Human-Powered Boater Guide

All human powered boaters need to register with a boat house or participating boating group to participate in City of Water Day.  These organizations row, kayak and canoe in our Harbor every day.  Programming ranges from free paddling to kids programs to high level professional instruction and tours.  Our harbor is the 6th borough of New York and we encourage you to participate through an experienced boating organization.  Safety and enjoyment of our waters is very important. We encourage you to contact the human-powered boating groups listed on the boathouse contacts page.

Local NYC independent HPB's are welcome to participate and we ask you to file a float plan for your trip.  Many of you launch from the same locations as participating boathouses and boating groups so we ask you to coordinate with them where possible. 

As a participating organization we ask you act with safety in mind, act prudently and use good judgement. Please follow the traditional maritime “Rules of the Road”.

For more information check out the Safety Net page.

** PROTOCOLS FROM COAST GUARD SECTOR NEW YORK**

This event is subject to the Inland Navigation Rules, specifically Rule 9(b), which prohibits vessels from crossing ahead of or otherwise impeding the passage of commercial vessels which can only safely navigate within the channel. Event participants must not interfere with other marine traffic, monitor VHF - FM channels 13 & 16 for all Sector New York VTS information and immediately comply with all VTS instructions. At no time are event participants authorized access to established federal security zones or restricted areas. Event participants must also remain 25 yards clear of all commercial waterfront facilities including any vessels moored to those facilities, and 175 yds from the United Nations on the East River between 35th St and Queensboro/59th St Bridge. The sponsors shall notify all participants that no restriction is being placed on the use of the waterway by other parties, and monitor VHF-FM channel 16 for all Sector New York VTS information and immediately comply with all VTS instructions.

Governors Island ventilator and embayment area

Coast Guard regulations state that a 25 yard berth must be given for the Governor’s island ventilator. This may be impossible in order to enter the embayment. Please give the ventilator adequate distance when entering the embayment maintaining a safe course of transit. While in the embayment please follow directions of volunteer staff and event personnel for launching and landing logistics.

Safety Net and Safety Boat info

As Alliance partners you are invited to meet us at Governor’s Island for City of Water Day. You will be called upon to operate and transit safely during your journey. We ask that you follow all prescribed “Rules of the Road”, maintain manageable group sizes and have at least a 5:1 = leader:participant ratio. As discussed in previous safety meetings MWA is providing a Safety Net around GI, the Battery and Liberty State Park to assist in your safe transit in this high traffic area.

For more information check out the Safety Net page.

Camping Guidelines:

  • Governors Island has a strict NO ALCOHOL policy.
  • There are no open flames or camp fires allowed.
  • MWA will provide 4 port-a-sans but no showers. There will be running water from a hose.
  • You will not be allowed to leave the camping area from dusk ʻtil dawn roughly 8pm until 7am.
  • You must supply your own camping gear, head lamps and flashlights. You may use small camping stoves to prepare meals.

Additional Opportunities for Boathouses     Applicable at both LSP and GI

Tabling                                                                                              

If you are participating in the on-water portion, and don’t have the manpower to do this, we could provide you with an unmanned shared table at either or both venues.

After completing your Float Plan, please go to the “Action Fair & Vendor Sign-Up” portion of the City of Water Day website & complete the submission.  Link to the Action Fair submission form: http://www.cityofwaterday.org/2011-action-fair-vendor-signup/

On-water demonstrations or presentations                                      

Please let Louis know if you would be interested. It will be a great way to show off your skills as well as to give the public a taste of the fun that can be had on the water.

Public walk-up kayak or canoeing or sailing programs

LSP: There is already in place a public kayak walkup program through Liberty State Park. However this could be augmented by additional kayakers, boaters, sailors. It would be a great crowd pleaser and a demonstration of a group's public commitment. But it would require a half-day afternoon firm staffing agreement to make it possible. A small stipend for expenses is available.

GI: At this time there is no opportunity for a public walkup on-water program at Governors Island.

Please let Louis know of your interests and ideas. We want to engage you!

Louis:  lkleinman@waterfrontalliance.org