Shared Waterways
With commercial transportation operating 365 days per year and 24 hours a day, it's important to remember our waterways are shared by a variety of boats and vessels.
Be Prepared
Waterway Tips To Remember
Our waterways are used for both commercial transportation as well as recreational activities. Always use caution and know your surroundings.
1
Look For Lights
Pay attention for ship, tug or towboat lighting at night, specifically their sidelights rather than their masthead lights.
2
Use Safe Anchorage
Do not tie up to Coast Guard navigation aids like buoys.
3
Tune to VHF Radio
If the equipment is available, listen to VHF radio channels 13 and 16, which are also used by ships, towboats and tugboats on the waterways.
Did You Know?
A towboat can travel one mile in seven minutes–a ship even faster–and it generally takes 3/4 to 1-1/2 miles to stop.
