Navigation Information

Aids to Navigation on the New York State Canal System conform to the U.S. Coast Guard lateral system of buoyage (red right return). Note that buoyage reverses from red on starboard (right) to red on port (left), north of Champlain Canal Lock 12 at Whitehall, and on the entire length of the Oswego Canal.

Failures and displacements of navigational aids may occur. Please report discrepancies in navigational aids to the Canal Incident Call Center 24/7 at 833-538-1042.

The Canal Corporation recommends that boaters carry the latest edition of navigation charts on board - Chart #14786. Charts may be downloaded from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or through NOAA Certified Printers, and at some local bookstores, marinas and boat chandleries. Charts may also be downloaded from the rightmost column of the Navigation Information with Water Depths pages above. There are no NOAA charts available between mile 222 and 337 of the Erie Canal (including the Genesee River). Symbols, abbreviations and terms used on paper and electronic navigational charts can be found on U.S. Chart No. 1 and supplemental information difficult to portray in a nautical chart in Coast Pilot 6.

All mariners must to adhere to the U.S.C.G. Inland Navigation Rules.

Recreational mariners should be aware that there are minor differences between state and federal boating regulations, the more stringent of which apply. Boater Safety Courses are listed on the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.

No sewage may be discharged into the New York State Canal System. Additionally, no grey water may be discharged into Lake Champlain.

All mechanically propelled vessels - regardless of size or fuel type - operating on the waters of New York State must display numbers showing valid registration in the principal state or country of use, or, if in transfer, be able to produce U.S. Coast Guard documentation. Human powered vessels are exempt from registration requirements as well as Lock & Lift Bridge fees.

All vessel operators and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay well clear of all dams!

No Discharge Zone

The entire New York State Canal System is a "no discharge zone." Boats are banned from discharging sewage into the canals and must instead dispose of sewage at specially designated pump-out stations.

Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols, and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people's health, and impair marine life. View more information on marine sanitation devices and pump out stations.