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.
State laws for operating vessels on public waterways.
For more information on the terms used below, please refer to the Vessel Operator's Guide, a convenient reference to the requirements of North Carolina boating laws and regulations. (Spanish version)
Information about No Wake Zones and rulemaking process.
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.
The “Preserve Your Life” campaign raises awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket.
Guidelines on how to use a wake boat responsibly.