Special Local Regulation; Daugherty Creek, Crisfield, MD

What it does

• •Establishes a temporary special local regulation (SLR) prohibiting unauthorized vessels and persons from entering specified waters of Daugherty Creek near Crisfield, Maryland during a power boat racing event.
• •Defines a regulated area with specific geographic coordinates including a race area and surrounding buffer zone, with enforcement from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on September 5, 2026 (or September 6 if postponed due to weather).
• •Allows the Captain of the Port Sector Maryland-National Capital Region or designated representatives to authorize entry and enforce compliance with lawful orders within the regulated area.

Why it matters

• •The regulation addresses safety risks associated with the Historic Smith Island Crab Skiff races, including collision hazards from approximately 21 boats competing on a marked course in navigable waters.
• •The Coast Guard issued this rule without the standard notice-and-comment period, citing good cause due to the impracticality of completing the regulatory process before the September 5 event date.

Who is affected

• •Event participants registered with the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association and non-participant vessels attempting to transit through Daugherty Creek during the enforcement period.
• •The public and maritime operators who may need to contact the Captain of the Port at (410) 576-2525 or VHF-FM channel 16 to seek permission to enter the regulated area.

What happens next

This temporary regulation becomes effective immediately upon publication and will be enforced during the specified 2.5-hour windows on September 5 or 6, 2026, unless further modified by the Coast Guard.