Laws and Safety Equipment

Return to Table of Contents

1

Laws

2

Numbering

3

Safety Equipment-Life Jackets

4

Fire Extinguishers

5

Visual Distress Signals

6

Ventilation

7

Mufflers

8

Backfire and Flame Control

9

Whistle Bell and Horn

10

Navigation Lights

11

Pollution and Garbage

12

Safe Operation

13

Ecosystem Awareness

14

Age and Education Requirements

15

Personal Watercraft

16

Water Skiing

17

Diving

18

Boating Under the Influence

19

Accidents

SAFE OPERATION

Reckless Operation

The boat operator is responsible for a ny action that has the potential of endangering life, limb or property. These actions may be deemed reckless, whether intentional or not.

  • Bow riding.
  • Damage caused by the wake of his/her boat. Know the location of no wake zones and what minimum distances you are allowed to operate a boat near docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps and people in the water.
  • Not carrying the required safety equipment.
  • Crossing hazardous inlets and bars.
  • Excessive speed

Slow-No Wake Zones

Vessels operating in areas designated as “Slow-No wake” shall be governed by the following definitions;

  • “Slow-No wake” shall be defined as a vessel traveling at or below idle speed, or at such speed that the boat or its wake (waves) is not sufficient to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats, or property.

Vessels may not be used, operated, or anchored in such a way that interferes with or blocks vessel traffic in designated channels.


   
Copyright © 2004-2007 American Boating Education
Last Modified: May 2, 2005