Galveston Bay Entrance Channel - Houston Ship Channel/General/MSIB
Houston Ship Channel
Houston Ship Channel - Channel Dimensions Navigation Advisory (MSIB 02-25) --- The Houston Ship Channel widening project is complete between Houston Ship Channel (HSC) Light 63 (LLNR-24295) through Houston Ship Channel Light 84 (LLNR-24540), approximately South Boaters Cut Channel to Atkinson Island. Recent surveys confirm the channel dimensions have been extended to 700 ft wide by 46 ft deep in the main channel, with additional barge lanes on either side measuring 235 ft wide by 12 ft deep from approximately Houston Ship Channel Entrance Lighted Buoy 18 (LLNR-36055) to Houston Ship Channel Light 84 (LLNR-24540). The aids to navigation along the Houston Ship Channel have been relocated based on the new channel dimensions. Mariners should proceed with caution as they accustom themselves to the new dimensions and note where the old channel dimensions meet the new channel dimensions. The new HSC width (700 ft) tapers into the previous existing channel width (530 ft) near HSC Lights 83/84. To promote safety, mariners are highly encouraged to update electronic charting systems on a regular basis to ensure chart accuracy and visibility of new changes. For additional information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Waterways Management Department at houstonwwm@uscg.mil.

Main Channel - Little Harbor/General/MSIB
Little Harbor
General/MSIB
Effective June 1, 2025, The Sector Southeastern New England Command Center has fully transferred all phone communications to (866) 819-9128. The old telephone number, (508) 457-3211, will not be in service after August 1, 2025. Please ensure your contact information has been updated.
We will continue to monitor VHF Channel 16.
If you have any questions, please contact the command center at (866) 819-9128 or SECSENE@uscg.mil.
Waterway restrictions and other decisions affecting the port are based upon weather forecasts, risk assessments, and preparations being made by port partners. In most cases, given ample warning of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, vessels may be advised to put to sea or directed to an appropriate anchorage. In addition, cargo or fuel oil transfers are likely also to be suspended for brief periods.
As necessary, Sector Southeastern New England will contact port partners to share information regarding pre-storm preparedness and post-storm response. As your organization reviews its plans, please feel free to contact
the Waterways Management Division at SENEWWM@uscg.mil if there are questions about the Coast Guard’s role, plans, or policies regarding navigation restrictions or port closures during hurricanes and heavy weather.
Near-real-time information regarding tropical weather, storms, and hurricanes can be obtained through the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC’s) Facebook page, Twitter account, and official website. Visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for more information and periodical updates.
For immediate assistance during an actual hurricane, severe weather event, or other maritime emergency, contact the Sector Southeastern New England Command Center at (866) 819-9128.

Boston North Channel - President Roads/General/MSIB
President Roads
General/MSIB
2025 HURRICANE SEASON AND SEVERE WEATHER PLANNING
The 2025 North Atlantic hurricane season commences on June 1 and continues through November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts an above average hurricane
season for 2025, with 13-19 named storms and 6-10 hurricanes predicted with 3-5 of those being major
hurricanes. As in past years, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Sector Boston will set port conditions
in advance of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm.
I encourage you to review and update your hurricane and severe weather plans. This includes internal and
external communication procedures, methods of minimizing storm damage and environmental risk (e.g.
securing transfers, ballasting down storage tanks, draining transfer lines), and reconstitution procedures.
As a hurricane or tropical storm approaches, Coast Guard Sector Boston will contact the maritime community
to establish communications and coordinate preparations. The Captain of the Port seeks to be as transparent as
possible when making decisions that will impact commercial vessel and facility operations. Waterway
restrictions and other decisions affecting the port are based upon weather forecasts, risk assessments, and
preparations being made by port partners. In most cases, given ample warning of an approaching hurricane or
tropical storm, vessels may be advised to put to sea or directed to an appropriate anchorage. In addition, cargo
or fuel oil transfers may be suspended for brief periods.
As necessary, Sector Boston will contact port partners to share information regarding pre-storm preparedness
and post-storm response. As your organization reviews its plans, please feel free to contact the Coast Guard
Sector Boston Command Center at (833) 449-0539, or the Waterways Management Division Chief LCDR
Jessica Hull at (617) 512-9615 email at SECBOSWaterways@uscg.mil if there are questions about the Coast
Guard’s role, plans, or policies regarding navigation restrictions or port closures during hurricanes and heavy
weather. Sector Boston may also be available should your organization choose to hold a tabletop exercise to test
portions of your plan.
The Coast Guard is no longer utilizing Homeport for the distribution of Marine Safety Information
Broadcast or for relaying Port Condition and Port Status changes. Mariners are advised to utilize the
Coast Guard Navigation center site for the most recent updates https://www.navcen.uscg.gov
NOAA provides near-real-time information regarding tropical weather, storms, and hurricanes through the
National Hurricane Center’s (NHC’s) Facebook page, Twitter account, and official website. Visit
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for more information and check in periodically for updates.
The “NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center” page provides updates about the NHC outreach and education
campaign and other items that might be of interest to the public throughout the year. During the hurricane
This release has been issued for public information and notification purposes only.
Please refer to the document(s) published in the Federal Register for specific details and requirements of subjects announced here.
season, the site contains a daily tropical weather update as well as alerts regarding any tropical cyclone activity
as needed.
The NHC Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov.
For maritime emergencies during an actual hurricane or severe weather event, contact the Sector Boston
Command Center at (833) 449-0539 or VHF-FM Channel 16 for immediate assistance.

Sector Southeastern New England, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)/General/MSIB
Sector Southeastern New England, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
General/MSIB
The Coast Guard is establishing 85 temporary safety zones around the construction of individual wind energy facilities during the development of the Sunrise Wind Farm project area. The project area lies within Federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf, specifically in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0487, approximately 16 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard, MA. This action protects life, property, and the environment during construction of each facility. When a safety zone is being enforced, only attending vessels and vessels with authorization are permitted to enter or remain in the safety zone.
This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life, property, and the environment during the planned construction of each facility’s foundation and subsequent installation of the wind turbine generators and offshore substations from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028. When enforced, only attending vessels and those vessels specifically authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander, or a designated representative, are permitted to enter or remain in the temporary safety zones.
Again, each safety zone will only be enforced during active major construction, which could occur at several locations, sometimes simultaneously. The First Coast Guard District Commander will make notification of the exact dates and times in advance of each enforcement period to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency.
If the project is completed before May 31, 2028, enforcement of the safety zones will be suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi.
The complete Temporary Interim Rule regulatory text can be found at the following link:

Galveston Bay - Galveston Channel/General/MSIB
Galveston Channel
Galveston Harbor Channel - VTS Operating Restrictions --- From: 2024-11-22 To: Until further notice --- U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston directs the following for tow and barge operations at Texas International Terminals: - On a FLOOD CURRENT - a) No arrivals/departures with strung out tows.
b) An assist boat is required for all barge configurations.
c) No transits permitted when Flood is greater than 0.5 kts.
- On an EBB CURRENT - a) No arrivals/departures with strung out tows.
b) An assist boat is required for all multi-barge operations.
c) An assist boat is required for single barge tows when Ebb is greater than 1.5 kts.
For additional information on the directive, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard VTS Houston-Galveston at (281) 464-4837.

Galveston Bay - Bolivar Peninsula/General/MSIB
Bolivar Peninsula
Bolivar Peninsula - GIWW - VTS Bolivar Directive --- U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston directs no meeting or overtaking between Bolivar Peninsula Virtual Aid 22 (Bolivar Peninsula 22 V-AIS, LLNR-35947) and Bolivar Peninsula Light 14 (LLNR-35915). The VTS recommends mariners confirm their position in the GIWW with their Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Bolivar Aids to Navigation are set in shoal water. The VTS recommends confirming Bolivar Peninsula Virtual Aids to Navigation 19A (Bolivar Peninsula 19A V-AIS, LLNR-35942) and 22 (LLNR-35947) prior to making the turn to/from Bolivar and/or into the Alternate Inbound Channel.

Main Channel - East River Main Channel/General/MSIB
East River Main Channel
The Hammond Creek East Entrance Fixed Marker in (pa) 40-48-42.88”N, 073-48-06.42”W has been reported missing.
The Hammond Creek West Entrance Fixed Marker in (pa) 40-48-42.65”N, 073-58-08.36”W has been reported damaged by a lightning strike.
Mariners are advised to transit the creek with extreme caution.

Long Island Sound Eastern Part - New London Harbor/General/MSIB
New London Harbor
Location:
The Thames River federal navigation channel in the vicinity of the U.S. Naval Submarine Base on the Thames River has been reconfigured and narrowed. The Thames River Middle Range no longer marks the channel centerline and now marks the eastern channel edge along the outer boundary of the Naval Base security zone. This area may be restricted by the Navy Base floating barrier.

Eastern Approach - East Passage/General/MSIB
East Passage
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center is alerting mariners on a missing Underwater Unmanned Vehicle (UUV) from 8/21/2025. UUV last seen operating inside Stillwater Basin. UUV was small sized, about 5-6 ft long and painted bright orange. UUV has the name “Hammerhead” printed on both sides. UUV is positively buoyant. UUV has a top mast red in color with a blinking green/red light (if still powered). There is a blue LED light array on the bottom of the UUV. There are no hazardous or dangerous items or characteristics to the UUV.
If notified or discovered, please reach out directly to me or call the NUWC SMC at 401 832 2706.

Galveston Bay Entrance Channel - Houston Ship Channel/General/MSIB
Houston Ship Channel
Houston Ship Channel - Morgans Point - VTS USI Canal/San Jacinto Bay Channel Directive --- The USI Canal/San Jacinto Bay Channel has become increasingly trafficked over the last 2 years. For various reasons, many tows attempt to reconfigure between Morgans Point and Exxon to go into or come out of the USI Canal. This practice has resulted in several near miss situations between Morgans Point and the Exxon Terminal in the Houston Ship Channel. In order to fulfill the VTS mission of reducing risk of collision, allision, damage, pollution, and injury, the following Directive is in effect and will be written as policy in documentation updates to the U.S. Coast Guard VTS Houston-Galveston User Guide: • Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston Directs no barge work in the Houston Ship Channel between Morgans Point and Exxon for purposes of going into/out of the USI Canal. •

Lower Mississippi River - Ohio River/General/MSIB
Ohio River
The U.S. Coast Guard COTP Lower Mississippi River has issued a low water Safety Advisory between approximate Miles 869.0 and 303.0. The USACE maintained depths and widths, may not be attainable on all buoy lines. It is recommended that mariners monitor all gauge readings, for safe navigation. The U.S. Coast Guard COTP Lower Mississippi River with the concurrence of the Lower Mississippi River Committee, recommend the following limits for tows:
Transiting southbound between Miles 953.8 and 869.0
Drafts no greater than 10.6 feet.
Barges to be configured no more than 6 wide.
Barges drafting over 10.0 feet shall not transit after October 8, 2025.
Transiting northbound between Miles 953.8 and 869.0
Drafts no greater than 9.6 feet.
Barges to be configured no more than 6 wide total, and loaded barges no more than 4 wide.
Barges to be configured no more than 7 long.
Barges currently in the system, with drafts greater than the advised depths, should be placed as near to the center of the tow as possible. Mariners are requested to contact U.S. Coast Guard Western Rivers Command Center via VHF-FM Channel 16 or at (866) 777-2784, to report areas of shoaling, hazardous conditions or missing aids to navigation.

Head Of Passes To New Orleans - New Orleans Harbor/General/MSIB
New Orleans Harbor
Mississippi River - VTS Operating Conditions --- From: 2025-09-11 To: Until Further Notice --- Due to the low water conditions on the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), the U.S. Coast Guard VTS LMR is requesting vessels transit at their slowest safe speed in the vicinity of the Harvey Locks, between Miles 98.0 to 99.0, AHOP.

DISTRICT 9 MSI/General/MSIB
Carriage of Li-Ion Battery (LIB) Powered Micromobility Devices on Small Passenger Vessels (SPVs)
The increasing popularity of micromobility devices has led to a rise in their carriage, particularly onboard ferries. This Bulletin addresses regulatory compliance for SPVs in the Great Lakes that carry electric bicycles (e-bikes) and other devices (e-scooters, hoverboards, e-skateboards, etc.) with LIB capacities exceeding 100 Watt-hours. These devices pose distinct safety risks, such as fire hazards stemming from thermal runaway - a condition where the LIB overheats, ignites, and potentially releases toxic gases that threaten health and complicate emergency response efforts. While there is no explicit prohibition on the carriage of micromobilitiy devices onboard SPVs, it is essential to understand and mitigate their risks.
As a potential fire source, LIBs must be considered when complying with applicable SPV regulations for crew training, fire protection, and emergency escape. Unlike other fire sources, LIBs have unique risks that require careful consideration to meet these standards. Prior to allowing the carriage of micromobility devices, operators should consider the following non-exhaustive list to ensure that SPVs remain in compliance with their Certificate of Inspection:
• Means of escape should be maintained clear from obstructions, such as e-bikes (46 CFR §114.400, §175.400).
• Crew training should cover the duties they are expected to perform during a thermal runaway event and sufficient drills should be conducted to ensure proficiency (46 CFR §122.524, §185.524, §122.420, §185.420).
• Materials and arrangements not specifically covered by current standards, such as carriage of devices with LIBs, should be evaluated based on safe practices (46 CFR §115.800(a), §176.800(a), §115.830(a), §176.830(a)). Due to risks associated with special firefighting needs (46 CFR §118.400(a)(4), §181.400(a)(6)) and ventilation of toxic gases, micromobility devices are best stored on open decks.
Specifically, for SPVs carrying more than 150 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers:
• Devices should not be stowed in safety areas to provide separation from the effects of fire. Safety areas include control stations, stairways, corridors, embarkation stations, areas of refuge, and escape routes to such areas. If stowed on open decks (open on one or more sides), the area must also not be an embarkation station (46 CFR §114.400, Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 9-97, CH-1).
• Emergency Evacuation Plans must identify possible casualties involving fires, such as thermal runaway, and include procedures for managing them (46 CFR §116.520).
• If stowed in a Low Fire Load (Type 5A) Space, devices should be included in the performance guideline calculations as transient fire loads (46 CFR §116.427, Marine Safety Center Technical Note No. 01-13).
When a wheelchair or other mobility aid equipped with LIBs are carried on SPVs, the provisions contained in 49 CFR §175.10(a)(17) should be considered. For further information, contact the Great Lakes District at the above email.

Blue Hill Bay Approach - Bass Harbor/General/MSIB
Bass Harbor
Bass Harbor Head Light is Acadia National Park’s most visited site on the west side of MDI, with 180,000 annual visitors. Acadia NP acquired this property in 2020 from the US Coast Guard (USCG) and has worked to preserve this historical and natural landscape while improving visitor experience. The lighthouse serves as a functioning nautical beacon for Bass Harbor, and the former light keeper’s home serves as seasonal housing for Acadia’s Artist in Residence program. Despite the site’s high visitation rates, it does not currently meet NPS’ Accessibility Compliance priorities and prevents visitors with limited mobility to view the lighthouse. It is a park priority to allow for visitors of all abilities to view the lighthouse and learn about the history of the site.
The Project Management Division (PMD) at ACAD has developed a three (3) phase plan to remove overhead electric from the site, demolish obsolete infrastructure, and improve the accessibility of the site for visitors by building a new lighthouse viewing terrace.
Phase one (1) proposes to replace and relocate the existing electrical transformer (inside Radio Transmission building) and convert existing overhead electrical utilities to underground. A new ground-mounted transformer will be installed on the west shoulder of the parking lot. A new power meter and distribution panel will be installed within the garage. The total work area for the utility relocation phase is approximately 3100 sq.ft. (0.07 acres), all at grade or underground. All electrical infrastructure inside the light keeper’s home will remain as is, and all modifications will occur upstream of the current service entry point. This work is proposed to occur between October 6th, 2025 – November 1st, 2025. This phase is proposed to be completed by ACAD maintenance staff, a local electrician, and Versant Power.
Phase two (2) proposes the demolition of the superstructure and foundation of the former USCG Radio Transmitting Building. This effort also includes the demolition/removal of non-historic appurtenances associated with the building, including underground utility pull-boxes, antenna foundations, screening fences, and abandoned debris (ladders, cabling, satellite dishes, and conduit). Completion of Phase 1 allows for the ability to completely remove all utility poles and overhead electric lines onsite, as well as the roof mast currently atop the Keeper’s House. Following demolition, the affected area will be backfilled with earthen to grade, and preliminary groundwork will be completed to prepare the path and footprint of the accessible viewing terrace. Light vista clearing (tree removal) will be included in this phase in preparation for the construction of the terrace. The total work area for this phase is approximately 800 sq.ft. (0.02 acres). The building demolition is proposed to occur between Oct 15th and Nov 21st . This phase is proposed to be completed by ACAD maintenance staff and trail crew.
Upon completion of Phase 1 and 2, power will be reenergized by Versant. ACAD’s request for a 2-month beacon shutoff is aimed to accommodate for the physical completion of Phases 1 and 2, and account for the anticipated delay of Versant’s availability to come onsite to shutoff/reenergize power. ACAD PMD team will communicate regularly with USCG with updates on construction completion, extension needs, or early completion.

DISTRICT 7 MSI/General/MSIB
29581
From November to April the coastal waters between Cape Fear, NC and Sebastian Inlet, FL, are used as calving grounds by the critically endangered right whale. Right whales, including females with very young calves, may be encountered in offshore and coastal waters. Right whales are slow moving, often just below the water's surface, making them vulnerable to serious injury or death due to collisions with vessels. Collisions with whales are dangerous. Passengers can be injured and vessels badly damaged. U.S. regulation (50 CFR 224.105) prohibits operating vessels 65 feet (19.8 m) or greater in excess of 10 knots in specific managed locations along the U.S. east coast during times when right whales are likely to be present. See Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule at the Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales webpage (below) for specific times, areas, and exceptions to this regulation. Approaching or remaining within 500 yards of right whales is prohibited and is a violation of U.S. regulation. A minimum distance of 500 yards must be maintained from a sighted right whale unless hazardous to the vessel or its occupants. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that operators assume that any whale sighting is a right whale unless confirmed otherwise. NOAA also recommends speeds of 10 knots or less in areas used by right whales and outside of seasonally managed areas when consistent with safety of navigation. NOAA also recommends operators use two-way whale avoidance routes within the WHALESSOUTH MSR area. Right whale sighting information is available at https://whalemap.org/ Please report all right whale sightings, collisions, or entanglements to 877-WHALE-HELP or to the Coast Guard via channel 16. The WHALESSOUTH Mandatory Ship Reporting area is active from November 15 to April 16. MSR arrival reports can be sent to rightwhale.msr(at)noaa.gov. For more information, see the Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales webpage:

Sector Southeastern New England, Submerged Lands Act (SLA) - West Passage/General/MSIB
West Passage
HavocAI will be conducting uncrewed surface vessel operations (up to 10 vessels in various patterns) in Narragansett Bay Rhode Island. In the vicinity of Prudence Island. Operating area will be West of Prudence Island and North of Hope Island, in position 41-37.248N, 071-21.746W, from August 14, 2025, to November 28, 2025, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Equipment on scene will be up to 10, 15-foot USVs and three safety boats, monitoring VHF-FM CH 13, 16, and 68.

Galveston Bay Entrance Channel - Houston Ship Channel/General/MSIB
Houston Ship Channel
Houston Ship Channel - Channel Dimensions Navigation Advisory (MSIB 11-25) --- The Houston Ship Channel dimensions have changed, impacting channel dimensions between Houston Ship Channel (HSC) Light 83 (LLNR-24535) and Houston Ship Channel Light 92 (LLNR-24600). The red side barge lane now ends at HSC Light 92. The green side barge lane remains the same, beginning at HSC Light 89 (LLNR-24565). Surveys have been successfully completed, extending the channel from Houston Ship Channel Light 83 to Houston Ship Channel Light 90 (LLNR-24575) to the following dimensions: 700 ft wide by 46 ft deep in the main channel and barge lanes measuring 235 ft wide by 12 ft deep on either side of the main channel. The aids to navigation along the Houston Ship Channel have been relocated based on the new channel dimensions. Mariners should proceed with caution as they accustom themselves to the new dimensions and note where the old channel dimensions meet the new channel dimensions. The new HSC width (700 ft) tapers into the previous existing channel width (530 ft) near HSC Lights 89/90. To promote safety, mariners are highly encouraged to update electronic charting systems on a regular basis to ensure chart accuracy and visibility of new changes. For additional information, mariners can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Waterways Management Department at houstonwwm@uscg.mil.

DISTRICT 1 - CGD-NE MSI/General/MSIB
Suspension of All Coastal Buoy Modernization Proposal Comment Collection and Activities Pending Further Aids to Navigation (ATON) System Analysis
Coast Guard District Northeast is closing the period for providing comments to the Coastal Buoy Modernization Proposal (CBMP) advertised in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and directly solicited from stakeholders. The Coast Guard is extremely appreciative of the maritime public’s significant engagement.
After receiving over 3,170 informative comments, the Coast Guard finds it necessary to conduct further analysis of the aids to navigation (ATON) system while ensuring port security, response to contingencies, and the safe and efficient flow of commerce. There will be no changes to ATON at this time in relation to CBMP until further analysis is complete. The LNM Proposal period will be closed out.
ATONs are critical to protecting our ports, ensuring safe navigation, and promoting a strong economy, and to facilitating $5.4 trillion in maritime commerce and ensuring safe navigation and shipping, economic prosperity and strategic mobility. The Coast Guard will continue to assess our waterways and provide the most effective ATON system changes to support a safe, efficient, and resilient Marine Transportation System.
CAPT David E. O’Connell, Northeast Coast Guard District Chief of Prevention, sends

Sector North Carolina MSI/General/MSIB
Location:
All mariners be advised the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting strong
winds and coastal flooding with wind gusts that may exceed 45 mph Monday night
through Wednesday in the Outer Banks and Downeast Carteret county. Sector
North Carolina does not anticipate changing port conditions at this time but will continue
actively monitoring this weather event. Please take this as an opportunity to review your
severe weather plans and preparations.

DISTRICT 5 - CGD-E MSI/General/MSIB