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.

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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.