A ceremonial micronation project — not a government website. What this means

A cultural and ceremonial projectThe Davis Islands celebrates British maritime tradition, the heritage of the Bronx and coastal conservation. All titles and offices are honorary.

No claim of sovereigntyThe islands are public parkland in New York City. This project is not a sovereign state, government agency or British Overseas Territory, and is not affiliated with the British Crown or NYC Parks.

The Davis Islands Ceremonial Commonwealth
Map Founding Charter Instagram
Ceremonial maritime organisation

HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands

Inspired by the traditions of the British coastguard and the Royal Bermuda Regiment, HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands explores, photographs and observes the waters around the islands.

HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands is ceremonial. It has no maritime enforcement, search and rescue, military or governmental authority. In an emergency on the water, call 911 or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Insignia of HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands: a crowned roundel bordered in rope and laurel, showing a compass rose, two seabirds and the two islands above waves, with the motto Semper Vigilans
Official ceremonial insignia

The insignia

A crowned roundel bound in gold rope and laurel, bearing the compass rose, seabirds and twin islands of the Davis Islands arms. Anchors flank the device, and a scroll carries the Coast Guard’s motto.

SEMPER VIGILANS

Always vigilant

The fleet

Davis Islands Fleet

Two recreational kayaks form the surface fleet, and two drones the aerial observation unit.

HM Coast Guard Davis Islands Fleet poster: kayaks CG-1 and CG-2 flying the Red Ensign in front of Grand and Little Davis Island, with two drones overhead and the Coast Guard insignia
HM Coast Guard — Davis Islands Fleet. Illustration: The Davis Islands.
Surface fleet

CG-1 · Quest Crosswater 100

Recreational kayak for exploring the shoreline and the waters of Pelham Bay and City Island Harbor.

Surface fleet

CG-2 · Necky 17 Ocean Kayak

Sea kayak for longer paddles around the islands and the wider bay.

Aerial observation unit

DJI Mavic 3

Drone for photography and observing the islands from above, flown only where the rules allow.

Aerial observation unit

DJI Mini 4K

Compact drone for aerial photography, flown only where the rules allow and never toward wildlife.

Before you launch

Conditions on the water

Check the wind, water temperature and tide before every paddle. Predictions only — always use official marine forecasts for navigation.

Local time

EDT · New York

11:44 AM

Friday, October 9

Sunrise
7:00 AM
Sunset
6:23 PM

Weather

H 72° · L 49°
68°F Clear
Feels like
63°F
Wind
9 mph W · gusts 20
Humidity
45%
Water temp
65°F

Tide

Predicted · New Rochelle, NY
8.7 ft Falling Low at 5:36 PM · in 5 hr 52 min
  1. Low5:08 AM-0.3 ft
  2. High11:02 AM9.0 ft
  3. Low5:36 PM-0.5 ft
  4. High11:27 PM8.3 ft

Weather from Open-Meteo. Tide predictions from NOAA (New Rochelle, about 2 miles away); water temperature from NOAA Kings Point. For general interest only — not for navigation. Updated 11:44 AM.

Two people sitting on shoreline rocks watching birds across the water at Pelham Bay Park
Birdwatching on Hunter Island, Pelham Bay Park. Photo: Megs, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Activities

What the Coast Guard does

  • Maritime exploration — paddling the shoreline, coves and islands of the bay.
  • Wildlife photography — recording the herons, cormorants and seabirds of the islands from a respectful distance.
  • Environmental observation — noting changes in the islands, shoreline and water through the seasons.

Good practice on every outing: wear a life jacket, check the weather and tides, give wildlife plenty of space, and follow the rules of NYC Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard and the FAA for boating and drone flights.