NEW YORK —The Captain of the Port (COTP) New York will be establishing temporary marking buoys in New York Harbor to ensure the safety of all waterways users and to prevent navigational hazards during the upcoming International Naval Review (INR) and Sail 4th 250 events.
These temporary buoys are intended to clearly delineate certain security zones, spectator areas, and navigable channels to safely manage the anticipated increase in vessel traffic and protect all mariners.
Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting these areas and to remain clear of the designated event zones. These temporary marking buoys will begin being placed in the waterways starting July 1, 2026, and will remain on station throughout the INR and Sail 4th 250 events. All temporary buoys are scheduled to be recovered and removed from the harbor no later than July 9, 2026.
Prohibited Actions: Mariners are strictly prohibited from mooring to, moving, or interfering with these temporary marking buoys. Unauthorized interaction with these aids compromises harbor safety and may subject violators to civil or criminal penalties under Federal law. Reporting Off-Station Buoys: Waterway users are requested to immediately report any drifted, damaged, extinguished (if lighted), or off-station buoys to the Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center via VHF-FM Channel 16 or by calling (718) 354-4353.
Staying Informed: The Coast Guard previously issued a series of Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) detailing the specific closures and operational restrictions for these events throughout the Port of New York and New Jersey to include the Lower Bay/Sandy Hook, Upper Bay/Hudson River, and East River, and we may issue subsequent MSIBs before or during the events. All MSIBs pertaining to these events can be found at the Northeast Coast Guard District’s Local Notice to Mariners website under the Special Notices section. Mariners are strongly advised to monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for Broadcast Notices to Mariners for real-time updates and enforcement statuses.
For questions regarding this bulletin, please contact the Sector New York Sail 250 Planning Team at Sail-250-NYNJ@uscg.mil
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