3, 2026. This establishes a RNA from 12:01 a.m. on April 15, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2030. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. To view available documents go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for USCG–2026–0149. --165.T01-0149 Regulated Navigation Area (RNA); (a)Location. See MSI LNM Layer. (c) In addition to the general RNA regs in § 165.13, the following regs apply to the RNA. (1) Nothing in this regulation relieves any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with this part or any other applicable law or regulation (i.e. the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or 33 CFR part 84-Subchapter E, Inland Navigation Rules) or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. (2) Entry and movement within the RNA is subject to a “Slow-No Wake” speed limit. All vessels may not produce a wake and may not attain speeds greater than five (5) knots unless a higher minimum speed is necessary to maintain bare steerageway. (3) No vessel is permitted to transit through the south span navigational channel of the bridge(s) at any given time. (4) Any vessel transiting through the RNA must make a direct passage. No vessel may stop, fish, moor, anchor, or loiter within the RNA at any time. (5) Vessels may not pass (overtake) another vessel within the RNA. (6) Only one vessel is permitted to pass through the north span navigational channel of the bridge(s) at any given time. (7) Except when transiting through the north span navigation channel, no vessel or craft may operate within 20 feet of the bridge(s). (8) The operator of any vessel transiting in the RNA must comply with all lawful directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's on-scene representative. (9) When a full enforcement period of the regulated area is activated, only vessel authorized by COTP may enter or remain within the RNA. (d) Enforcement. The following enforcement periods and requirements apply to this RNA. (1) This section enforced from 12:01 a.m. on 15Apr2026, to 11:59 p.m. on 30Jun2030. (2) The “Slow-No Wake” speed limit, south channel closure, and other restrictions-except for the limited full enforcement period prohibiting vessels from entering the regulated area-will be enforced throughout the entire enforcement period. (3) Full enforcement periods of the regulated area, prohibiting all vessel entry, will be enforced only during hazardous construction operations involving multiple tugs and large barges maneuvering in and obstructing the navigable channel for heavy lift, construction, or demolition activities. The USCG will issue information on full enforcement periods through LNMs, the CG Navigation Center at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi, and BNMs via VHF CH 16 as soon as practicable. (4) Persons or vessels seeking to deviate from the restrictions described in section (c) of this section or to enter the regulated area during a full enforcement period must request authorization from the COTP or COTP’s on-scene designated representative on VHF-16 or via (718) 354-4353. Enforcement periods prohibiting vessels from entering the RNA planned during the following approx. dates (subject to change): Jul-Aug2026, two separate 1-day full-chnl closures Jul2027-Jun2028, three, 7-day full chnl closures Jan-Sep2028, one 30-day full chnl closure Jul-Sep2029, one 14-day full chnl closure Dates/times provided when available.
USCG Northeast District Local Notice to Mariners 45/2026