The division brings together a body of knowledge as the state’s expert in recreational boating-related matters, including public access, safety and education, marine law enforcement, and consumer and environmental protection.

In addition, the division is heavily involved in furthering environmentally sound boating practices through its clean and green programs.

DBW conducts and sponsors oceanographic research in marina pollution, sea level, wave measurement, modeling and prediction, beach processes, and coastal flooding and erosion, as they relate to boating facilities, access, safety, and education, and beach restoration and coastal protection.

Direct injection two-stroke engines made since 1989, however, are permitted on the state's waterways with some non-emission standard exceptions.

In 1997, the division added the egeria densa, another South American native, onto its list of species targeted for control and eradication.