Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay: boating safety
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Annapolis, on the Severn River off the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, is one of the busiest sailing towns on the US East Coast, with a city harbour at Ego Alley, mooring fields in Spa Creek and many marinas in Back Creek. From here boats cruise the sheltered rivers and creeks of the middle Chesapeake.
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Harbour and marinas
The City of Annapolis Harbormaster runs the city docks at Ego Alley, the public moorings and the anchorages in city waters. Hail the Harbormaster on VHF channel 17 for dock space; the office is at 4 Dock Street and is open daily 7 am to 4 pm.
City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) · City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) ▾
Weather
The National Weather Service (Baltimore/Washington office) forecasts the bay off Annapolis as the marine zone "Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to North Beach" (ANZ532). Its NOAA Weather Radio transmitter for Baltimore is KEC-83 on 162.400 MHz.
National Weather Service · National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington ▾
Local rules
Anchoring is not allowed in Spa Creek between the "1SC" buoy at its entrance and day marker 3 above the Spa Creek drawbridge, or anywhere in the main entrance channel. The Naval Academy small-craft anchorage at the mouth of Spa Creek needs the Superintendent's permission.
City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) · City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) ▾
Elsewhere in city waters you may anchor if you stay out of marked channels, more than 300 ft from any bridge, 200 ft from public moorings and piers, and 75 ft from structures, shore and private moorings. You must have a working marine toilet system and pump out at least every two weeks, and register with the Harbormaster if you stay more than three days.
City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) · City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) · City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) ▾
In Maryland, anyone born on or after 1 July 1972 must carry a boating safety education certificate to operate any motorised vessel. Fines start at $25 for a first offence.
Maryland Natural Resources Police (archived page) ▾
Hazards
Holding ground in Annapolis city waters is generally poor, and boats often drag anchor when the wind or current changes. The legal anchorages off Horn Point are moderately deep, so carry enough ground tackle.
City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) · City of Annapolis Harbormaster (archived page) ▾
Hospital and medical
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis (Hospital Pavilion South, 2001 Medical Parkway) has an emergency room open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Luminis Health ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay?
Call Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region on 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay?
The City of Annapolis Harbormaster runs the city docks at Ego Alley, the public moorings and the anchorages in city waters. Hail the Harbormaster on VHF channel 17 for dock space; the office is at 4 Dock Street and is open daily 7 am to 4 pm.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay?
The National Weather Service (Baltimore/Washington office) forecasts the bay off Annapolis as the marine zone "Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to North Beach" (ANZ532). Its NOAA Weather Radio transmitter for Baltimore is KEC-83 on 162.400 MHz.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com