Boating Resources
VT Fish and Wildlife Department
www.vtfishandwildlife.com
General Informaon (802) 828‐1000
Licensing (802) 828‐1190
Law Enforcement (802) 828‐1529
VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation
dec.vermont.gov
General Informaon (802) 828‐1556
Aquac Invasive Species (802) 828‐1535
VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation
fpr.vermont.gov
State Park Informaon (888) 409‐7579
VT State Police ‐ Marine Division
vsp.vermont.gov
Boang Law Informaon (802) 244‐8727
VT Dept. of Motor Vehicles/Boat License
dmv.vermont.gov
General Informaon (802) 828‐2000
Boating Safety Checklist
Weather condions safe for boang
Map of boang locaon & known hazards
Informed of rules for a given waterbody
Access area signage reviewed for updates
Valid registraon sckers and cards
US Coast Guard (USCG) approved PFD
onboard for each person
Properly working safety equipment
including; USCG approved fire exnguisher,
Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations
The transport of all aquac plants, plant
parts, or other aquac invasive species (i.e.
zebra mussels, spiny water flea) to or from
any Vermont surface water is illegal.
Prior to transporng or launching a vessel to
or from a waterbody, inspect the vessel,
trailer, vehicle, equipment, etc. to remove
and dispose of ANY plant or plant parts.
All vessels, trailers, and transport vehicles
must be inspected and decontaminated if a
boat washing staon is present, staffed, and
an inspector deems decontaminaon is
necessary.
Prior to leaving a boat ramp the vessel,
trailer, live wells, and bilge tanks must be
drained and drain plugs must remain out
during transportaon.
For more informaon go to the VT DEC AIS
webpage at dec.vermont.gov/watershed/
lakes‐ponds/aquac‐invasives
Any person who violates this law may be
subject to a fine of up to $1,000 per violaon.
Vermont Boating
Resource Guide
Safely Boating in
Vermont Waters
← Eurasian watermilfoil
Water chestnut ↓
Curly leaved pondweed ↑
The Three Most Wanted
Aquac Invasive Plants of Vermont
Burlington Free Press photo taken by Alison Redlich
Vermont Boating Regulations
A US Coast Guard (USCG) approved
Personal Floataon Device (PFD) must be
onboard for each occupant
Vessels shall be operated at a no wake
speed (or 5 mph) within 200’ of the shore
Vessels may not be operated faster than 5
mph within 200’ of people, wildlife, other
watercra, docks, or swimming areas
Anyone towed by a boat must wear a USCG
approved PFD and the boat must have a
spoer over the age of 12
All navigaonal rules when encountering
other vessels must be followed
Trash and any potenally hazardous
materials must be disposed of properly
Make sure you have the appropriate safety
gear to comply with your Vessel’s Length
Class
For more informaon, please refer to the
VT Boating Laws & Regulation Handbook
Boating Safely on Vermont Waters
The number and variety of recreational
uses on Vermont waters can sometimes
lead to conflict. Learning and following the
rules allows everyone to safely enjoy time
in and on the water.
Fishing Regulations in Vermont
Fishing seasons and limits vary among
species and waterbody. Check the current
issue of Vermont’s Fishing Guide and
Regulaons for up to date informaon
www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing
Be sure to note any new regulaons. They
will be listed with special headers in
Vermont’s Fishing Guide and Regulaons
Licenses can be purchased over the phone,
online, or at a parcipang retailer
Boating Etiquette
When launching and transporng your boat,
keep the launch or travel lanes open
Maximize parking at all mes
Operate watercra in a careful and
responsible manner
Use cauon when in populated areas and
stay right when meeng other boats
Always respect private property
Regularly maintain your boat for your safety
and to prevent gas and oil spills
Clean, drain, and dry your boat before
entering and aer exing the water
Fishing in Vermont
Vermont has a wide range of spectacular
and scenic locations on the water to
provide anglers with unforgettable
experiences. on fishing
opportunities and the diversity of species
within local waters, go to:
Vermont Master Angler Website
A Splash of Vermont Boating Regulations
Local, State, and Federal Restrictions apply
to all waterways in Vermont. Prior to
boating, check with the appropriate officials
to become aware of the regulations for the
waterbody you are visiting to keep you and
others safe. At state launches, pertinent
laws will be posted on the kiosk.
Vermont Department of Tourism & Markeng