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Waterways

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Waterways Maintenance Division (Boating and Waterways) is responsible for maintaining the County’s network of aids-to-navigation, docks, piers, lights, and buoys in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal regulations.

In addition, our well-trained Waterways personnel assist and support public safety emergencies (removing fallen trees, debris and other obstructions) and issues pertaining to waterways and waterfront property.

These trade-persons must be expert scuba divers, be able to use tools such as underwater chain saws and be able to pilot water craft in order to accomplish their work.

Maintained Waterways and Boat Ramps

Important Phone Numbers

Hernando_CountyLogo_CMYK
 Waterways Maintenance Department
(352) 754-4742

coast guard logo

 U.S. Coast Guard
(352) 447-6900
Website
fwc logo
 Florida Marine Patrol (now FWC)
(800) DIAL-FMP
Website
sheriff logo
 Hernando County Sheriff
(352) 754-6830
Website
fwc logo
 Fish & Wildlife Commission
(850) 410-0656
Website
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 Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary -Flotilla 15-8
4340 Calienta Street
Hernando Beach, Florida
(352) 596 - 6737

Navigational Markers

The Waterways Maintenance Division maintains the County’s network of aids-to-navigation, docks, piers, lights, and buoys in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal regulations.

If you notice that any of these lighted aids are not working properly you may call the Hernando County Waterways Services at (352) 754-4742 and report it, or notify Coast Guard Station Yankeetown on VHF Channel 16 or by phone at 352-447-6900.


 Marker Name Light Sequence Latitude, Longitude Notes
A Bill Watts Tripod Quick Flashing White 28-31.00N, 082-42.54W End of Hernando Beach Channel
B Hernando Beach Turn Light 3 second Flashing White 28-31.25N, 082-43.50W Marked "Hernando Beach"
C Billy Steele South Rack OCC 3s ON, 1s OFF, White 28-30.30N, 082-46.80W Submerged Ruins
D Middle Rock No Light - sign only 28-31.70N, 082-46.60W "Danger Rocks" to east
E Bayport North Rack ISO. 3s ON - 3s OFF White 28-33.90N, 082-46.90W Submerged Ruins, to North & West
F Bayport Channel Entrance Light 5s Flashing White 28-32.80N, 082-42.60W End of Bayport Channel
G Gomez Rocks 2 Pilings , no light (N)28-29.80N, 082-43.70W, (S)28.29-59N, 082-43.79W Rocks between pilings
H Chassahowitzka Channel Entrance Quick Flashing White light (N)28-39.50N, 082-44.10
I Cutter Rock 6s Flashing White 28-30.90N, 082-50.00W "Danger Rocks"
J Aripeka Channel Entrance Light 6s Flashing White 28-27.40N, 082-44.60W End of Aripeka Channel
K Fish Haven - A.H. Richardson Reef Yellow Buoy - Richardson Reef 28-30.50N, 082-55.80W Culverts & Concrete Rubble 20 ft.
L Fish Haven - Jim Champion Reef Yellow Buoy - Champion Reef 28-36.45N, 082-56.50W Culverts & Barge 20 ft.
M Bendickson Tank Reef Yellow Buoy - Bendickson Tank Reef 28-31.71N, 082-58.69W 10 Sherman tanks in a 1/4 mile radius, 25 ft.
N Reef Ball Reef Yellow Buoy - Reef Balls 28-30.08N, 082-58.48W 180 Reef Balls in 1/4 mile radius, 29 ft.
O Reef Ball Site A 28-33.231N, 82-44.277W 2.9 miles – Distance from Hernando Beach Channel
P Reef Ball Site B 28-32.949N, 82-45.760W 3.9 miles – Distance from Hernando Beach Channel
Q Reef Ball Site C 28-32.176N, 82-45.951W 3.7 miles – Distance from Hernando Beach Channel

Required Boating Safety Equipment

  • One Readily Available Wearable Life Jacket for Each Passenger (Coast Guard Approved)
  • Throwable Personal Flotation Device
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Visual Distress Flares
  • Navigational Lighting
  • Sound Signaling Device (Horn, Bell or Whistle)
  • Oars
  • Anchor
  • Registration, Numbers, and Current Validation Decal
  • Safety Box (with Compass, Maps, Float Plan and First Aid Kit)