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For up-to-date information on North Carolina licenses, regulations and other wildlife resources, please visit the agency’s website NCWildlife.org.
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.
Rules of the Water
Navigation and maneuverability, including right-of-way rules.
No Wake ZonesInformation about No Wake Zones and rulemaking process.
Clean Vessel Act
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.
Preserve Your Life
The “Preserve Your Life” campaign raises awareness about the importance of wearing a life jacket.
Guidelines on how to use a wake boat responsibly.