USCG Protecting New York

Boaters must be aware of rules and guidelines regarding homeland security measures. 

The following are steps that all boaters, including those involved with paddle sports, should take to protect our country and are a direct result of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Keep your distance from all military vessels, cruise lines, or commercial shipping: 

· All vessels must proceed at a no-wake speed when within a Protection Zone (which extends 500 yards around U.S. naval vessels). 

· Non-military vessels are not allowed to enter within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel, whether underway or moored, unless authorized by an official patrol. The patrol may be either Coast Guard or Navy. 

· Violating the Naval Vessel Protection Zone is a felony offense, punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000 in fines. Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port operation areas. Avoid restricted areas near: · Dams and power plants · Naval shipyards 

· Dry docks Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels. Keep your boat locked when not using it, including while at temporary docks; such as, yacht clubs, restaurants, marinas, shopping, etc. When storing your boat disable the engine. If on a trailer or a roof rack, immobilize it so it cannot be moved. Keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary, and report it to the Coast Guard, port, or marine security. 

When boating within a foreign country, make certain that you check in with the foreign country's Customs Service upon entering the country and with the USA Customs Service and/or Immigration and Naturalization Service upon returning. Know the rules before you go abroad so there are no unpleasant surprises upon your return home. 

Aquatic Nuisance Species:

Zebra Mussels

To help prevent the spread of the latest plague of non-native fish and Zebra muscles in our waterways, all boaters should follow these simple rules: 

· Trailer and paddle boaters should remove visible mud, plants, fish, or animals from boats, equipment, and trailers prior to transport to another body of water. 

· Scrape any debris, especially mussels, from boat or outdrive, and flush hull, bilges, and water-holding compartments with hot water, if available (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit). 

· Do not release plants or fish, including bait, into a body of water unless they came out of that same body of water. 

· Power boaters: pump fresh water through engines before leaving the area, wash down trailers, and remove water from bilge and transom wells by removing the drain plug and parking on an incline to facilitate draining. 

· Paddle boaters: empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc. Make sure storage compartments are empty of water and that water shoes do not have any debris attached. 

· Use high-pressure hot water to spray down boat, trailer, and paddles, if available. 

· Let boat, trailer, and equipment dry for at least five days. 

These same rules apply to: · SCUBA diver equipment · Waterfowl hunting gear · Angler's rods and equipment · Sailboats and sailboards · Personal watercrafts (PWCs) · Seaplanes 

Environmental Summary:

We all enjoy America's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. To keep them healthy and productive, follow good environmental boating practices. 

TIP: The Top Ten Green Boating Tips 

1. Keep your bilge clean; don't pump oily water overboard. 

2. Use bilge absorbents in place of detergents. 

3. Don't pump your sewage in confined waters; use a holding tank. 

4. Observe local and federal sewage regulations. 

5. Bring your garbage home; don't litter. 

6. Use detergents sparingly; even "biodegradable" cleaners are hard on the aquatic environment. 

7. When fueling, don't top off tanks. Clean up any spilled fuel. 

8. Use only paints approved for marine use. 

9. Avoid shoreline erosion; watch your wake and propeller wash. 

10. If fishing, practice catch and release. Report Pollution When You See It. 

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Page updated July 8, 2016