It's the Law: On the Water

Unlawful Operation of a Vessel

In Iowa, 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 (the most common violation) 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
  • At greater than 25 mph between one-half hour after sunset and sunrise on any lake in Dickinson County
  • At greater than 10 mph between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise on Lake Delhi

“Slow, No Wake Speed”—This is a speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake. “Wake” means any movement of water created by a vessel that adversely affects the activities of another person or that may adversely affect the natural features of the shoreline.

• 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 legal mooring buoy. Permits are required for a mooring buoy. Applications may be obtained through the Iowa DNR.

Remember—As an owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of your vessel.