The Marine Unit consists of two Officers assigned to patrol 52 miles of waterways.   The Unit patrols 8 miles of ocean frontage as well as  the Intracoastal Waterway (from Port Everglades to the Hallandale Beach Boulevard Bridge) and the C-10 canal system.

The Unit enforces all State laws and City ordinances as they relate to marine safety and operations.  Marine Unit Officers routinely educate boaters, stressing boating safety and operation.  The Unit’s boats and personal watercraft are an excellent means of providing comprehensive coverage of Hollywood's coastal and inland waterways.

Currently the Marine Unit consists of four vessels:

30’ Intrepid powered by twin 250 Yamaha engines

29’ Intrepid powered by twin 225 Mercury engines

21’ Hydraskiff powered by a single 115 Mercury engine

Through the Personal Watercraft Loaner Program, the Department operates two 2006 Honda jet skis leased through Rick Case Honda.

The majority of the City’s waters are Idle or Slow Speed.   Idle Speed/No wake is the strictest of all speeds, requiring all vessels to travel at the minimal speed to maintain navigational steerage.  Slow Speed/Minimal Wake is the speed where the vessel is fully settled in the water, proceeding with a minimal wake.

The city has an Idle Speed Zone posted for “Manatee Protection” from Sheridan Street Bridge to Port Everglades.   During the winter month’s, one fourth of the entire South Florida Manatee population congregates within this area. The Manatees are on the endangered species list.

BUI laws, also known as Boating Under the Influence, are very strict, where the legal standard for impairment is .08 breath alcohol level.

Under state statute, any person born after September 30, 1980, operating 10 horsepower or more must posses a boater’s license.  This license can be obtained through the your local Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, C.E.E.R.I. or contact the Hollywood Police Department Marine Unit for more information.  The number for the Marine Unit is (954) 921-3034 or (954) 967-4572.

The Marine Unit wants you to stay safe on the water, therefore, make sure you have a PFD or personal floatation device for each person on board your vessel.  Children under 6 years of age on vessels under 26’ must wear their PFD’S at all times.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sergeant Pablo Vanegas
Office: 954-967-4572, email pvanegas@hollywoodfl.org.