Laws & Safety

 

Every year, thousands of boating enthusiasts take to the waterways of North Carolina to fish, sail, water ski, and pursue other vessel-based recreation. Wildlife Officers enforce the boating laws and navigation regulations on the waters of the state, always with the aim of safety. Officers may stop any vessel for safety checks or violations, as authorized by N.C.G.S. §75A and conduct boating accident investigations. 

 

Boating Regulations

State laws for operating vessels on public waterways.
 

Rules of the Water

Navigation and maneuverability, including right-of-way rules.
 

No Wake Zones

Information about No Wake Zones and rulemaking process.
 

Clean Vessel Act

Boaters must dispose of human waste in an environmentally safe manner at pumpout and dump stations. The Clean Vessel Act provides funds to build pumpout and dump stations.
 

Preserve Your Life

The “Preserve Your Life” campaign raises awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket.
 

Wake Responsibly

Guidelines on how to use a wake boat responsibly.

 

Unapproved Markers, Buoys, Navigational Aids