U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley

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Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley protects America’s inland waterways across all or portions of 10 states through search and rescue, marine safety, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, waterways management and other essential missions. Coast Guard to provide a forum to talk about our work providing maritime safety, security and stewardship for the American people to secure the homeland, save lives and property, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity. The information provided is for public information only and is not a distress communication channel. People in an emergency and in need of Coast Guard assistance should use VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), dial 911, or call their nearest Coast Guard unit. All comments submitted are moderated. The Coast Guard retains the discretion to determine which comments it will post and which it will not. We expect all contributors to be respectful. We will not post comments that contain personal attacks of any kind; refer to Coast Guard or other employees by name; contain offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups, or contain vulgar language. We will also not post comments that are spam, are clearly off topic, or that promote services or products. Coast Guard disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from any comments posted on this page. This forum may not be used for the submission of any claim, demand, informal or formal complaint, or any other form of legal and/or administrative notice or process, or for the exhaustion of any legal and/or administrative remedy. If you have specific questions regarding a U.S. Coast Guard program that involves details you do not wish to share publicly please contact the program point of contact listed at http://www.uscg.mil/global/mail/
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09/27/2026

🚨 JOINT OPERATIONS | PENNSYLVANIA 🚨

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley teamed up with PA Fish and Boat Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement and an Investigations Officer from Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh for an 8.5-hour joint operation on the water.

During the operation, the team contacted 8 recreational vessels, including one operator who was cited for boating under the influence (BUI). The vessel’s voyage was subsequently terminated.

The mission took an unexpected turn when the team overheard someone yelling for “help.” The officers quickly located an adult male clinging to a tree branch in the river. The team safely recovered the individual and transported him to EMS for further care.

From boating safety enforcement to responding when someone needs help, our crews and partners are ready to act.

🤝 Thank you to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the outstanding partnership and continued commitment to keeping Pennsylvania waterways safe.

⚓️ TEAMWORK ON THE OHIO RIVER ⚓️When emergencies happen on the water, seconds count - and seamless coordination between ...
09/18/2026

⚓️ TEAMWORK ON THE OHIO RIVER ⚓️

When emergencies happen on the water, seconds count - and seamless coordination between federal, state and local first responders is vital to saving lives.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley recently wrapped up the 2026 Louisville Boat Drills alongside our incredible partner agencies and commercial maritime partners. Throughout the exercise, crews pushed their skills to the limit across high op-tempo, realistic operational scenarios on the Ohio River:

🔹Dynamic Approach Drills & Patient Transfers
🔹Active Threat / Active Shooter Response
🔹Environmental Defense & Boom Deployment

A special thanks to our participating agencies. Our waterways are safer because of the relentless dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of our local public safety partners. Thank you to everyone who answered the call:

Louisville Metro Police Department
Louisville Fire Department
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office - KY
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
New Albany Fire Department
Kentucky State Police
Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District
Jeffersonville Police Department
Clarksville Fire Department

Generous Support from our Port Partners:

Belle of Louisville Riverboats
Wooten River Service & Supply
Mr. Jim Armstrong
Louisville Area Industrial Mutual Aid (LAIMA)

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to maritime safety security and stewardship along the Ohio River corridor.

🚨 PORT OF LOUISVILLE MARITIME DRILLS 🚨The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside state and local first responders will conduct coor...
09/14/2026

🚨 PORT OF LOUISVILLE MARITIME DRILLS 🚨

The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside state and local first responders will conduct coordinated law enforcement and emergency response drills on the Ohio River on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 8:30AM to noon (between mile markers 598 and 604 and near the Louisville waterfront wharf).

While the public should expect a highly visible presence of responder boats with flashing lights operating near towing vessels and Belle of Louisville Riverboats, please be assured this is a controlled training exercise to enhance our region’s joint incident response.

For media inquiries, contact LT Connor Sullivan at (502) 216-1802 to coordinate coverage.

🚨MARINER SAFETY ALERT - OHIO RIVER CLOSURE🚨The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Ohio Valley has established an Emerg...
09/12/2026

🚨MARINER SAFETY ALERT - OHIO RIVER CLOSURE🚨

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Ohio Valley has established an Emergency Safety Zone on the Ohio River, spanning the entire width of the river from Mile Marker 471 to Mile Marker 472.

⚠️ The safety zone is in effect from 7:00PM on September 11, 2026, until 11:00AM local time on September 12, 2026 while Duke Energy crews repair damaged power lines.

Entry into the safety zone is prohibited to all vessels unless otherwise authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard or a designated representative.

Mariners are advised to remain clear of the area and monitor Coast Guard Broadcast Notices to Mariners for updates. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley will be standing by on VHF-FM Channel 16.

Stay clear. Stay alert. Stay safe.

09/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped make Cincinnati Riverfest 2026 a success!

🇺🇸 Heading into Labor Day weekend? Know who’s taking you out in the water. 🚤If you’re paying for a ride, fishing trip, o...
09/04/2026

🇺🇸 Heading into Labor Day weekend? Know who’s taking you out in the water. 🚤

If you’re paying for a ride, fishing trip, or other passenger-for-hire service, make sure your captain is properly credentialed and operating legally.

Illegal charter operations can put passengers at risk and undermine the safety of our waterways. Before you step aboard, ask the captain to see their credentials.

If you suspect an illegal charter, report it to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend and enjoy our waters responsibly!

08/22/2026

Joint Operations. One Mission: Safer Waters. ⚓️

U.S Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley partnered with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement for a joint enforcement operation on Lake Cumberland targeting illegal charters, boating safety, and fishing regulations.

In just four hours of patrol aboard two vessels:
✅ 14 boardings completed
✅ 1 voyage termination
✅ 2 Coast Guard violations issued
✅ 2 Kentucky State citations issued
✅ 3 warnings issued

Know before you go: If you’re chartering a boat, make sure the captain has the proper Coast Guard credentials and the vessel is operating legally.

See something that doesn’t look right? Say something. Reporting suspected illegal charters helps protect passengers and responsible operators alike.

Thank you to our Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources partners for helping keep Lake Cumberland safe!

⚓️ Cincinnati Riverfest: Official Boater Advisory ⚓️Heading out on the water for Cincinnati Riverfest? Coast Guard Secto...
08/18/2026

⚓️ Cincinnati Riverfest: Official Boater Advisory ⚓️

Heading out on the water for Cincinnati Riverfest? Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley wants to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable show. With heavy traffic expected, please review these key safety rules before you get underway.

🚫 No-Wake Zone (12:00PM Sep 6 - 3:00AM Sep 7):
A strict No-Wake Zone will be in effect on the Ohio River (MM 463-477) and the Licking River (MM 0.0-0.3). Please maintain slow, safe speeds as vessels transit to and from the viewing areas.

🔒Safety Zone & River Closure (7:00PM - 10:00PM):
The river will be fully closed to all recreational cross-traffic on the Ohio River (MM 469.2-470.5) and the Licking River (MM 0.0-0.3) to allow the fireworks barges to safely position. Ensure you are in your spot before 7:00PM.

📍Where to Anchor:
Three dedicated recreational viewing areas are available - two upriver and one downriver. These areas are managed by the Hamilton Boat Club. Please follow the directions of local personnel on the water to secure your spot.

🎆 Drone & Fireworks Show (9:01PM):
The show kicks off with a 9-minute drone display followed by 40 minutes of fireworks. Afterward, a 15-minute barge cooldown will take place. While you can begin departing upriver or downriver after the show, please be patient. Law enforcement will be managing the flow of traffic, and the No-Wake Zone remains in strict effect.

Have fun, boat smart, and stay safe!

⚠️ Safety Advisory ⚠️Attention all recreational boaters and vessel operators on the Ohio River:U.S. Coast Guard Sector O...
08/12/2026

⚠️ Safety Advisory ⚠️

Attention all recreational boaters and vessel operators on the Ohio River:

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley urges all mariners to exercise extreme caution on the Ohio River due to the rapid rise of water levels over the next 7 to 10 days. The upper reaches of the Ohio River Valley are forecasted to receive heavy amounts of rain in the coming days. High water can create unpredictable and hazardous conditions, including significantly increased current speeds and dangerous drift fields. Please monitor current and forecasted river gauges, maintain a sharp lookout, reduce speed, make sure everyone is wearing a USCG-approved life jacket, and monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for updates to ensure safety.

🌊 Even with rainy weather, our crews were out making waves for safety! This past weekend, Sector Ohio Valley Reserve mem...
08/03/2026

🌊 Even with rainy weather, our crews were out making waves for safety! This past weekend, Sector Ohio Valley Reserve members teamed up with our partners at Nashville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the annual Lake Cumberland Raft-Up.

🚤 While Mother Nature kept the crowds a bit smaller than usual this year, our boarding teams remained vigilant across the three-day event, conducting 16 vessel boardings to ensure everyone was playing by the rules.

The weekend by the numbers:
✅ 16 vessel boardings completed
✅ 2 safety violations issued
🤝Joint patrols executed with the USACE Park Rangers

A massive thank you to the USACE Park Rangers for their continued partnership and support. Collaborative missions like these are key to keeping our local waterways safe for everyone.

⚓️ Bravo Zulu to the crew for standing the watch, rain or shine! ⚓️

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Louisville, KY
40202

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