Marine Safety Information Bulletins
US Coast Guard
MSIB 17-26
4th of July Fireworks Savannah & Brunswick GA
Published July 1, 2026
On July 4, 2026, multiple fireworks events will take place over the water in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Tybee Island and Jekyll Island, Georgia. Please note that a safety zone will be enforced restricting vessel traffic on the Savannah River.
Savannah River Safety Zone
An Independence Day celebration and fireworks display will be launched from a barge in the vicinity of the Savannah Convention Center, near Mile Marker 14 on the Savannah River. A 500-yard safety zone, defined in Enclosure (1), will be enforced in all directions from the fireworks barge from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the regulated area without obtaining permission from the COTP or their designated representative. In the event of inclement weather, the safety zone will be enforced on July 5, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The attached MSIB 17-26 has further details and imagery depicting the safety zone and other events. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office or LT Harris directly at 912-210-8714.
MSIB 16-26 Safety Zone
Savannah River Dredge Operations
Published June 29, 2026
The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone near Elba Island Cut on the Savannah River to facilitate dredge piping operations.
On June 30, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., contractors will position, submerge, and survey pipeline across the Savannah River, requiring a temporary closure lasting approximately four hours.
This safety zone encompasses the Savannah River Channel between Buoy 35 and Buoy 36, as well as the Intracoastal Waterway from Fields Cut to Saint Augustine Creek, as depicted on enclosure 1.
Because this operation is highly weather-dependent, schedule times and dates may shift with little notice; mariners will be notified of active enforcement via local marine radio broadcasts and by on-scene patrol vessels.
Please see the attached MISB for more details and contact our office with any questions or concerns.
MSIB 15-26 Port Readiness Condition IV
Published May 29, 2026
At 00:01 AM EDT on June 1, 2026, Port Readiness Condition IV will be set for the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick due to the commencement of hurricane season and will remain in effect through November 30, 2026.
As conditions may change rapidly, you are encouraged to frequently monitor your email and check the United States Coast Guard’s Navigation Center website for the most up to date information. The website can be found at www.navcen.uscg.gov/port-status.
If you have any questions, please contact MSU Savannah’s Waterways Management Branch at (912) 210-8714.
Please see the MSIB linked below for further information.
MSIB 13-26 Melges 15 Regatta
Published April 17, 2026
The Melges 15 Regatta, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., and Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. This sailing event will be held on the Wilmington and Skidaway Rivers in Savannah, GA. The course will run between the Savannah Yacht Club Marina, Skidaway River Light 42, and Wilmington River Light 25.
Please see the attached Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) for further details and a course diagram. If you have any questions or concerns, please let our office know.
MSIB 12-26 Sector Charleston Command Center Reminder
Published April 9, 2026
The Sector Charleston Command Center is a 24/7 multi-mission command and control node for coordinating, directing, and monitoring emergent operations across both the Sector Charleston and Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Savannah areas of responsibility.
The Command Center provides both Captains of the Port with one common operating picture to ensure the safety, security and environmental stewardship throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Moreover, the Command Center is capable of receiving emails, phone calls and/or text messages to begin triaging and disseminating information without delay to the appropriate local Coast Guard unit representative who will then provide service to the cause.
Please see the MSIB linked below for further information.