Section 8: State and Local Regulations 95
high speed water sports such as water skiing,
parasailing, tubing, and water-jet propelled
vessel (PWC) operation. Inflatable life
jackets do not meet life jacket requirements
when an impact-rated life jacket is specified,
nor for boaters under 16 years of age.
If boating is planned on waters controlled
by the US Army Corps of Engineers,
all involved on board the boat will
be required to wear appropriate life jackets
at all times on the water. Remember
to include a throwable floatation aid near
the helm for use in the event of man overboard.
Consult the local rules and regulations
before boating to ensure compliance.
Visual Distress Signals. Federal Regulations
specify the minimum required day
and night visual distress signals. Many
states require similar equipage for inland
operations. Check the state rules, and if not
required, use common sense and equip your
boat with day and night signaling devices.
Ignition Shut-Down Switches. These are
often referred to as Emergency Engine Cut-
Off Switches or Lanyard Switches. Vessels
such as water jet propelled personal water
craft (PWC) and other open cockpit recreational
boats 25 feet or less in length are
to have a lanyard attached to the operator
that is connected to the ignition switch and
in the event the operator falls overboard
will turn off the engine or even cause the
vessel to idle and circle. Be sure to check
the state regulations for this requirement.
Navigation Lights and Sound Devices.
Vessels operating between sunset and
sunrise must have navigation lights as
specified in the Rules and Regulations.
Human-powered and small sail-powered
boats must have at minimum a white light
such as a flash light that may be used to signal
approaching vessels of their presence.
All vessels must have a sound device, typically
a whistle attached to the life jacket on
human-powered boats.
Diver-Down Flag. A square, red flag with
white diagonal stripe is widely used as the
diver-down flag. It marks the location of
the diver, and is typically attached to a float
which is towed by the diver. Divers are usually
required to stay within 100 feet of the
flag and boaters to remain 100 feet away.
Mirrors and Observers for Towed Water
Sports. Most states specify that an observer
will be aboard the towing vessel communicating
with the towing boat operator
and constantly viewing the persons being
towed on skis, in tubes or otherwise. Some
states allow use of rear-view mirrors not
attached to steering mechanisms in lieu of
observers. Be sure to check the regulations
for water sport observers and regulations
for keeping distances from other vessels
and objects when towing.
Flame Arrestors. Gasoline engines installed
in a motorboat after April 25, 1940, except
outboard motors, must be equipped with
an U.S. Coast Guard-approved backfire
flame arrestor (see Section 7, paragraph
83). The flame arrester causes engine backfires
to be dissipated and prevent boat fires.
Other than Federally Required Equipment.
Safety and operation of the vessel
depend on more than just Federally
Required equipment. Properly selected
anchors with sufficient rode are needed for
the area of operation. Also equip your boat
with mooring lines, including spring lines,
to aid in mooring and unmooring; fenders
to help in protecting the boat when alongside
the pier; and items such as a hand
bailer to remove unwanted water and an
oar for emergency power or steering.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT
AND NOISE
Preservation of our marine environment
is paramount to continued enjoyment of
water sports and survival of marine life.
Stringent regulations have been promulgated
and are enforced prohibiting any discharge
of human waste, petroleum-based
products, and trash in our National waterways.
Marine sanitation devises must use
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Lifesaving Tip:
Attach a “police
type” whistle and
water-proof light to
every life jacket. The
whistle will be useful
in restricted visibility
operations and both
will aid in locating
and recovery of persons
overboard.
Tip:
Add reflective tape
“stripes” to the hull
bottom, near centerline,
to aid air
and sea search in the
event your boat is
overturned. STAY
WITH THE BOAT!
Trailer Legal
Requirements Tip:
If your boat and/or
trailer is over 8 feet
6 inches wide, it may
require a special
permit from your
state Department
of Transportation
before transporting it
on the highway.