Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
Iowa law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.
Reckless or Negligent Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of
water skis, a surfboard, or similar device is operating in a manner that causes
danger to the life, limb, or property of any person.
Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed or distance
while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vessel:
- At greater than “slow
- no wake speed” in any posted “no wake zone”
- At greater than 5 miles per hour (mph) within 100 feet of another vessel
that is underway at 5 mph or less
- At greater than 5 mph within 50 feet of another vessel that is underway at
greater than 5 mph
- At greater than 10 mph unless vision is unobstructed for at least 200 feet
ahead
- At greater than 10 mph within 300 feet of shore (except in specially zoned
areas) on any inland lake or federal impoundment
Overloading is loading the vessel with more passengers and crew than the
capacity number recorded on the Registration Certificate. It is illegal to
operate a vessel if its capacity would be exceeded by the persons in the vessel
plus the persons being towed on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device.
Overpowering is powering the vessel beyond the recommended carrying
horsepower shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
Interference with Search or Rescue is operating a vessel in areas in which
search-and-rescue operations are being conducted or in an area affected by a
natural disaster, unless authorized to be there by the officer in charge of the
operation. If authorized to enter, you must operate your vessel at a “slow, no
wake speed” and keep clear of all vessels engaged in the search-and-rescue or
disaster operation.
Leaving Vessel Unattended is leaving an unattended vessel tied or moored to
a dock that is placed immediately adjacent to a public boat launching ramp or
to a dock that is posted for loading and unloading. It also is illegal to leave a
vessel anchored away from the shore and unattended unless it is attached to a
mooring buoy. Permits are required for a mooring buoy. Applications may be
obtained through the Iowa DNR.
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