Security & Defense

Temporary Security Zone on the Ohio River in Cincinnati

🇺🇸United States··Final Rule·Low Impact·View source ↗

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.

🇬🇧 English

This rule temporarily restricts vessel traffic on the Ohio River in Cincinnati between mile markers 461 and 473. From May 8 through May 11, 2026, vessels and people may not enter, pass through, or anchor in the zone unless the Coast Guard gives permission. The restriction is tied to a Secret Service-protected visit in Cincinnati. Commercial operators, recreational boaters, waterfront businesses, and event planners should monitor Coast Guard broadcasts for the exact enforcement times and request permission before entering the area.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.

Key Changes

  • Creates a temporary security zone across the full width of the Ohio River between mile markers 461 and 473
  • Bars vessels and people from entering, transiting, or anchoring in the zone without Coast Guard authorization
  • Sets the effective period from May 8 through May 11, 2026, with enforcement during announced security periods

Obligations

What this law requires

critical

Do not enter, transit through, or anchor within the security zone covering the full width of the Ohio River between mile marker 461 and mile marker 473 during enforced periods unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or a designated Coast Guard representative.

vessel operatorspersons on navigable watersrecreational boaterscommercial vessel operators
Effective from 12:01 a.m. EDT on May 8, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 11, 2026; enforced only when visiting dignitaries and security personnel are present
prohibition
high

Before entering the security zone during an enforcement period, request permission from the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or the COTP's representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 1-800-253-7465.

vessel operatorspersons seeking to enter the security zonecommercial vessel operatorsrecreational boaters
Before entering the zone during any enforced period between May 8 and May 11, 2026
licensing
high

Anyone present in the security zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions issued by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or the COTP's designated representative.

vessel operatorspersons in the security zonecommercial vessel operatorsrecreational boaters
During any enforced period between May 8 and May 11, 2026
operational
medium

Monitor Coast Guard broadcast notices to mariners for the specific enforcement times of the temporary security zone, because the rule is effective for four days but enforced only at certain times.

vessel operatorscommercial vessel operatorsrecreational boaterswaterfront businessesevent planners
Throughout May 8 through May 11, 2026
operational

Affected Parties

Commercial vessel operators on the Ohio River near CincinnatiRecreational boaters and marina users+1 more…

Tags

Coast Guard,Ohio River,temporary security zone