Nav Aids and Buoys
Navigational Aids
Navigational Aids provide boaters with information in the same way that drivers obtain information from street signs and traffic markers. This includes buoys, beacons or fixed objects that are used to mark obstructions to navigation or to direct navigation through safe channels. Navigational Aids are generally installed by a government agency. To request placement of a Navigational Aid, please contact the agency responsible for placing aids in that waterway.
| Waterways | Agency Responsible for Placing Navigational Aids |
|---|---|
| All tidal and ocean waterways, including the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain | US Coast Guard |
| Waterways within the Adirondack and Catskill Park Regions | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) |
| Barge Canal System | |
| All other waterways in New York State | Office of NYS Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP) |
Floating Objects
Most buoys and markers in the water, other than Navigational Aids, are considered floating objects and may require a permit to place. Common floating objects include bathing beach markers, speed zone markers, information markers, swimming or diving floats, mooring buoys, and ski jumps.
Floating objects permits are issued by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), except in parks region 6 (Adirondacks and Catskills), where it is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
*On the waters of Canandaigua Lake, a local permit, in lieu of a permit issued by OPRHP, is needed for floating docks, swim platforms and mooring buoys within 1500 feet of shore.
Maintenance and replacement floating objects, as well as permit renewal, is the responsibility of the permit holder. Anyone may apply for a floating object permit if they meet the criteria outlined in the application checklist and in the issuing flow chart.
Municipalities may apply for a Floating Objects Permit at no fee. Special Markers are included in the Floating objects permit.
