Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Navigation Marker Permit

Each permit application must satisfy certain requirements under current state regulations.  Below is a description of the criteria used under the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sec.15-121-A5 to review and approve navigation marker permits. Each criteria is listed with further clarifications italicized.

R.C.S.A. Sec.15-121-A5 Permission to place markers.
(e) Criteria for authorization shall include:

  • Signed approval from the Chief Executive Authority (CEA) of the town or designated lake authority in which said marker will be placed; The CEA must be the 1st Selectman, Town Manager, Mayor, or designated Lake Authority Chairman or official.

  • Completeness, accuracy and detail of the application form; The application must be accompanied by an assessor’s map or navigational chart with latitudes and longitudes, or bearings and distances to clearly defined shore objects.

  • Demonstrated need for the proposed markers; In addition to statements, evidence including photos and reports are desired. 

  • Public safety considerations;  The effect on waterway traffic flow and boat maneuverability are analyzed during the site inspection.  Unreasonable restrictions on boating activities are unacceptable.

  • Environmental impact considerations; The surrounding shoreline and bottom are considered from the perspective of erosion, vegetation and sediment disturbance when assessing the effects of a proposed permitted area.

  • Review of possible conflicts with various water use groups.

  • Visibility and durability of proposed markers; These requirements are standardized in our permit guidelines as authorized under paragraph (f) of this section and also in accordance with RCSA Sec. 15-121-A2.

  • Conformity with existing authorizations; Any new permit must not conflict with or lessen the effectiveness of other permits. 

  • Consistency with federal, state and local law.  Self-explanatory.

Please note: In accordance with Connecticut General Statues Section 22a-6ee, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall make best efforts to review and make a final determination on each permit application not later than ninety days after receipt of such application provided such application is complete.

Navigation Marker Information

The below information is for reference only. 
Do not purchase any markers without first receiving a DEEP Navigation Marker Permit with detailed marker information, or speaking with Navigation & Boating Infrastructure Unit staff.

BUOYS
Lakes and Ponds
Minimum = 9 inch diameter
Long Island Sound and Tidally Influenced Waters
Minimum = 12 inch diameter
(Recommended = collar type with 14 to 16 inch diameter barrel.) 

Buoys must be cylindrical in shape with dimensions of not less than sixty one inches (61") in height with a minimum of thirty six inches (36") exposure above the surface of the water.  If collared buoys are used, they must have dimensions of not less than nine inches (9") or twelve inches (12”) in diameter and forty two inches (42") in height with a minimum of twenty four inches (24") exposure above the surface of the water. 

Buoys must be made of ionomer foam or equivalent, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or equivalent, filled with polyurethane foam or equivalent and must have sufficient ballast to maintain proper stability and exposure above the surface of the water. Buoys must be can shape and solid green in color, or nun shape and solid red in color. A reflective red or green band at least three inches (3") wide and made of the same color as said can or nun and of reflectorized material must be placed at the top edge of the cylindrical portion and around the circumference of each buoy. If numbers are used, such numbers must be reflective white and at least three inches (3") in height. The permit number, when issued, must be sized to fit and placed on the top flat portion of each buoy in black indelible ink or vinyl stick-on letters.

 

DAYMARKERS

Daymarkers must be navigation type, three feet (3') wide by three feet (3') high square (or to the dimensions specified in the Navigation Marker permit) and made of .080 gauge aluminum, polymer or hard plastic equivalent at least three (3) mills thick, or three quarter inch (3/4") marine grade plywood.  The daymarkers shall be solid green or red with a reflective green or red band, respectively, at least three inches (3") wide forming the outer border of each daymarker. If numbers or letters are authorized in the permit, they must be reflective white and at least three inches (3") in height. The permit number, when issued, must be sized to fit and placed on the back of each daymarker in black indelible ink or vinyl stick-on letters.

 

MARKER BUOY VENDORS

The manufacturers listed can produce buoys that meet the requirements of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Ensure that the vendor you choose, from this list or otherwise, will construct the buoys to the specifications in your permit. If the buoys do not conform to the requirements in your permit, they are illegal and may be considered hazards to navigation and ordered removed. Please call us at (860) 434-8638 if you have any questions.
Neither the State, the D.E.E.P. nor this Unit recommends or endorses any of these products and/or manufacturers.

Application for Navigation Marker Permit

 

Content Last Updated on July 27, 2022