Miami navigational rules

Navigating and cruising in South Florida is fun and exciting, but it should be done within the boundaries of accepted rules and regulations. It needs to be done also respecting measures of boating safety. Accidents do happen every year in South Florida and caution needs to be applied on the waters.

South Florida is probably one of the most navigated areas of the world with thousands of vessels of all sizes crossing paths every single day. Most of them are experienced boaters, but there are also a large number of careless or inexperienced boaters. Florida regulations require an automobile driving license to operate a recreational boat. Any driving license permit holder can operate a vessel without taking a class or taking a license. Unless boat operators are taught or have experienced rules on the Miami waters, it could potentially dangerous. Miami Boat.com provides you with a few tips on what to do and what to avoid when operating a boat in Miami . The Intercostals Way of Miami as well as the ocean are under the active surveillance of numerous authorities that have jurisdiction. You can find some of these authorities listed below:

• U.S Coast Guard.
• The auxiliary cost guards.
• County law enforcement units.
• Cities law enforcement units.
• Sheriffs.
• Customs and immigration units.
• Wild preservation units.

They all cruise Miami waters to make sure that rules as well as laws and regulations are respected by boaters. The most important rules are related with:

• Proper licenses and papers.
• Equipment and safety on board.
• Operating boats.
• Anchoring boats.
• Preserving the environment.
• Preserving the wild life.

The boat regulations sometimes are overlapping each other and sometimes are inconsistent. In fact, the rules are very different that highway traffic laws which are very precise. Overall being careful and respectful is the golden rule when boating in Miami .

Boat operators should respect 7 major sources of law that we will not detail in this article, law and enforcement agencies will make sure that are respected. Rules apply to all vessels of all sizes including personal water crafts also called wave runners and jet skis.

The main navigation rules that must be respected are:

• Speed limits.
• Crossing bridges.
• Crossing boats.
• Passing boats going the same direction.
• Anchoring restrictions.
• Cruising and navigation by night.
• Speed restrictions to respect and manatee protection zones.
• Wildlife conservation.

 

 

Violations may results in fines and citations in front of the judge.

This information broght to you by Miami Boat.