Sponsors
Boating Laws Part 2
WATER-SKIING
When using a boat to tow a person on water skis or an aquaplane, there must be in the boat, in addition to the operator, one other person who can observe the person being towed. The observer must be at least 12 years of age. Effective January 1, 2001, California law provides that any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket. Exceptions: the law does not apply to performers engaged in professional exhibitions, official regattas, marine parades, or tournaments. Any person engaged in slalom skiing on a marked course, or barefoot, jump or trick water skiing, may instead wear a wetsuit designed for the activity and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. However, for each skier who elects to wear a wetsuit, a Type I, II, III, or V life jacket still must be carried on board. Note: Inflatable personal flotation devices are not approved for us while water-skiing. The towing of water-skiers from sunset to sunrise is prohibited by state law. Local laws may also restrict skiing at certain times during the day and in certain areas. Water skis and aquaplanes must not be operated in a manner to endanger the safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier is prohibited. Towing a skier or navigating between a vessel and its tow is prohibited. Towing a skier does not give the operator of the vessel any special privileges. The rules of the road must be observed.
Skiers being towed are considered to be persons on board for personal flotation device requirements. For more information on water-skiing, send for the free pamphlet titled “Safety Hints for Water-Skiing” from the Department of Boating and Waterways (see postcard in this booklet).
FLAGS
It is mandatory for the operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier to display, or cause to be displayed, a red or orange water-ski flag, to indicate:
_ A downed skier
_ A skier in the water preparing to ski
_ A ski line extended for the vessel
_ A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel
The flag must be no less than 12 inches on each side and be in the shape of a square or rectangle. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Recreational vessels are required to carry specified safety equipment which may vary according to type of propulsion, type of construction, area and time of use, and number of people aboard. Unless otherwise noted, all required equipment must be Coast Guard approved and must be kept in good,serviceable condition, be readily accessible, and be of the proper type and/or size. Recreational vessels may carry extra equipment that is not Coast Guard approved—provided that the minimum requirements for approved equipmentare satisfied. For equipment purposes, sailboats, canoes, rowboats, andinflatable rafts equipped with motors are considered to be “motorboats”. Requirements vary considerably for commercial vessels and vessels engaged in racing.
16 FEET TO LESS THAN 26 FEET
Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device must be carried for each person aboard. They must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer. In addition, the vessel must carry an approved Type IV throwable device which should be immediately available. Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must be carried when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26
feet in length and of open construction. No portable extinguishers are required if an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. Backfire Flame Arrestor: A Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor is required for inboard gasoline motors which are not exposed to the atmosphere above the level of the gunwale.
Muffling System: An effective muffling system is required for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine. Unmodified outboards usually meet legal requirements. Ventilation System.
Sound Signaling Devices: A vessel of less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) must be able to provide a means of making an efficient sound signal but is not required to carry a whistle or bell.
Visual Distress Signals (Coastal Waters Only): All boats 16 feet or more in length must carry devices aboard at all times. Boaters must carry: EITHER
a) devices that are suitable for day use and devices suitable for night use,
OR b) devices that can be used for both day and night use (see page 43).
Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be kept in serviceable condition and be displayed between sunset and sunrise and at times of restricted visibility.
