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MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
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Boating Laws, Buoys and Regattas

Rules for operating on Missouri waterways, buoy and no-wake cove applications, and permits for organized marine events.

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Resources

Watercraft registration

For watercraft registration and motor vehicle matters, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau.

External resources

911 Dock Addressing Requirements

On January 1, 2010, a new state law took effect, requiring dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.

The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.

If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Highway Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.

Dock owners at Lake of the Ozarks can see a recommended example for a dock sign at the Ameren UE website: Ameren dock requirements and safety.

The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Highway Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3313.

Aids to navigation and Regulatory Markers on Missouri waterways.

The Water Patrol Division manages buoy regulations and applications for Missouri waterways, aligned with state regulations and U.S. Coast Guard standards.

Limited No Wake Cove Map for Lake of the Ozarks

Buoy hearings

Buoy hearings are held at Troop F Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO. Hearings are held on three selected Mondays during the calendar year, unless otherwise noted. Hearings scheduled below start at 12:00 PM. If you plan to attend in person, please contact the buoy administrator before the date of the hearing. Upcoming hearings for 2027 will have the option to attend virtually; the link for the virtual meeting will be posted the morning of the hearing date.

Buoy application deadlines and the hearing date each applies to
Buoy Application DeadlinesBuoy Hearing Dates
January 22, 2027March 08, 2027
March 26, 2027May 10, 2027
October 08, 2027November 22, 2027
March 27, 2026May 11, 2026

Location: MSHP Troop F Headquarters, 2920 N Shamrock Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101

For questions, please contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division at (573) 751-5071. Buoy Administrator: Buoys@mshp.dps.mo.gov

Applications scheduled to be heard

Permitted events

Search the Permitted Regatta Events database for scheduled marine events. Please check for conflicts prior to submitting your application.

Application

The Regatta/Marine Event Permit Application is available for fishing tournaments, poker runs, boat races, fireworks displays, and other organized events which affect navigation on Missouri waterways.

Regatta/Marine Event Permit Application (PDF)

Parasailing

Parasailing information and guidelines are also available through the Water Patrol Division.

Regatta Coordinator: Regattas@mshp.dps.mo.gov

Missouri law requires motorized vessels, sailboats over 12 feet, and gasoline-powered outboard motors to be titled within 60 days of purchase, and registered before use on state waters.

A serial number inspection is needed when a boat, motor, or trailer has an incorrect title, or comes from a state that does not require titles. This service is provided at no cost to the public.

What to bring

  • Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
  • The boat, motor, or trailer itself, so the serial number can be inspected

Where to go

Verification is carried out at each of the nine Highway Patrol troop headquarters. Call ahead to confirm availability.