Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
Nevada law states that these dangerous operating practices are
illegal.
Negligent or Reckless 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. Examples of negligent or reckless
operation are:
- Riding on the bow, gunwale, transom,
or swim platform of a vessel while it is underway at a speed
greater than “no wake
speed”
- Maneuvering a towed skier or towed device such that the tow
rope passes over another vessel or its skier
- Operating a vessel or manipulating water skis, a surfboard,
or similar device so as to pass between a vessel and its tow
- Teak surfing or
platform dragging—where a person is hanging onto the swim platform
while a boat is moving or underway in order to surf his or her
body behind the boat
- Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with a vessel
Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining
a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically,
the following operations are illegal:
- Operating or allowing others to operate a vessel at greater
than “no wake speed” within:
- 100 feet of a person swimming
- 100 feet of a person being towed by another vessel
- 200 feet of a beach used by swimmers; a swimming float,
diving platform, or lifeline; or a landing float that has a vessel(s)
secured to it or that is being used to load or unload a vessel’s
passengers
- Operating a vessel at greater than “no
wake speed” on certain waters designated by the Nevada
Department of Wildlife, within all harbors, and within any
other marked speed zones
Operating in Exclusion Area is operating a vessel
within any marked exclusion area such as a swimming area or any
other area marked by signs or buoys.
Overloading is defined as loading the vessel
beyond the recommended capacity shown
on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
Failure To Use Ignition Safety Switch is an operator not attaching the lanyard of an ignition safety switch to his or her person if the vessel is equipped with a switch and is moving at a greater than "no wake speed."
Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel in a condition
that causes danger to the occupants or others on the waterways.
Peace officers may instruct the operator to take immediate corrective
action or terminate the voyage if the vessel is:
- Overloaded
- Equipped with insufficient personal flotation devices (life
jackets), fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation system,
or navigation lights
- Leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges
- Being operated in extremely adverse conditions
Failure to Follow Navigational Rules is operating
a vessel on Nevada waters in violation of the navigational
rules. Operators of all vessels must follow the inland navigational
rules.
|
