U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Good morning,

Please enjoy our livestream of Sector North Carolina’s Change of Command ceremony today at 1000. Thank you, Captain List, for your service to Sector North Carolina and welcome incoming Sector Commander, Captain Harlow. 📢🛟

07/16/2026

OAK ISLAND, N.C. – In a strong display of inter-agency collaboration, personnel from Coast Guard Station Oak Island, alongside a Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiner, Maritime Enforcement specialists, and Investigators from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina (SNC), recently joined forces with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) and NOAA enforcement for a comprehensive, hands-on commercial fishing vessel training exercise.

This invaluable training was conducted aboard a local shrimp boat owned by Royce Potter. During the event, Mr. Potter was presented with a Letter of Appreciation from SNC in recognition of his steadfast support and many years of graciously providing his vessel for these vital readiness exercises.

Ultimately, this joint training evolution fostered a deeper mutual understanding of each agency's unique regulatory roles. The exercise reinforced a unified commitment to working seamlessly together in the future to ensure the safety, sustainability, and lawful operation of North Carolina's coastal fisheries.

07/13/2026

Congratulations BM1!⚓️

07/06/2026

📢 Attention Boaters: Check Your Fire Extinguishers Before You Hit the Water 🚤

US Coast Guard Sector North Carolina has noticed an increase in voyage terminations this year due to non compliant or expired fire extinguishers. To help keep everyone safe, here’s a quick reminder of what’s required onboard:

• Fire extinguishers must be U.S. Coast Guard–Approved
• They must be serviceable and in good condition
• They must have a sufficient charge (needle in the green)
• You must carry the minimum number and type required for your vessel

❗️Important:❗️

Did you know that fire extinguishers have a 12 year service life from the manufacturer’s date?

• The date is usually stamped on the bottom of the extinguisher
• The service life ends on 31 December of the 12th year
• Example: A unit stamped 2020 is no longer compliant after 31 December 2032

Please take a moment to check your extinguishers before getting underway. A simple inspection can prevent delays—and help keep you, your passengers, and other boaters safe.

If you have questions about requirements, contact your local Coast Guard Station. Stay safe on the water! ☀️

04/23/2026

UPDATE:

****LOCATED! The windsurfer has been located alive and has been transported to the hospital for medical evaluation. Thank you to all involved in this case!****

The Coast Guard has received a report of an overdue windsurfer and is actively searching in coordination with local partners. Mr. Jim Stoll was last seen at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 22Apr, in the vicinity of Clam Shoal in the Pamlico Sound approximately 3NM off Frisco, NC. He was windsurfing when his sail broke. He was wearing a black wet suit with a silver helmet, riding a vintage windsurf board. Please report any information or sightings to Sector North Carolina Command Center at (833) 732-8628.

04/16/2026

📢 Attention NC Commercial Fishermen! 🎣

Heads up! The U.S. Coast Guard is still conducting mandatory Commercial Fishing Vessel safety exams.

This applies to all vessels operating more than 3 nautical miles from shore.
Please contact the examiner in your area to schedule your inspection:

• Nags Head area: (252) 339-6314
• Fort Macon area: (252) 241-8268
• Wilmington area: (910) 918-1638

Stay safe out there!