Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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 NY State Parks, except within the waterways of the Adirondack and Catskill Park regions, which are the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Maintenance and replacement of floating objects, as well as permit renewal, are 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 flowchart.

Municipalities may apply for a Floating Objects Permit at no fee. Special Markers are included in the permit.

• Floating Objects Application Checklist (pdf)
• Floating Objects Permit Issuing Flow Chart (pdf)
• Floating Objects Permit Application (pdf)
• Floating Objects Rules & Regulations (pdf)

Adjacent Upland Owners may, without the need for a state-issued permit, place one mooring buoy and one swim platform less than 100 square feet in size, provided that it does not create a hazard to navigation or restrict free access to the lake by other property owners or right-of-way holders. These allowances do not negate any local regulations. Please be aware of your town’s zoning or ordinances that may be in effect for your waterway.

Navigation Aids & Buoys

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 or hazards in order to direct navigation through safe channels. Navigational Aids are generally installed by a government agency. To request placement of a Navigational Aid to mark a hazard or obstruction, 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	NYS Canal Corporation
All other waterways in New York State	Office of NYS Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP) Request for Placement of Navigational Aid to Mark a Hazard or Obstruction (pdf) Note: This form is not to be used to request the State to mark enforced speed limits and/or “no wake” areas. (NYS Navigation Law, Chapter 37, Article 4, Part 1, Section 45 Reckless operation of a vessel; speed (2))