What types of waters are subject to federal navigation requirements?

Coastal waters and directly connected bodies of water are subject to federal navigation requirements because these areas fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard, which oversees navigation safety and regulation. Federal navigation requirements include guidelines for vessel operation, the establishment of navigational aids, and the enforcement of regulations that ensure the safety of all waterway users.

Coastal waters refer to the areas extending from the shoreline out to three nautical miles into the ocean, while directly connected bodies of water include those linked to coastal areas or other navigable waters. This connection allows for larger inter-state and international shipping routes and necessitates consistent regulations to ensure that vessels can navigate safely between states and across borders. In contrast, freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and inland waterways may have varying regulations that can be enforced at state or local levels rather than being governed by federal standards. Thus, option B accurately identifies the types of waters that fall under federal navigation requirements.