Opportunity
Federal Register #USCG-2026-0225
Temporary Special Local Regulation for Tall Ships and Fireworks Events in Norfolk, VA Region
Posted
May 21, 2026
Identifier
USCG-2026-0225
This notice announces the establishment of temporary Special Local Regulations (SLRs) by the U.S. Coast Guard for the Sail250 Virginia Tall Ship Parade of Sail and related fireworks events in the lower Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and the Elizabeth River, Virginia. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security - Sector Virginia, Captain of the Port (Captain Peggy M. Britton) - No procurement of goods or services is being solicited; this is a regulatory action only - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products are mentioned or required - Services/Regulation Details: - Enforcement of navigational restrictions and safety measures for: - Tall Ship Parade of Sail - Staging areas - Fireworks events - Spectator zones - Regulations apply to approximately 60 tall ships and military vessels - Buffer zones and controlled spectator areas established to manage marine traffic and ensure safety - Specific regulated areas include parade, staging, fireworks, and spectator zones - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Temporary restrictions on vessel movement and anchorage - Defined enforcement periods for each regulated area - Designed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment during highly congested events - Locations: - Norfolk, VA (primary area of operations) - Lynnhaven Anchorage, Virginia Beach, VA - Thimble Shoal Channel, Norfolk Harbor - Elizabeth River, Downtown Norfolk Waterfront - Port Norfolk Reach, Elizabeth River, Portsmouth, VA
Description
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary Special Local Regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the lower Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads, and the Elizabeth River. This regulation is in place before, during, and after a series of events centered on a global gathering of tall ships and military ships celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The SLR aims to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from hazards due to a parade of ships, fireworks, and other events attracting large crowds and congested waters. The regulation includes designated parade and fireworks regulated areas, spectator areas, and a tall ship staging area with specific enforcement periods from June 16, 2026, through June 21, 2026.