News and Notices
United Nations General Assembly 81: Security Zones
From September 20 – 26, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard will enforce security zones on the East River near the United Nations Headquarters, and near the Wall Street Heliport. The East River security zones encompass all waters of the East River between East 36th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge and are portioned into three distinct zones (Zones 1- 3) as referenced in 33 CFR 165.164(a) (4,5, and 6). The Wall Street Heliport security zone encompasses a section of all navigable waters just south of Wall Street, Manhattan. More detailed descriptions and visual depictions are provided on pages 2 and 3 of this Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB).
Shape the Future of Boating Survey
If you are a boat owner or renter operating a boat or paddlecraft, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
How do we know that nearly 100 million Americans hit the water every year? We don't guess. We use the NRBSS.
Run by CG-BSX, this nationwide survey helps provide a clear picture of what's really happening out there. It tracks how many hours people spend on the water, what safety gear they’re using, and even estimates how many kayaks and paddleboards are in the mix.
By comparing these real hours on the water against our accident statistics, we can pinpoint actual risks and build safety programs that work to save lives.
See the flyer and take the Survey! Scan the QR code found here.
Coast Guard raises awareness of hoaxes amid false distress calls transmitted in Great Lakes
Coast Guard Great Lakes District Public Affairs – (216) 902-6020
CORRECTION: The total number of false distress calls throughout the Great Lakes District was initially reported as 187 since January 2026. We have updated this number to reflect the total false distress calls in fiscal year 2026, beginning in October 2025. Coast Guard Great Lakes District receives an average of 187 false distress calls each year.
CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard is raising awareness of the dangers and penalties associated with hoax distress calls, including those transmitted via radio, phone, and on social media.
Since October 1, 2025, Coast Guard command center watchstanders in the Great Lakes District have received 156 false distress calls, including three confirmed hoaxes.
A hoax may include knowingly and willfully communicating a false distress message to the Coast Guard, while a false distress alert can result from misunderstanding, accidental transmissions or outdated information.
Initiating a hoax or causing the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed is a federal felony under 14 U.S.C. § 521(c) and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a monetary fine. The statute also provides for a civil penalty of up to $13,295 and holds the individual liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of their actions.
“Intentionally misleading emergency responders is both dangerous and illegal,” said Capt. Mark Kuperman, chief of staff, Great Lakes District. “Every false distress report creates a ripple effect across the entire emergency response community, draining valuable time and resources from the Coast Guard and agency partners, and potentially putting emergency responders at unnecessary risk. Ultimately, this reduces our readiness for actual emergencies. This can be especially detrimental during the summer months, when resources are in constant demand.”
The Coast Guard also encourages the public to avoid posting or sharing content on social media that falsely portrays an emergency.
“The growing influence of social media has added further challenges to search and rescue operations,” said Roger Rice, search and rescue program manager, Great Lakes District. “Social media content suggesting distress may not include critical details, such as an accurate location, the number of people involved, or immediate hazards. Misleading photos or videos may unnecessarily trigger emergency responses and divert critical resources."
The Coast Guard recommends that boaters in distress use VHF-FM channel 16 or 911 to call for help during a real emergency.
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District is responsible for a 1,500-mile international border spanning eight states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. More than 6,000 Coast Guard active-duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel serve within the district's area of responsibility.
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Are you ready for hurricane season?
By Zach Shapiro, MyCG Staff
Editor’s note: This article was adapted from a MyCG piece previously published on June 2, 2025 and updated to reflect the latest federal resources. The original piece may be accessed here.
This year, hurricane season (in the Atlantic and Central Pacific) is expected to last from June 1 to November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began May 15 and ends November 30. MyCG has assembled some tips and resources to help you and your families prepare for any hurricanes that may come your way. Become familiar with www.ready.gov and the Center for Disease Control’s hurricane guide. Both sites offer preparedness tips as well as how to weather a storm, and what to do upon returning home if you are evacuated. Read the article here. Check out NOAA's Hurricane Plan here. Check out the National Hurricane Center's website.
MARINE EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS MODERNIZATION
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center has launched a new online Marine Event Permit application process effective June 3rd. Marine event sponsors conducting regattas, marine parades, fireworks displays, swim events, or similar activities on navigable waters of the United States are encouraged to utilize the updated online submission capability. Applications should be submitted to the appropriate Captain of the Port at least 135 days prior to the scheduled event. Marine Event Permit Application and additional information are available at: https://navcen.uscg.gov/contact/Application-For-Marine-Event-Permit
Coast Guard to modernize mariner credentialing experience through NAVITA
By CAPT Pat Drayer, commanding officer of the National Maritime Center (NMC), and Cathleen Mauro, acting chief of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing
The U.S. Coast Guard is modernizing the mariner credentialing experience through the development of NAVITA, a new digital platform designed to streamline the MMC application and issuance process for mariners is set to launch Monday September 14th, 2026 according to the NMC website..
NAVITA, Latin for ‘sailor’, is part of the Coast Guard’s broader digital transformation effort focused on improving user experience, modernizing prevention-related systems, and reducing administrative burdens for maritime stakeholders.
For many mariners, the credentialing process involves cumbersome paperwork, multiple sub missions, and lengthy back-and-forth communication with the National Maritime Center. NAVITA will offer a user-friendly and modern experience that simplifies credential application submission, reduces common errors, and improves transparency throughout the process.
The effort is driving toward one simple goal: making it easier for mariners to get the credentials they need so they are ready to work.
“This is about more than replacing a system,” said RADM Wayne Arguin, assistant commandant for Prevention Policy. “It’s about designing services around the mariner experience and improving the public’s interactions with — and trust in — the Coast Guard.”
The Coast Guard Mariner Credentialing Program is currently conducting user testing and working closely with stakeholders to better understand mariner needs and identify opportunities to improve the user experience. Early testing and feedback are shaping the platform ahead of its initial rollout in September 2026.
The initial version will allow mariners to set up their profiles and submit credentials and medical applications. System updates will be released periodically; stay tuned for more announcements!
NAVITA also represents the first major step in a broader effort to modernize prevention-related services and systems across the Coast Guard. And it is the latest effort to improve Coast Guard technology. The Service recently released its Digital Transformation Strategy, a roadmap to improve the Coast Guard’s information gathering and sharing.
Ultimately, NAVITA will create a more efficient, transparent, responsive, and user-friendly experience for mariners.
As development continues, the Coast Guard will provide regular updates, additional information, and user-focused resources leading up to launch. More information on NAVITA and future updates is available on the National Maritime Center website.
First Notice: Major Ship Arrival Notification System (SANS) Update MSIB 01-26
The U.S. Coast Guard is undertaking a significant IT modernization project for the Ship Arrival Notification System (SANS) used by the Maritime community for Notice of Arrivals & Departure (NOAD) submissions. This will impact the “eNOAD Portal” and all other NOAD submission methods. This project will make the Notice of Arrival submission process more efficient for mariners, while upgrading system security and resilience. It will also provide the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal partners with enhanced visibility on maritime risks and threats in order to protect our Nation's ports and connected infrastructure. See the entire MSIB here.
NAVCEN Launches Redesigned Homepage to Improve Access to Maritime Safety Information
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) has launched a newly redesigned homepage at https://navcen.uscg.gov/, providing faster and more intuitive access to critical maritime safety information and operational services.
The updated design improves navigation and information discovery, enabling mariners, industry partners, and stakeholders to reach authoritative content with fewer clicks and greater clarity. The homepage places greater emphasis on operationally relevant tools and services that support timely decision-making and maritime domain awareness.
New features highlighted on the homepage include:
Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs):
NAVCEN now provides centralized access to Marine Safety Information Bulletins, making it easier for mariners to find national-level MSIBs addressing policy- and regulatory-driven safety matters issued by the appropriate Coast Guard Headquarters offices.
U.S. Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Program:
The redesigned homepage improves visibility of the U.S. SARSAT Program, which supports global search and rescue operations through satellite-based distress alert detection and coordination.
These updates reflect NAVCEN’s continued commitment to modernizing maritime safety information delivery and providing reliable, user-focused services to the maritime community. Users are encouraged to explore the new homepage and submit feedback via the Contact Us page.
UPDATE TO HF Distress and USCG Contact Frequencies
Effective 7 February 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard ceased watchkeeping on all High Frequency (HF) shortwave voice (radiotelephone) distress calling frequencies within the contiguous United States and Hawaii, except for Kodiak AK and Guam on 4125 kHz only. Watchkeeping continues instead on HF digital selective calling (DSC) frequencies available from any DSC-equipped HF marine radio. Voice watchkeeping on 6215 kHz and 8291 kHz at Kodiak and Guam has also been discontinued, a change from that announced by USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB Number 10-21. See the complete update here.
Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level & Port Status Updates Available on Navigation Center's Website
ATTENTION: Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level and Port Status Updates Now Available!
Find the latest Coast Guard MARSEC Level and Port Status and Port Contact Information now available on the NAVCEN website. Click the links to stay informed.