Florida – East Coast Pilot Notes
Cape Canaveral Danger Zone Buoy C Southeast Shoal Buoy 2
28 31.0N, 80 29.5W Yellow 28 22.8N, 80 25.4W Fl R 2.5s 4M Red
can.
Southeast Shoal Buoy 4
Cape Canaveral Danger Zone Buoy D
28 23.5N, 80 29.1W Fl R 4s 4M Red
28 27.6N, 80 28.1W Yellow
can.
Cape Canaveral to Miami
Lake Worth Inlet Sea Buoy LW
26 46.3N, 80 00.6W Mo(A) W 6M Red/White
Tides p. 465, Differences p. 531
stripes w/ red spherical topmark..
Currents p. 648, Differences p. 710
Hillsboro Inlet Sea Buoy HI
Pilotage: S of Cape Canaveral the Gulf
26 15.1N, 80 04.5W Mo(A) W 5M Red/White
Stream runs closer to the shoreline. Boats
S-bound can mostly continue to sail close
stripes w/ red spherical topmark..
inshore. There are few natural obstructions.
Port Everglades Sea Buoy PE
Recreational and commercial shipping traffic
26 05.5N, 80 04.8W Mo(A) W 7M Red/White
grows denser near the Palm Beach to Miami
corridor.
stripes w/ red spherical topmark. RACON T (–).
A series of deep patch reefs run along the
Miami Sea Buoy M
shoreline at between 30ft and 60ft depths.
25 46.1N, 80 05.0W Mo(A) W 7M Red/White
These attract extremely heavy sportfishing
and dive boat traffic. Divers will also occa-
stripes w/ red spherical topmark. RACON M (– –).
sionally swim out from the beaches here. Use
caution sailing along these areas and keep a
Fort Pierce: 27 28N, 80 19W
sharp lookout for dive flags.
Pilotage: Strong tides in Ft Pierce Inlet.
Major commercial ports are located at
Seas can become hazardous, especially on
Palm Beach Inlet, Port Everglades (Fort
the ebb. Contact USCG if unsure of condi-
Lauderdale), and Miami. Anchored com-
tions before making an entrance. Fish havens
mercial ships waiting to enter are common
and shoals marked by unlit buoys.
in the open waters near Fort Lauderdale and
Waypoints
Miami. Cruise ships are common along the
Fort Pierce Inlet Buoy 2
coast and use all three ports. Fort Pierce inlet
also provides safe haven and access to the
27 28.65N, 80 15.42W Fl R 4s 4M Red
ICW. Other inlets along this passage should
Port of Entry: Contact U.S. Customs at
be avoided without local knowledge.
561-844-1703 (West Palm Beach office).
Landmarks: From Palm Beach to Miami,
Coast Guard: Station located just inside
high-rise condominium towers line the
Fort Pierce Inlet on S side.
beaches, making the coastline almost con-
Dockage/Moorings: Selection of marinas
stantly visible up to 10nm offshore.
both N and S on the ICW, including the City
Waypoints
Marina, VHF 16, at ICW 188.
Fort Pierce Inlet Buoy 2
Anchorage: At Faber Cove and in the turn-
27 28.65N, 80 15.42W Fl R 4s 4M Red
ing basin.
Fuel: Available at marinas.
Capron Shoal Buoy 10A, E side of 18ft shoal
Supplies: Available.
27 26.6N, 80 13.3W Red
Services: Extensive.
nun.
St. Lucie Entrance Lighted Buoy 2
27 10.0N, 80 08.4W Fl R 4s 3M Red
156