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Federal Navigation Regulations

This page allows you to retrieve selected navigation regulations found in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Navigation and Navigable Waterways. Please note that this page is not exhaustive of all rules that may impact marine navigation and is limited to Federal navigation regulations in effect prior to March 2005; other State and local rules may also be applicable (see the NASBLA Reference Guide to State Boating Laws).

Prior to navigating, always consult the Local Notice to Mariners and listen for Broadcast Notice to Mariners for your area for the most current information.

Navigation and Navigable Waters

33 CFR - This title is a compendium of Federal Navigation and Navigable Waters regulations.

Coast Guard Jurisdiction
33 CFR 2 - Defines terms the Coast Guard uses in regulations, policies, and procedures, to determine whether it has jurisdiction on certain waters in cases where specific jurisdictional definitions are not otherwise provided. (Picture - .pdf)

Coast Guard Organization
33 CFR 3 - Coast Guard Areas, Districts, Marine Inspection Zones, and Captain of the Port Zones.�½½½½ Describes the jurisdiction boundaries of each Coast Guard Area, District, Marine Inspection Zone (MIZ), and Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone.

Protection and Security of Vessels, Harbors, and Waterfront Facilities
33 CFR 6 - Defines and provides general provisions.

International Navigation Rules (COLREGS)
33 CFR 80 - COLREGS Demarcation Lines
33 CFR 81 - 72 COLREGS: Implementing Rules
33 CFR 82 - 72 COLREGS: Interpretive Rules

Inland Navigation Rules
33 CFR 83 - Rules
33 CFR 84 - Annex I: Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
33 CFR 85 - Annex II: Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity
33 CFR 86 - Annex III: Technical details of sound signal appliances
33 CFR 87 - Annex IV: Distress signals
33 CFR 88 - Annex V: Pilot Rules
33 CFR 90 - Inland Navigation Rules: Interpretive Rules

Regattas and Marine Parades
33 CFR 100 - Safety of Life on Navigable Waters. Provides effective control over regattas and marine parades conducted on the navigable waters of the United States so as to insure safety of life in the regatta or marine parade area.

Anchorages
33 CFR 109 - General
33 CFR 110 - Anchorage Regulations

Bridges
33 CFR 114 - General
33 CFR 115 - Bridge Locations and Clearances; Administrative Procedures
33 CFR 117 - Drawbridge Operation Regulations

Safety Zones
33 CFR 147 - Regulations adopted for safety zones may extend to the prevention or control of specific activities and access by vessels or persons, and include measures to protect the living resources of the sea from harmful agents.

Pollution
33 CFR 157 - Rules for the Protection of the Marine Environment relating to Tank Vessels Carrying Oil in Bulk.

Ports and Waterways Safety
33 CFR   - Ports and Waterways Safety, General
33 CFR 161 - Vessel Traffic Management
33 CFR 162 - Inland Waterways Navigation Regulations
33 CFR 163 - Towing of Barges
33 CFR 164 - Navigation Safety Regulations
33 CFR 165 - Regulated Navigation Areas and Limited Access Areas
33 CFR 166 - Shipping Safety Fairways
33 CFR 167 - Offshore Traffic Separation Schemes
33 CFR 168 - Escort Requirements for Certain Tankers
33 CFR 169 - Ship Reporting Systems

Boating Safety
33 CFR 177 - Correction of Especially Hazardous Conditions

US Army Corps of Engineers - Navigation Regulations
33 CFR 207 - Regulations regarding locks on US Navigable Waterways.

Seaway Regulations And Rules
33 CFR 401 - These regulations control the equipment and operation of vessels using the St. Lawrence Seaway (map), a set of channels and locks that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.