Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 595 - Department of Public Safety
Chapter 45 - Boating and Water Safety
Subchapter 1 - General Provisions
Section 595:45-1-2 - Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this Chapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Administering entity" means the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, the Grand River Dam Authority, or any other municipal, county, state or federal government entity that manages, maintains or otherwise controls any waters of this state under their jurisdiction.

"Approved" means vessel devices or equipment approved by the United States Coast Guard or Secretary of United States Department of Transportation.

"Associated equipment" means a system, accessory, component, marine safety article or appurtenance of a recreational vessel excluding radio equipment.

"Builder" means person who constructs or assembles one or more vessels per year or modifies any vessel carrying a plate in such a manner as to change its weight capacity.

"Other unsafe conditions" means a vessel that:

(A) does not display proper lights during prescribed times;

(B) is operated by an individual who is under the influence of alcohol or any substance included in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act [63 O.S. § 2-101 et seq.];

(C) has fuel leakage from either the fuel system or the engine, or has an accumulation of fuel in the bilges;

(D) does not meet applicable ventilation requirements;

(E) is operated in hazardous weather or water conditions; or

(F) is operated under any condition which would be deemed by a reasonable person as a risk to life or property.

"Port" means:

(A) the left side of a vessel facing forward, or

(B) a geographical destination or harbor.

"Rules of the waterways" means nautical traffic rules for preventing collisions on water.

"Starboard" means right side of a vessel facing forward.

"Termination of unsafe use" means reasonable steps necessary to correct an unsafe condition for the safety for those on board, including directing operator to proceed to nearest 0mooring and remain there until the unsafe condition or hazard has been corrected.

"Traffic lane" means unobstructed passageway on water for which vessels pass upon; open water for vessel traffic.

"True emergency" means a situation where there is a high probability of death or serious injury or significant property loss; where the action of the officer could reduce the severity of the situation.

"Visual distress signals" means signals by flag, dye marker, flare, smoke, light, sound or arm signals.

Amended at 10 Ok Reg 3219, eff 6-25-93; Amended at 12 Ok Reg 3271, eff 7-28-95; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 3182, eff 7-12-99; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2723, eff 7-15-02; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 3037, eff 7-25-04