Boat Safety

Fleet Week
Recreational Vessel Safety Information

In order to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun Fleet Week experience on the water, the San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard, and partner public safety agencies will be enforcing boating laws on the Bay. Below are some tips to help keep you safe:

Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and has all of the required safety equipment aboard, including but not limited to:

  • At least one properly sized U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone on board
    • Every child under age 13 must wear a life jacket, regardless of boat length, unless in an enclosed cabin or tethered to a sailboat
  • A sound producing device and the proper fire extinguisher(s)
  • ABC's 2016 Required Equipment PDF

Operate your vessel in a safe and responsible manner, obeying all Rules of the Road:

Overloading your boat will make your boat unstable:

  • Know your boat’s posted maximum capacity – DO NOT exceed your weight or passenger limits
  • Don’t allow an uneven load of passengers on one side, or too many on the flybridge

Obey all Law Enforcement Vessels and Fleet Week Restrictions:

  • Slow to a minimum speed while transiting near vessels with flashing blue lights
  • Familiarize yourself with all U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners — Navigation Center of Excellence
  • Stay 500 yards away from any U.S. Navy vessel during the Parade of Ships
  • Stay at least 100 yards away from any moored or anchored U.S. Navy Vessel
  • Remain outside of the Fleet Week Air Show Box until completion of the Show
    • 33 CFR 100.1105

Anchor only in designated anchorages and operate with caution near vessels that are anchored

Monitor a marine band VHF radio; use channel 16 for hailing and distress only

Call for help if you or others are in distress, watch out for one another and stay safe

No Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis) are allowed within 1200’ of any San Francisco shoreline (MPC 4700.3)

Take a boating safety course:

Be cautious while watching events near beaches and waterfronts

  • Keep pets on a leash and do not swim in after them if they get swept into the sea. Most dogs will get out of the water, only to watch their handler get rescued.
  • Stay off of rocks in and around the shore
  • If you see someone swept into the sea, do not swim in after them…call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.