It's the Law: On the Water With Your Vessel

Obstructing Navigation

• You must not anchor a vessel in the traveled portion of a river or channel that will prevent or interfere with any other vessel passing through the same area.
• It is illegal to moor or attach a vessel to a buoy (except for a mooring buoy), beacon, light, or any other navigational aid placed on public waters by proper authorities. Also, it is illegal to move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid.
• Do not obstruct a pier, boat ramp, or access to any facility.

Homeland Security Restrictions

Recreational boaters have a role in keeping our waterways safe and secure.

• Violators of the restrictions below can expect a quick and severe response.
  • Do not approach within 100 yards, and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards, of any U.S. Naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel for safe passage, you must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or the U.S. Coast Guard escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.
  • Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port areas, especially those that involve military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities.
  • Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
  • Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels.
• Keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary. Report all activities that seem suspicious to the local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the port or marina security.