2026-22269·DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Safety Zone; M/T KALAHARI, Gulf of America, Pascagoula, MS

Final RuleEffective

Published: Oct 30, 2026
Effective: Oct 30, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68478
Docket: Docket Number USCG-2026-0467
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Coast Guard

Temporary final rule.

Summary

The Coast Guard is creating a temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of the Gulf of America near Pascagoula, Mississippi, to keep people, vessels, and the marine environment safe while the bulk carrier M/T Kalahari undergoes repairs. Because the ship’s auxiliary boilers are out of service, its inert‑gas system cannot operate, creating a risk of hazardous releases; the zone will restrict access until the repairs are finished. The rule is issued by the Department of Homeland Security’s Coast Guard and applies to any vessel, vessel operator, or individual who might otherwise enter the designated area. Entry is prohibited unless the Captain of the Port, Sector Mobile, or an authorized representative grants a specific waiver. The regulation was published in the Federal Register on October 30 2026 (91 FR 68478) and takes effect immediately on that date. No public comment period is provided because the rule is a temporary final rule. The Coast Guard will monitor the situation, and the safety zone will remain in place until the M/T Kalahari’s repairs are completed and the inert‑gas system is restored, at which point the zone will be lifted.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Gulf of America. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the M/T KALAHARI that will be conducting repairs at anchorage due to both auxiliary boilers being out of service rendering the inert gas system inoperable. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Mobile, or their designated representative.