It's the Law: On the Water
In addition to the laws mentioned previously,
here are some other Mississippi regulations that apply when
vessel operators are on the water.
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
Mississippi law prohibits reckless or negligent operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a
surfboard, or any similar device. Reckless operation or
manipulation is the failure to exercise the care necessary
to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property
of any other person. Examples of illegal and reckless
operation are:
- Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger,
injury, damage, or unnecessary inconvenience. Be
aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including
those marked as “idle speed” or “no wake speed.”
- Weaving your vessel through congested waterway
traffic or swerving at the last possible moment in order
to avoid collision.
- Jumping the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close
to the other vessel or when visibility around the other
vessel is restricted.
- Loading the vessel beyond the recommended capacity
shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel
manufacturer.
- Causing damage from the wake of your vessel.
- Boating in restricted areas
without regard for other
boaters or persons, posted
speeds and wake restrictions,
diver-down flags,
etc.
- Allowing passengers to
ride on the bow, gunwale,
transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other
place where there may be a chance of falling overboard.
(It also interferes with the operator’s visibility and the
stability of the vessel.)
- Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your
vessel.
In addition to the above examples of reckless or negligent
operation, Mississippi Ordinance No. 16.003 states that
on marine waters south of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10),
it is illegal for vessel operators to:
- Operate at an excessive speed within 100 feet of
another occupied vessel except in a crossing situation or
when overtaking in accordance with the navigation rules.
- Jump, or attempt to jump, the wake of another vessel
within 100 feet of that vessel.
- Follow within 100 feet of a water-skier.
- Create a potentially damaging wake within 100 feet of:
- Harbors, public marinas, or anywhere else vessels are
typically docked or…
- Any public boat launching ramp facility.
- Operate the vessel with passengers positioned such that
they block the operator’s view of other waterway traffic
or of persons and objects in the water.
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