Boating | NC Wildlife

Boating in North Carolina

Boaters can explore more than 5,000 miles of North Carolina waters. Find a boat ramp near you. Title and register your vessel. Get information on regulations and safety requirements here.

Registration and Titling

Information about vessel registration and titling requirements, fees and frequently asked questions.

Map of North Carolina with Icons Showing Boating Access Areas

Where to Boat

The Wildlife Commission manages 250 free, 24-hour public Boating Access Areas.

Image of a Boating Access Area in Lillington

Boating Access Area Event Permits

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission issues fishing tournament weigh-in and special use permits for each NCWRC Boating Access Area (BAA) to ensure that only allowable activities occur and that multiple large events do not occur at any site, thereby helping to manage congestion and user accessibility.

Report a Found or Missing Buoy

Reports are only for buoys and waters maintained by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) or placed with the express permission of the Commission. All NCWRC buoys have stickers displaying the Commission's logo and contact information. The NCWRC does not replace No Wake buoys on private property or buoys installed by property owners.

Laws & Safety

Learn about no wake zone and boating regulations, safety requirements, and recommendations.

Boater Education Courses

Information about boater education courses is available.

Marina Resources

Learn about Clean Marina Program and Clean Vessel Act.

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program

The NCWRC inspects, investigates and removes abandoned and derelict vessels along the coastline.