Buoys and no wake zones
How do I request a new buoy for no wake zone or waterway markers for waterways that the NC Wildlife Resources Commission marks? (See a list of water bodies that the NCWRC places buoys on. See other waterbodies and management contacts.)
If you feel that you have found a location that is hazardous to boaters or should be a no wake zone to slow current boaters down, please e-mail the webmaster.
How do I notify the Commission concerning off-station buoys, lights out at boating access areas, and/or other facility problems, etc.? (See a list of water bodies that the NCWRC places buoys on. See other waterbodies and management contacts. See a list of NCWRC boating access areas.)
Please confirm that the buoy of concern is located on a waterbody that the Wildlife Resources Commission actively maintains buoys. For access area concerns, please confirm that the access area is operated by the Wildlife Resources Commission. To confirm, you can click on one of the links above. You can contact the NC Wildlife Resources by e-mail ….or call 919 707-0150.
Boating access areas
Can I sell food or club merchandise at a boating access area?
Legal use of boating access areas include the launching and recovery of a boat and parking of your vehicle while boating. All other activities, unless a Special Use permit has been obtained, are considered illegal use and will be enforced by a NCWRC enforcement officer.
How do I suggest a new boating access area?
The Wildlife Resources Commission is eager to enhance access to state waters and readily evaluates proposals for new boating access facilities. If you are aware of an area that you believe to be suitable for boating access, please contact the Division of Engineering Services or a local official to suggest the site.
How to get an accident report
If you need a copy of an accident report, please complete this form: To Request A Copy of an Accident Report and fax it to Nancy Boykin at 919-707-0045. **Due to processing time and procedures, please allow up to 8 weeks to receive your requested copy**
Weign-in permits
Do I have to get a weigh-in permit to use a boating access area for a fishing tournament? How do I obtain one and how much does it cost?
All groups who plan to use a Wildlife Resources Commission Boating Access facility for a fishing tournament or special use must obtain a Weigh-in/Special Use Permit from the Division of Engineering Services. The permit will be mailed to you and must be on-site during the event. Currently, there is not a fee associated with the permits. To check for boating access area availability for the Weigh-in/Special Use date that you prefer, please call 919 707-0150. Please be prepared to provide your organization name, contact person, address, phone number, boating access area name, and event date.
For more information, see weigh-in/special use permits here.
Watercraft guidelines
What is the age limit for personal watercraft use in North Carolina and how do I find out about boating safety courses?
No one under 14 years old can operate a PWC in North Carolina waters. A person at least 14 years old but less than 16 years old, can operate a PWC if: they are riding with a person who is at least 18; or the youth has first successfully completed an approved boating safety education course (proof of age and safety course completion must be carried by the youth during operation of the PWC.) See more information on the law here.
If you would like additional information about specific North Carolina watercraft guidelines, you may visit the Nautical Know How, Inc. Web site sponsored by International Marine Educators, Inc. or see the Vessel Operator's Guide. If you would like dates and locations of boating safety courses, you can contact the Wildlife Enforcement Division (919 707-0031) or take the course online at the BoatUS Web site, sponsored by BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety.
Recreational safety in coastal waters
Is it safe to swim, fish and boat in coastal waters?
North Carolina waters are usually fine for swimming, boating and fishing. The state has more than 37,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 3,100 square miles of bays and harbors to use and enjoy.
North Carolina is constantly monitoring its waterways. Occasionally, a waterway may be temporarily affected by an algal bloom or other conditions that kill or sicken fish. If that happens and there appears to be a health hazard from Pfiesteria, the affected waterway will be closed until conditions improve. (Check out the state's protocol for closing and reopening rivers). The public will be notified of closings and re-openings through the media, recorded notices on the telephone hotline (1-888-823-6915), and news releases. A list of fish kills, updated weekly, is also posted on the Internet. Most are not related to Pfiesteria.
Before going out, you can call the state hotline at 1-888-823-6915 to find out if a health warning has been issued for any coastal waters. Also, when you get to your destination, look around before going on or into the water. If you see significant numbers of fish that are dead, dying or show signs of disease such as sores, avoid that location and report the conditions to the hotline.
Building your own boat ramp
I want to build my own boat ramp. How can I get guidance and what do I need to do?
The Commission's Division of Engineering Services uses design guidelines that can be applied to most sites. You may obtain a copy of these guidelines by faxing a request to 919 707-0162 with your fax number and what type of guidance you hope to obtain. If you would like to see an overview of these guidelines, please see below. You will also need to obtain all the proper permits for construction of the boat ramp. To inquire about the appropriate permits you may visit the Division of Coastal Management's Web site if you are in a coastal county or the US Army Corps of Engineers if you are not in a coastal county.
Technical Assistance for Boating Access Facilities
The Division of Engineering Services has some information that can be used as a guide when constructing a boat ramp. It is important to understand that each of these guidelines vary depending on site characteristics. An overview is listed below. If you would like additional information, you can send a request by fax to 919 707-0162 with your fax number and what type of guidance you need.Standard Dimensions for Concrete Launch Ramp:
- Length: Varies by site characteristics. Ensure that the bottom of the ramp at Mean Low Water (MLW) will be in at least 3' of water. The top of the ramp should be at least 1' above MHW.
- Width: Single launch ramp should be at least 14' wide.
- Thickness: Concrete should be at least 6". Typically, designs are for a 25 year return period.
Launch Ramp Slope:
Approximately 14%, but can vary from 15% to 12.5%Construction and Materials:
- Sub-grade Preparation: The concrete ramp should be placed on compacted aggregate which is placed on geotextile fabric to prevent washout. The Wildlife Resources Commission uses Class "A" erosion control stone and a 6" layer of No. 4 or smaller washed stone for the compacted aggregate.
- Push Slab: The Commission uses a push slab for the launch ramp below Mean Low Water Level (MLW). This steel reinforced concrete slab is cast on upland and is allowed to cure (21 day minimum) before it is pushed into place with a bulldozer. Typically, a 32'L X 14'W X 6" push slab can be properly placed when the water level is at MLW.
- Cast in Place Section: Once the push slab is cast in place, there should be at least 2 to 3 feet of ramp left above the water line. The remaining ramp should be cast in place.
Additional Information that you can request:
- Steel Reinforcement for the ramp
- Concrete Mix Concrete
- Finishing for anti-slip (V-grooved)
- Guidelines when the ramp is placed with water above MLW
- Guidelines for sites with high erosion or current
- Maneuver area guidelines
- Guidelines with adjusting the ramp slope
- Vendors for ordering materials
- Parking Area Guidelines
- Access Channel Guidelines
