Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation Of A Vessel
Louisiana law states that these dangerous operating practices
are illegal.
Reckless Operation is operating a vessel in a
manner that causes danger to others or their property. Examples
of illegal, reckless operation are:
- Boating in a restricted area such as a marked swimming area
- Weaving through congested waterway traffic
- Swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
- Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel
 Careless
Operation of a vessel is operating a vessel in a careless
manner or at a rate of speed that does not allow the vessel to
come to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. Examples
of illegal, careless operation are:
- Causing danger or damage from the wake of your vessel
- Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury, or
damage; be aware of and obey all regulatory markers
“No Wake” Zones: “No wake” zones have been
established on all Louisiana waterways within 300 feet of:
- A boat ramp that is open to the general public
- A dock adjacent to a boat ramp that is open
to the general public. Vessels must be operated at “bare
steerage speed” and
produce no wake
Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers
to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard while
underway on a powerboat 26 feet or less in length. Specifically,
this means allowing passengers to ride on the covered bow or gunwales,
unless the powerboat has adequate guards or a railing to prevent
falls overboard.
Overloading is loading the vessel beyond its
safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration the weather and
other operating conditions.
Overpowering is equipping the vessel with a motor
that is beyond its safe power capacity, taking into consideration
the type and construction of the vessel and other operating conditions.
Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel in a
condition that causes a hazard to the occupants or others on the
waterways. Enforcement officers may instruct the operator to immediately
take corrective action or return to port if:
- There are insufficient personal flotation devices,
fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or
navigation lights.
- The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
- The vessel is leaking fuel.
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