Tag: Boating Regulations

Fisherman firing red maritime distress signal flare. This type of signal flare is being replaced by new LED signal devices. Photo Shutterstock, TommyStockProject

LED Flares Are Replacing Pyrotechnics — What Boaters Need to Know

3/21/2026 - By Norris Comer, Best4Boats.com. A significant shift in boating safety equipment is underway. The U.S. Coast Guard is retiring traditional pyrotechnic flares from its own vessels by April 2026 and has issued new rules that make USCG-approved electronic visual distress signaling devices (eVDSDs) easier to carry and more widely available.… SEE MORE

Powerboat on ocean. Image from Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A.

10 Legal Essentials Every Recreational Boater Should Know

6/5/2024 - By Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. Embarking on a boating adventure is thrilling, but ensuring safety and legal compliance is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Here are some essential rules to remember to help you stay safe and within the law while on the water. When navigating the waters as… SEE MORE

Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What To Do If Pulled Over by the Coast Guard

8/10/2022 - By Joseph Carro. Our mission at the U.S. Coast Guard is to save lives, so the sight of flashing blue lights and a U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel pulling alongside is no reason for boat owners to panic. The Coast Guard conducts approximately 70,000 boardings a year in its multiple… SEE MORE

Sailing in the J-22s. The MBHH team plots strategy between races. Photo by Ann-e Blanchard

Boating 101: A Quick Guide to Boat Operator Licensing

1/6/2022 - By OceanGrafix. Now that it’s the off season for a lot of boaters, it may be a good time to review boat operator licensing requirements and make sure you’re up to date. For recreational boaters in particular, the big issue in the eyes of the United States Coast Guard (USCG)… SEE MORE

New Slow Zone East of Boston to Protect Right Whales

1/27/2021 - NOAA Fisheries announces a new Slow Zone (voluntary vessel speed restriction) to protect right whales. On January 25, 2021, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Stellwagen Bank Slocum buoy acoustically detected the presence of right whales 35nm East of Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Slow Zone is in effect through February 9, 2021. Mariners,… SEE MORE

An Arey's Pond Boat Yard catboat rests at the dock in Easton, Maryland.

Maryland Lifts Restriction on Boating Access

Boating

5/11/2020 - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that his administration is lifting restrictions on motorized boating starting May 7th at 7:00am ET. In response, NMMA applauded the decision, calling the move a responsible approach to balancing the need for social distancing with access to outdoor recreation. Leading up to the announcement, more… SEE MORE