Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
Arkansas law states that these dangerous operating practices are
illegal.
Reckless Operation of any motorboat or
vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, aquaplane, or
other device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the
life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of reckless operation
are:
- Weaving through congested waterway traffic
- Operating within 100 feet of a towboat that is underway
- Jumping the wake of another
vessel too close to that vessel or when visibility around the
other vessel is obstructed
- Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision
- Chasing or harassing wildlife with your motorboat or vessel
Negligent Operation is operating a vessel in
a negligent manner, such as:
- Not paying attention to the operation of the vessel
- Failing to keep a proper lookout
- Failing to observe the navigation
rules
- Operating in such a way that your vessel collides with another
vessel or object
- Operating a motorboat equipped by the manufacturer with a
lanyard-type ignition safety switch without attaching the lanyard
to their person, clothing, or PFD
Grossly Negligent Operation is operating a vessel
or manipulating water skis, aquaplane, or other device in a manner
that results in serious injury or death.
Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining
a proper speed or distance while operating a motorboat. Specifically,
it is illegal to operate a motorboat:
- In a manner or at a speed that exceeds the safe and reasonable
limits under existing circumstances
- At greater than “slow,
no wake” speed in any posted “no wake” zone
- At a rate of speed that creates a hazardous wash or wake on
approaching or passing vessels; for example, a wake that causes
other vessels to take on water or a wake sufficient to toss occupants
of other vessels about in a manner that causes injury or the
risk of injury
- At greater than “no
wake” speed within 100 feet of a designated recreation
area, dock, pier, raft, float, anchored vessel, dam, intake
structure, or other obstruction unless a different speed limit
has been established in the area.
 Overloading
or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond
the recommended carrying
capacity or horsepower shown on the capacity plate installed
by the vessel manufacturer. In addition, it is illegal to load
a vessel without a capacity plate in a manner that is unsafe
or that results in the vessel sinking or capsizing.
Riding on the Bow, Gunwales, or Transom is allowing
passengers to ride or sit on the gunwales or
on the decking over the bow while
underway on a motorboat 26 feet or less in length unless the motorboat
is equipped with adequate guards or a railing to prevent passengers
from being lost overboard.
This restriction does not apply to persons helping to moor or cast
off a motorboat.
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