Marine Event Permits

Due to the unfolding situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Lamont has issued a number of Executive Orders to ensure public safety by increasing social distancing and reducing gatherings.  Consistent with the Governor’s direction, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has revoked all Marine Event Permits (MEPs) that were issued under Sec. 15-121-A6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and has denied all pending MEP applications for upcoming events scheduled through May 15, 2020.  As the situation evolves and as we receive additional guidance from the Governor, DEEP will make determinations on MEP-related events scheduled on and after May 16, 2020.
The Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sec. 15-121-A6 requires that a Marine Event Permit be obtained for a marine parade, regatta, race, tournament, exhibition, or other activity (see definitions below) held on Connecticut state waters for the following purposes:

• Participant or spectator vessels may cause interference with navigation on the body of water, or
• the event requests exclusion areas for non-participating vessels, or
• the fallout zone of any fireworks display includes a portion of state waters, or
• the event requests the use of a state boat launch, or
• the event requests the modification or suspension of a boating law or regulation.

Please note:

• Fishing tournaments do not require a DEEP Marine Event Permit, but organizers must get a permit from the DEEP Fisheries Division.
• "State waters" are all inland water bodies within the state; meaning lakes, ponds and non-tidal water bodies.
• If your event is on "federal waters" (tidal waters), you must contact the U.S. Coast Guard for authorization.

A permit application must be clear and complete. The completed application must be received by the DEEP Boating Division at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the event. In addition, please note that no commercial activity is allowed at any state owned boat launch; this includes but is not limited to advertising, selling, or promoting services or products.

Definitions:

The Marine Event Permit application must now be submitted through DEEP's on-line ezFile system.  Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

Note: You must first create an account, then an application can be completed and submitted electronically.

Below are links to commonly asked questions regarding the ezfile system.