[wind_magic]

One of tager's posts made me curious about moorings. In general, what are the rules for creating a new mooring in a body of water, dropping something really heavy to the bottom and hanging off of it for long periods of time ? I'm guessing it probably varies depending on where you are, but if you're just out in the world away from the majority of folks, out in the Chesapeake Bay or something, or in San Francisco Bay ? Can you just get a huge hunk of metal and create a makeshift barge to drag it out into the water and drop it to the bottom with some chain on it ?

No no! That's not an engine block, that's an artificial reef!

 

[T37Chef]

from Maryland DNR:

Single Recreational Mooring Buoys

​

Using Mooring Buoys ​

It is not always convenient for a boat owner to secure their boat at a dock. On those occasions the person may choose to anchor their boat in a safe location. However, anchors have been known to slip during storms and the owner may awake to find the boat drifted away during the night to destinations unknown.​

The most reliable way to prevent this is to attach the boat to a mooring buoy. Mooring buoys are secured to the ground by either being drilled into the waterway bed or by being attached to a heavy mushroom or similar anchor with enough weigh to hold the boat in place. To ensure the buoys do not hinder the safety of others there are restrictions and requirements placed on them.​

Permits ​

The State does not require a permit for single recreational mooring buoys. The federal government requires no permit either, granting permission under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, a mooring buoy may bear ownership identification. We suggest using the state registration number, documentation number or vessel name.​

Placement Restrictions ​

While there are no permits required for mooring buoys, there are restrictions on where you may place them. You may not place one in such a position that the arc of swing extends into a marked or unmarked channel, including navigational main channels as designated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Moorings also may not be placed in a manner that interferes with the operation of an access through any bridge.​

Mooring buoys may not be established in the following areas:

• Public shellfish beds;
• Private shellfish beds, unless permission is obtained from the leaseholder;
• Cable crossing areas;
• Designated beach and swim areas in the Severn River; or in
• Controlled ski areas in the Severn River.

Required Placement
​

Single recreational moorings shall be placed in such a position that the area encompassed by the arc of the swing does not extend more than one-third the open water distance from the mean high water line on one shore to the mean high water line on the opposite shore. Also, the arc of the swing must not impede or obstruct access to the land of any riparian property owner, the access and proper use of any public access point, or otherwise hinder the orderly access to and use of waterways by the general public.​

If you plan to be mooring in Kent County or Annapolis City, be sure to check with these jurisdictions first, because they have additional mooring requirements.​

Buoy Appearance ​

Mooring buoys shall be colored white and shall have a horizontal blue band around the circumference of the buoy, centered midway between the top of the buoy and the water line.​

A lighted mooring buoy shall normally display a slow flashing white light. When its location in a waterway is such that it constitutes an obstruction to a vessel operated during hours of darkness, it shall display a quick flashing white light.​

Questions ​

If you have any questions concerning the requirement for a single recreational mooring buoy, please feel free to contact your local Natural Resources Police office or the Safety Education Division at 410-260-3289.​

Updated April 5, 2006​

Single Recreational Mooring Buoys

 

[RobGallagher]

The Chesapeake Bay and San Fanscisco Bay are probably heavily regulated in the arena of "permanent moorings". I know where I am located on the east coast there are waiting lists I am on for a private owned mooring permit that I may never live long enough to enjoy reaching the top of.

 

[scottyt]

rob the post above you gives the cheasy rules. which are basicly nothing except common sense

 

[Wayne25]

In Delaware you need to get approval from I believe the local office of the Corp of Engineers.

 

[tommays]

If you plan to be mooring in Kent County or Annapolis City, be sure to check with these jurisdictions first, because they have additional mooring requirements.

In Northport your mooring has to pass inspection which is GOOD because people are a bit lax in there upkeep