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.
