Buoys are placed in the area advising boaters that the area is under study. Notices to boaters concerning the proposed regulatory change are distributed in the area. During the next boating season, a vessel traffic survey is conducted by the Natural Resources Police. This information includes the types and amount of vessels in the area as well as their activity levels, speed and operating hours. In addition to these surveys, any reports the Natural Resources Police has on file concerning vessel use, accidents, complaints, and boating violations are compiled.
Public comment is solicited from boaters and property owners in the area.
When the study period ends, all the accumulated data is compiled . At that time, a public meeting may be held to solicit additional public input. The Natural Resources Police then submits an Executive Summary to the State's Boating Law Administrator. The Boating Law Administrator presents this recommendation to the Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee. The recommendation is submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources for the final decision.