Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation
Oklahoma law states that these dangerous operating practices are
illegal.
Reckless Operation of a vessel or the reckless
manipulation of water skis, a parasail, a surfboard, or similar
device 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:
- Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters
or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down
flags, etc.
- Failing to stop or yield to an authorized emergency vessel
making an audible or visible signal
- Operating, or giving permission to operate, a vessel when wind
warnings have been posted or other hazardous weather conditions
exist that pose a risk to persons or property
Careless Operation is operating, or giving permission
to operate, a vessel in a manner that is not careful and prudent.
Examples of careless operation are:
- Parking, mooring, or beaching
a vessel within or at the edge of a marked swimming area
- Causing danger or damage from the wake of
your vessel
Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining
a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel or while towing
a person on water skis or any similar device. The following operations
are illegal:
- Operating, or giving permission to operate, a vessel at speeds
greater than are reasonable or proper given the existing waterway
traffic, persons in the water, and weather conditions
- Exceeding any posted speed limits
- Operating, or giving permission to operate, a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” or “idle speed” in a posted “no wake” zone
- Operating, or giving permission to operate, a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” or “idle speed” within 150 feet of any boat ramp, a dock or pier, or an anchored or moored vessel
- Operating a vessel on public waters at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour while within 50 feet of another vessel
Overloading or Overpowering is loading a vessel with passengers or gear beyond the recommended capacity or powering a vessel beyond the recommended horsepower. The recommended capacity and horsepower are those shown on the capacity plate installed by the manufacturer or those recommended by the USCG.
 Riding
on the Bow, Deck, Gunwale, or Seat Back is allowing
passengers to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard while
operating at greater than idle
speed. Specifically, the following practices are unlawful:
- Sitting or riding on the gunwales or
the back of any seat on a boat while underway at a speed greater
than idle speed
- Sitting or riding on the covered bow or
front or back deck of a boat while underway at greater than idle
speed unless the boat has side walkways or walk-through access
to areas that are surrounded by life rails, deck rails, bow rails,
or other enclosures extending at least 24 inches above the deck
- Extending an arm or leg over the edge of the boat above or
below the railing, or standing on the covered bow of a boat traveling
at greater than idle speed
Hazardous Condition is operating a vessel in
a condition that causes a hazard to those on board. For any of
the following problems, peace officers may instruct the operator to return
to mooring and remain there until the problem is fixed.
- There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers,
backfire flame arrestors, or navigation lights.
- The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
- Any other unsafe condition exists.
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