News and Notices

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

Make sure you’re safe on the water

By Kathy Lynch and Zach Shapiro, MyCG Staff

May 16-22 was National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), and with boating season on the horizon, it’s important to remember how to be safe on the water. Here are six safety tips for recreational boaters: 

Wear a life jacket 

There’s a reason that National Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is always the kickoff to NSBW. Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself while on the water.  

Each year, 75 percent of boating deaths are due to drowning and 87 percent of those victims weren’t wearing life jackets. Don’t become a statistic. Most states require children under 13 to wear a life jacket, and it is recommended that anyone older than that wear one as well. Boat operators are required by law to have a Coast Guard-approved wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every person aboard their vessel, with boats over 16 feet required to carry a throwable flotation device. You can find more on these requirements in the Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. 

Take a boating safety course 

Knowing what you’re doing on the water makes all the difference. You can find Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety classes in your area here or go to the U.S. Power Squadrons website to find an America’s Boating Club course near you. You can find the boating laws in your state in this reference guide and get a copy of Coast Guard navigational rules for U.S. waterways here. There is also updated information on requirements for fire extinguishers.   

Use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS) 

An ECOS is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped to the operator’s life jacket or clothing with the other end connected to the cut-off switch, but there are now electric wireless models, too. Since 2021, an ECOS link has been required by law for anyone operating a boat in navigable U.S. waters. If you’re wearing one and you’re thrown from the boat, or fall away from the operating area, the engine will automatically shut off. This will prevent you from getting injured by the propeller if you’re in the water and make it easier to safely get back on the boat. You can find more information on ECOS devices here.   

Don’t drink and boat 

Alcohol is the single biggest contributing factor in boating deaths. That’s why it’s critical to stay sober while operating a boat.  

Register your emergency beacon 

Your emergency beacon can save your life; when every minute counts, it helps rescuers find you quickly. You can register online on the NOAA website.    

Get a free vessel safety check 

The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety checks to all boaters. Inspectors can do them in your driveway or in the water, and it takes 15-30 minutes. When you pass, you’ll not only have peace of mind that your boat is compliant with federal and state law, but you may get a discount on your insurance. If you fail, the Coast Guard will not issue a citation, but you’ll be given a list of discrepancies with recommendations on how to correct them. You can schedule an inspection here.  

To find out more about safe boating, check out this FAQ from the US Coast Guard Boating Organization.  

Coast Guard to modernize mariner credentialing experience through NAVITA

By CAPT Pat Drayer, commanding officer of the National Maritime Center, 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. 

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.  

Notice of Public Meetings for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Maine Shipping Safety Fairways

The Commandant of the Coast Guard released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing a system of shipping safety fairways and related vessel routing measures along the Atlantic Coast in January 2024. This NPRM is posted to USCG-2019-0279. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Executive Order 12114, a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and a draft Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS) was completed in support of this rulemaking.  In addition to providing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed vessel routing measures in the NPRM, the Coast Guard is providing a supplemental regulatory analysis for public comment.  The Coast Guard seeks public input on both the draft PEIS/OEIS and the NPRM. The draft PEIS/OEIS can be found at USCG-2023-0928  or by searching the Environmental Protection Agency Database at Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Database|USEPA.  The supplemental regulatory analysis can be found at USCG-2019-0279. 

We plan to hold 5 public meetings, three in person and two virtual. Registration is encouraged for all meetings and may be completed by visiting https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/RWmJNggKRIC_FHnOSYAxyQ.

The meeting information is as follows:

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT
Bangor Public Library, Crofutt Community Room
145 Harlow Street
Bangor, Maine 04401
The Laurence E. Crofutt Community Room is located on the first floor of the library, at the far end of the Atrium, next to the café.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT
Meeting Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1657244954
Meeting ID: 165 724 4954
Phone-in: (833) 435-1820 US Toll-free; (833) 568-8864 US Toll-free

Thursday, June 11, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT
Thrive 55+ Active Living Center
45 Fort Hill Road
Groton, Connecticut 06340

Monday, June 15, 2026
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Meeting Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1659398086
Meeting ID: 165 939 8086
Phone-in: (833) 435-1820 US Toll-free; (833) 568-8864 US Toll-free

Wednesday, June 17, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT
Salisbury University, Conway Hall Room 153
Route 13 (S. Salisbury Boulevard) and West College Avenue
Salisbury, Maryland 21801 
Conway Hall is also known as the Teacher Education Technical Center.

Comments are welcome in person or virtually at a public meeting or by submitting directly to the NPRM Docket at USCG-2019-0279 or the draft PEIS docket at USCG-2023-0928  by Monday, June 22, 2026. Interested parties should contact the Office of Navigation Systems at CGNAV@uscg.mil, attention Maureen Kallgren.

National Recreational Boating Safety Survey MSIB 02-26

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating. The survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the USCG. All recreational boaters – owners and renters of motorboats, sailboats and paddlecraft – are invited to complete a brief, one-minute sign-up page asking about their boating habits and to share their contact information with the Coast Guard so a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS later in the year. To access the survey see the MSIB here. For more information about the NRBSS, visit https://uscgboating.org/statistics/national-recreational-boating safety-survey.php For further assistance or questions, contact onthewater@norc.org or smb-comdt-cg-bsx-data@uscg.mil

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.

Operation Dry Water – July 3–5, 2026

This Fourth of July weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard and boating law enforcement agencies across the country will take part in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence (BUI).

Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of fatal recreational boating accidents. The goal of Operation Dry Water is simple: keep boaters safe by raising awareness about the dangers of drinking while operating a boat.

From July 3–5, boaters can expect to see increased patrols and boating safety checks on waterways across the United States, including all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. Officers from federal, state, and local agencies will be looking for impaired operators as well as other unsafe boating practices.

The Coast Guard is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and boating safety agencies nationwide to support this annual effort.

During last year’s Operation Dry Water weekend:

• More than 7,300 marine law enforcement officers participated nationwide
• Officers contacted over 232,000 boaters on nearly 88,000 recreational vessels
• 501 boating under the influence arrests were made
• Thousands of additional citations and warnings were issued for other boating safety violations

Boaters are reminded to boat responsibly, wear life jackets, stay alert, and always designate a sober operator.

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.