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

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 in a way 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

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 updated text from SM updated text It’s the Law! 27 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, cruiseline, 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 authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the port or marina security.