It's the Law: On the Water

Obstructing Navigation

It is illegal to:

• Operate any vessel in such a way that it will interfere unnecessarily with the safe navigation of other vessels.
• 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.
• Moor or attach a vessel to a buoy (other than a mooring buoy), beacon, light, or any other navigational aid placed on public waters by proper authorities.
• Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid.
• Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp, or access to any facility.

Homeland Security Restrictions

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 operation 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 the channel.

Keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary. Report all activities that seem suspicious to the local FWC office, a local law enforcement agency, or the U.S. Coast Guard.