Safe Speed in North Carolina

Specific speed limitations may apply in some areas. Otherwise, all vessels should be operated at a safe speed for the conditions, i.e. a speed that allows time and distance to take necessary action to avoid a collision.

Operating at a speed that is excessive for the conditions and that endangers persons or property is considered reckless operation and is prohibited by State boating law.

 Additionally, vessels shall proceed at no-wake speed when:

• Entering, leaving, or passing within 50 yards of a state-owned or state-controlled boating and fishing access area
• Within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying a flashing blue light (50 feet if in a narrow channel)

Personal Watercraft shall proceed at no-wake speed when within 100 feet* of:

• An anchored or moored vessel,
• A dock, pier or swim float
• A marked swimming area, swimmers, surfers, anglers
• Any manually propelled vessel

*The distance is reduced to 50 feet in narrow channels.

Power vessels in “No Wake” zones shall proceed at the minimum speed to maintain headway while producing the minimum wake possible.

Narrow Channel

A “narrow channel” is a segment of State waters that is 300 feet or less in width.