Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Hydrographic Operations

  • Places and maintains over 2,000 aids to navigation, speeds zones, hazards, and other regulatory markers in support of natural resource areas and the boating public;
  • Provides charting and ice-breaking services; and
  • Assists in the removal of tons of dangerous debris and abandoned boats from public waterways

Aids to Navigation

The Department of Natural Resources Hydrographic Operations works with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to mark the major channels for the State of Maryland and places regulatory and danger buoys and signs statewide.

Notice of missing, damaged, or off station Aids to Navigation should be reported to the USCG Sector Baltimore at 410-576-2525.​

For more information on this program, please contact John Gallagher by e-mail at john.gallagher1@maryland.gov or call (410) 643-​6521. As always, the department will continue to mark navigational channels, speeds zones and hazards.

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​​​Online Services


Chesapeake Bay Hotline

Call 1-877-224-7229
to report any of the following

  • Boating accident or reckless activity
  • Fish kill or algal bloom
  • Floating debris that poses a hazard
  • Illegal fishing activity
  • Public sewer leak or overflow
  • Oil or hazardous material spill
  • Critical area or wetlands violation
  • Suspicious or unusual activity
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