As stated in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 1 PART 100, An individual or organization planning to hold a regatta or marine parade which, by its nature, circumstances, or location, introduces any extra or unusual hazard to the safety of life on the navigable waters of the United States, must have the event approved by the cognizant Coast Guard authority."; Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound is the local permitting authority to approve or disapprove marine events throughout Puget Sound. Sponsors of these events must submit an Application for Approval of Marine Events in accordance with 33 CFR Chapter 1 PART 100.

Timeline for Submission: Applications need to be submitted to Sector Puget Sound Waterways Management Department; no later than 135 days prior to the start of the proposed event. If your event meets the following provisions you may submit your permit no later than 60 days prior to the start of the event:

(1) The sponsor submitted an application for the event in the year immediately preceding.

(2) The nature, location, scheduling, and other relevant information contained in the previous application are essentially the same.

(3) The Coast Guard received no objection to the previous application.

(4) The Coast Guard did not promulgate special local regulations for the previous event.

(5) The Coast Guard approved the previous event.

Late Applications: For applications received late, if a review of the application shows that a permit is required, and if the permit application cannot be processed in time for the event, the sponsor will be notified that the permit cannot be issued. We review each permit application; therefore, it is critical to include the following information for each event: sponsor name, date and time of event, type of event, area/location, sponsor's point of contact, on the water and/or on site, and the number of participating and spectator craft.

Lastly is an example of the Marine Event Permit Approval Letter, which you will receive once your event has been approved. It states your permit number and the responsibilities and obligations you have as an event sponsor. Should there be any doubt or questions regarding those responsibilities please notify us so we can clarify them prior to your event taking place.

Additional Support: We want to work with you to ensure the quick and smooth processing of your application. If you have any questions, please email sectorpugetsoundwwm@uscg.mil or call 206-217-6051. We look forward to working with you in the near future, and, with your help and cooperation, we will have another safe boating season.