Marine Event Permits
Marine Event Permits
The Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sec. 15-121-A6 requires that a Marine Event Permit be obtained for a marine parade, regatta, race, tournament, exhibition, or other activity (see definitions below) held on Connecticut state waters for the following purposes:
- Participant or spectator vessels may cause interference with navigation on the body of water, or
- the event requests exclusive use of a specified portion of a waterbody, or
- the fallout zone of any fireworks display includes a portion of state waters, or
- the event requests the use of a state boat launch, or
- the event requests the modification or suspension of a boating law or regulation.
Please note:
- Fishing tournaments do not require a DEEP Marine Event Permit, but organizers must get a permit from the DEEP Fisheries Division.
- "State waters" are all inland water bodies within the state; meaning lakes, ponds and non-tidal water bodies.
- If your event is on "federal waters" (tidal waters), you must contact the U.S. Coast Guard for authorization.
A permit application must be clear and complete. The completed application must be received by the DEEP Boating Division at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the event. In addition, please note that no commercial activity is allowed at any state owned boat launch; this includes but is not limited to advertising, selling, or promoting services or products.
Definitions:
- Marine parade - a public procession on the water for a festival or a ceremonial occasion.
- Regatta - a boat race or an organized series of boat races.
- Race - competition on the water involving speed, turning or riding.
- Tournament - contest involving a number of contestants who compete in a series of trials.
- Exhibition - a display on the water for the public.
- Other activity - any organized, boating related activities.
The Marine Event Permit application must now be submitted through DEEP's on-line ezFile system. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
Note: You must first create an account, then an application can be completed and submitted electronically.
Below are links to commonly asked questions regarding the ezfile system.
- Overview of ezfile system features
- How to create your new ezFile account
- How to Unlock Your Account, Reset Password and other Account Manager features
- Screen help for applicant information section
- How to use the Scheduler function
Content Last Updated June 4, 2026