Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
A. It is unlawful to operate motorboats or
vessels or manipulate any similar device on any Commission-owned or -controlled
WMA or on any NWR as follows:
1. Weaving
through congested vessel traffic;
2. Jumping the wake of another vessel too
close to such other vessel;
3.
Operating a vessel when visibility is obstructed;
4. Moving at a speed that exceeds the safe
and reasonable limits under the circumstances or that creates a hazardous wash
or wake upon approaching or passing vessels;
5. Inattentive operation;
6. Failure to keep a proper
lookout;
7. Failure to observe
navigation rules;
8. Colliding
with, striking, or bumping another vessel, object, or person;
9. Operating while intoxicated or under the
influence of any narcotic drug, barbiturate, or marijuana or while under any
physical or mental disability so as to be incapable of operating safely under
the circumstances;
10. Swerving at
the last possible moment to avoid collision where correction reasonably could
have been made earlier;
11.
Otherwise operating a vessel in a manner that endangers life, limb, or
property;
12. Impeding the normal
and reasonable movement of boating traffic, except when reduced speed is
necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law of
regulations;
13. With the exception
of meeting oncoming boats, all boating traffic must proceed in single-file with
no passing allowed, except limited passing may occur (i) when boats have exited
the current direction of travel or are no longer under power, or (ii) when an
overtaking boat is capable of passing without coming closer than 100 feet to
another boat and at a rate of speed that will not create a hazardous wash or
wake; or
14. All boating traffic on
the WMA or NWR must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet (approximately
6-boat lengths) between boats proceeding in the same direction of
travel.
B. It is
unlawful to negligently engage in any of the prohibited acts listed in
subsection (A) above on any Commission-owned or -controlled WMA or on any
NWR.
C. It is unlawful to
recklessly or intentionally engage in any of the prohibited acts listed in
subsection (A) above on any Commission-owned or -controlled WMA or on any NWR.
PENALTIES:
For negligent operation: Class 2
For reckless or intentional operation: Class 3
In addition, any person convicted of a violation of this
regulation will be prohibited from entering upon all
WMAs or NWRs for a period of 1 year from the date of
conviction.
