New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 21 - Miscellaneous
Chapter III - New York State Thruway Authority
Subchapter D - Canal System
Part 151 - Navigational Rules
Section 151.13 - Buoys and lights

No person in the canal shall move, alter or destroy any buoy or other aid to navigation; nor shall a float operator moor a float to any buoy or other aid to navigation or set out navigation markers, except in accordance with a duly authorized permit. Whenever a float operator strikes a buoy or light, notices that a buoy or light is out of position, its light is out or is otherwise in bad order, or encounters or observes some other hazardous physical condition, such float operator shall report the matter to the lock operator at the next lock through which the float passes with a written statement as to the location of the displaced buoy, extinguished light or other improper condition, as appropriate, the time when the accident occurred, or the time when condition reported was noticed. Forms for such report may be obtained from the lock operator.