North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Boating Education and Law Enforcement

Welcome aboard! The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is pleased that you are able to participate in a Boating Education Course. We think you will find the course to be informative as well as enjoyable. The material presented will help prepare you for the responsibility of operating a boat and personal watercraft safely and responsibly.

If you or your family would like to learn even more about boating, you may wish to enroll in an additional class such as those offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or the Red Cross. For boating class information, call toll-free 1-800-336-BOAT (2628).

Boating laws and regulations are designed to protect the lives and property of everyone enjoying our state waters. Public compliance with these laws is the foundation of an effective boating safety program. While on boating patrols, wildlife enforcement officers inspect vessels for required safety equipment, vessel registration, and compliance with game and fish laws. They also ensure vessels are operated in a lawful and safe manner. Many federal and state laws and regulations will be taught and discussed throughout this course. For additional laws and regulations, pamphlets and brochures can be obtained though the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Your wildlife enforcement officer is always ready to help you in case of an emergency or to supply you with information you might need. Through their patrols, North Carolina waterways are safer for you to enjoy.

Boating Access Areas

There are over 360,000 boats registered in North Carolina, and boating is undoubtedly one of the state's most popular sports. How do all of these folks get to the water? One way is to use the free boating access areas provided by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Wildlife Resources Commission currently maintains 187 access areas where boaters may launch and retrieve their vessels free of charge. For a list of these locations, go to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, or write:

Division of Engineering Services
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1721 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1721