ST. CROIX — The U.S. Coast Guard has extended its temporary safety zone in the waters west of the Cyril E. King Airport through March 31 to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the proximity of low-flying aircrafts while a permanent solution is being assessed by airport officials, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the Coast Guard.
The Captain of the Port Sector San Juan (COTP) has determined the potential hazards associated with vessels transiting between two private Port Authority-managed yellow buoys and the end of the CEKA runway and their proximity to the low-flying aircrafts include wake turbulence, collision risk, restricted visibility, and emergency maneuvers.
The temporary safety zone covers all navigable waters within 400 yards from shore directly west of the airport’s runway within the two yellow buoys located at 18°20.288′ N—64°59.343′ W and 18°20.116′ N—64°59.343′ W. The temporary safety zone provides an opportunity for a 30-day comment period before a permanent safety zone is established.
“All comments will be reviewed to ensure the final rule increases safety for mariners and aviators, while simultaneously striving to minimize negative impacts to waterways users,” according to Lieutenant Commander Rachel Thomas, Sector San Juan, Waterways Management Division Chief, Coast Guard. “The final rule will only be published after all comments have been reviewed and the regulation language modified as needed. If this occurs after March 31, 2026, an additional temporary final rule may be issued to ensure hazards are mitigated throughout the rulemaking process.”
The Coast Guard previously announced a temporary final rule establishing the safety zone on August 25, 2025 that was originally published to be effective through September 30, 2025. The Coast Guard promulgated a temporary interim rule last October to keep the zone open until December 31, 2025. It is now implementing another temporary safety zone until March 31.
The duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these navigable waters while the risks are assessed and solutions are proposed. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP San Juan or a designated representative.
Although vessels may not enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone without authorization from the COTP or a designated representative, they may operate in the surrounding area outside the safety zone during the enforcement period.
To seek permission to enter the safety zone, contact the COTP or the COTP's representative by telephone at 787-289-2041, or a designated representative via VHF-FM radio on channel 16 to request authorization. If authorization is granted, all persons and vessels receiving such authorization must comply with the instructions of the COTP San Juan or a designated representative. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative.
Comments can be submitted through February 6 via www.regulations.gov using the docket number USCG-2025-1105.
