State Regulations

Laws requiring all or certain groups (e.g., under 25 years old) to complete a state-approved boat...

The legal documentation process of recording a boat with the appropriate state agency, akin to a ...

A generic term for the official entity in each state overseeing boating laws, licenses, and enfor...

Rules set by some states or marinas mandating liability or property damage coverage for boat owne...

Hidden hazards like rocks, logs, or reefs that can damage a hull or prop; charts, depth sounders,...

Floating debris (flotsam) or items thrown overboard (jetsam). Both can be navigation hazards, req...

Boating rules set by the US Coast Guard or other federal entities (e.g., EPA for marine pollution...

Operating flat-bottom boats propelled by a large fan or aircraft engine; used in shallow waters; ...

A professional who inspects boats for condition and safety compliance; typically required for ins...

Certain states or local parks require permits for non-motorized craft launches, ensuring facility...

Regions restricting high-pollution marine engines or requiring certain fuel standards to protect ...

The vertical difference between high tide and low tide levels, influencing safe navigation, ancho...

Certain states require children under a specific age to wear a PFD at all times while on a boat’s...

Procedures for entering and exiting navigation locks near dams; boaters must follow lockmaster in...

State-specific regulations mandating that operators of certain vessels complete a boater educatio...

On-board equipment for handling sewage; must meet state or federal pollution regulations (Type I,...

A national campaign educating boaters on preventing invasive species transport, e.g., “Clean, Dra...

Zones permanently or temporarily closed to boat traffic due to safety, security, or environmental...

The home port or city displayed on a documented vessel’s stern; helps identify vessel location or...

Regulatory buoys showing information like “No Wake,” “Swim Area,” “Keep Out,” or “Speed Limit”; i...

The concept of maintaining buoyancy without floating or sinking, relevant to diving from vessels;...

Properly covering the vessel with tarps or fitted covers to protect from weather, UV rays, and de...

Regulations dictating how states handle derelict or sunken boats; owners can face fines or lose t...

Coverage protecting against losses (theft, damage, liability) while boating; some states require ...

Already covered as “Maritime Liens.” (No duplication—please refer to “Maritime Liens” entry).

Timetables for water discharges from dams affecting river flow; boaters must check schedules to a...

Locking hatches, removing keys, using boat alarms or GPS trackers; boater education promotes thes...

Documentation (bill of sale, title, manufacturer’s certificate) establishing legal possession of ...

Areas designated to protect marine or aquatic species (e.g., manatee zones, bird nesting sites), ...

Areas where boaters must minimize wake (e.g., “No Wake” or “Slow Speed” zones) near docks, swimmi...

Requirements and best practices to accommodate boaters with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair ramps ...

Buoys or daymarks indicating the edges of safe water (red-right-returning vs. green-left-returnin...

Conditions set by rental companies or states that may require renters to have a boater education ...

Specific speed restrictions in certain waterways, especially near marinas, wildlife areas, or con...

The categorization of boats by length or type (e.g., Class A: less than 16 ft, Class 1: 16–26 ft)...

(To appear in Part 4) Some states or marinas mandate liability or property damage coverage for bo...

The offense of operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs; penalties can include fines...

Legal claims against a vessel for unpaid debts (e.g., marina fees, repairs); may prevent transfer...

Minimum or maximum ages set by states for operating certain classes of boats or PWCs; younger ope...

Certain areas near dams, power plants, or military bases may be off-limits or heavily regulated f...

Entering private marinas, docks, or restricted waters without permission can lead to legal action...

Structures where boats must lower antennas or masts to pass safely. Boater education includes che...

The official or commercial prediction of wind speed, wave height, storm fronts, and other conditi...

Preparing a vessel for off-season storage (e.g., draining water systems, adding antifreeze, prote...

A device indicating heading relative to magnetic north, essential for navigation in open water or...

The requirement in many states to register a boat trailer, separate from the vessel registration;...

Guidelines to avoid spreading non-native plants or animals (e.g., zebra mussels) between waterway...

Courteous practices at public launches: preparing your vessel away from the ramp, minimizing time...

An agreement for docking or mooring a boat at a marina, often including rules on slip assignment,...

A method of storing smaller boats in a covered facility using forklifts to place/remove vessels f...

Self-contained sanitary devices for smaller boats without a permanent head; proper disposal is re...

A placard found on most boats under 20 feet stating the maximum weight/people the vessel can safe...