We ask all boaters to become familiar with a few key guidelines

Be cautious around wildlife

Give wildlife plenty of space. Slow down when animals are nearby, and never chase, feed, or touch them. Know and follow local and federal regulations for protected species in the area. Keep a safe distance so your wake or noise doesn't disturb natural behavior, and learn how to safely navigate through waters shared with protected marine species, especially large whales, for the safety and wellbeing of both boaters and marine species.

Familiarize yourself with the local waters

Familiarize yourself with the local waters where you plan to boat. Study your charts. Always use up-to-date nautical charts of the area.

Make sure you have enough life jackets

Make sure you have enough life jackets for all on board, including children. Life jackets can greatly increase chances of survival at sea.

Use marked channels

Use marked channels where they exist and stay in deeper water where your propellers and hull won't damage shallow-water habitats. Know the draft of your boat and how much water you need to operate safely.

Slow down and idle

When in doubt about the depth, slow down and idle. Make sure the bow of the boat is down and the motor is trimmed or tilted up.

If you run aground

Stop immediately to avoid further damage to seagrass, coral, sponges, etc. Do not power off the vessel. Shift to neutral, tilt your engine, and push or pole your boat into deeper water. If you need assistance, contact a local towing service or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Report groundings or habitat impacts to the sanctuary.

Use mooring buoys or anchor responsibly

Some national marine sanctuaries offer mooring buoys to help boaters avoid anchoring on sensitive habitats. If moorings aren't available, anchor only in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, well away from coral, seagrass, and cultural resources like shipwrecks. Ensure your anchor and chain will not drag. Responsible anchoring helps protect the underwater landscapes that make our national marine sanctuaries special.