Regulations

Federal and state government agencies have numerous statutes designed to protect life and property on the nation's waterways. Here's an easy way that you — as an owner, operator, or manufacturer — can access the laws and regulations you need to know.

Federal Laws

The laws that authorize the U.S. Coast Guard to regulate the manufacture of recreational boats

Federal Regulations

Safety standards and regulations for recreational boats and equipment plus regulations for operators of recreational and undocumented vessels

State Boating Laws

Examine the laws and regulations from your own state or territory

Navigation Rules

Get detailed information on the rules of the road

Federal Register

Daily publication offering information about rules, proposed rules, and notices from federal agencies and organizations

Boatbuilder's Handbook

Includes the federal safety regulations for recreational vessels with which boatbuilders must comply

Person on a personal watercraft

"The 13 million boats registered in 2005 represent two million more registered boats on America's waterways than 12 years ago."

— U.S. Coast Guard

USCG red rod