SEAPLANE SAFETY
Sharing the Water: Seaplanes and Boats Coexisting Safely
Seaplanes and boats share the same waterways, and mutual awareness is key to safe operations. Just as boaters follow navigation rules, seaplane pilots adhere to both aviation and maritime regulations to ensure safety. Whether on the water or in the air, respecting each other’s space and maintaining clear communication helps prevent conflicts and ensures an enjoyable experience for all. By following right-of-way rules, staying alert, and exercising caution in busy areas, seaplanes and boats can operate harmoniously on the water.
Navigating Together
Seaplanes share waterways with boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other marine traffic. To maintain safety, seaplane pilots follow both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) navigation rules to avoid conflicts and ensure safe takeoffs, landings, and taxiing operations.
14 CFR § 91.115 Right-of-way Rules: Water Operations.
(a) General. Each person operating an aircraft on the water shall, insofar as possible, keep clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation, and shall give way to any vessel or other aircraft that is given the right-of-way by any rule of this section.
(b) Crossing. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, are on crossing courses, the aircraft or vessel to the other's right has the right-of-way.
(c) Approaching head-on. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, are approaching head-on, or nearly so, each shall alter its course to the right to keep well clear.
(d) Overtaking. Each aircraft or vessel that is being overtaken has the right-of-way, and the one overtaking shall alter course to keep well clear.
(e) Special circumstances. When aircraft, or an aircraft and a vessel, approach so as to involve risk of collision, each aircraft or vessel shall proceed with careful regard to existing circumstances, including the limitations of the respective craft.
Seaplane Safety for Boaters
If you're boating in areas where seaplanes operate, here’s how you can help ensure safe interactions:
Be Aware of Seaplane Landing Areas: Seaplanes require a clear, straight path for takeoff and landing. If you see one approaching, give it ample space to operate safely.
Avoid Creating Wake in Seaplane Areas: Large wakes can interfere with seaplane operations, especially during takeoff and landing.
Listen for Radio Calls: Seaplanes may announce their landings via VHF radio (Channel 16) to alert nearby vessels.
Watch for Seaplanes on the Water: A seaplane may be preparing for takeoff or taxiing to a dock. Treat it like any other moving vessel.
Coastal Seaplanes is committed to safety and a positive community impact. Respecting seaplane operations helps keep everyone safe and ensures smooth access to waterways for all. Intentionally interfering with a seaplane during takeoff or landing is not only dangerous but also a violation of federal law. Seaplanes need clear space to operate safely—giving them room protects both pilots and boaters alike. By staying aware and allowing seaplanes the space they need, we can all share the water responsibly and enjoy it safely.