---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 U.S.C. § 552"
title: "14"
title_heading: "Coast Guard"
number: "552"
heading: "Discontinuance of aid to navigation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/14/552"
units:
  - "Subtitle I — Establishment, Powers, Duties, and Administration"
  - "Chapter 5 — Functions and Powers"
  - "Subchapter III — Aids to Navigation"
---

# §552. Discontinuance of aid to navigation

- (a) **In General.—** Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a process for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation (other than a seasonal or temporary aid) established, maintained, or operated by the Coast Guard.
- (b) **Requirement.—** The process established under [subsection (a)](#a) shall include procedures—
  - (1) to notify the public of any discontinuance of an aid to navigation described in that subsection; and
  - (2) to safeguard against any discontinuation that may compromise the safety of mariners or the public or hinder maritime operational readiness, including with respect to food security and maritime transportation.
- (c) **Consultation.—** In establishing a process under [subsection (a)](#a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider any recommendations of—
  - (1) the Navigation Safety Advisory Council; and
  - (2) with respect to aids to navigation established, maintained, or operated by the Coast Guard and located in the coastal or inland waterways of a State, the public of such State and relevant stakeholders, including—
    - (A) State agencies;
    - (B) State, local, and Tribal law enforcement, fire, and emergency response agencies;
    - (C) Indian Tribes;
    - (D) port;
    - (E) pilots;
    - (F) harbormasters;
    - (G) commercial and recreational fishermen, including fishing associations;
    - (H) ferry operators;
    - (I) marina operators;
    - (J) recreational boaters;
    - (K) passenger vessel operators; and
    - (L) coastal residents.
- (d) **Notification.—** Not later than 30 days after the date on which the process is established under [subsection (a)](#a), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of such process.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXII, § 7264(a)(1)(B), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1739.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 119–60, which was approved Dec. 18, 2025.