New Safety Zone for St. Thomas Airport Waters

You might care about this because the Coast Guard is creating a new safety zone in the waters west of Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. This rule is designed to keep people, boats, and the ocean safe. It prevents possible dangers from planes flying low near the airport runway and boats in the water close by. This area covers all navigable waters directly west of the runway's end. No one can enter this safety zone without specific permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector San Juan, or their chosen representative. The Coast Guard first proposed this rule on January 7, 2026. They asked for public comments and received one. This comment suggested defining the safety zone more clearly with four GPS coordinates instead of just two. The Coast Guard agreed and made that change to make the zone's boundaries easier to understand for everyone. This adjustment helps mark the area more clearly, but it does not make the zone bigger or move it. This rule goes into effect on June 8, 2026. If you need to enter the zone, you must contact the Captain of the Port. What makes this document particularly interesting is its direct focus on public safety in a unique environment. It shows how authorities manage the sometimes conflicting needs of air and sea travel. This rule highlights the specific risks that come from low-flying aircraft operating very close to navigable waterways. It sets a clear boundary to prevent accidents that could happen if boats get too close to an active runway approach or departure path. This document also demonstrates how public feedback can shape regulations. The Coast Guard listened to a comment and made the safety zone's description more precise, which is good for mariners. It reminds us that even common areas like waters near an airport can have unexpected hazards requiring special rules. This rule aims to protect everyone involved, from airline passengers to recreational boaters, by clearly defining a restricted area. This legal document would be most interesting to several groups. First, anyone who operates a boat or vessel in the waters around St. Thomas, especially west of Cyril E. King Airport, needs to know about this. This includes local fishermen, tour operators, private boat owners, and commercial shipping companies. Pilots flying into or out of Cyril E. King Airport would also be interested, as this rule helps ensure clear airspace for their operations. Local port authorities and marine service providers in St. Thomas should be aware of these new restrictions. Environmental protection groups might also pay attention, given the rule's aim to protect the marine environment from potential accidents. Lastly, legal professionals or students studying maritime law or regulatory processes might find this a good example of how safety regulations are put in place and refined based on public input.