DVL and Lake Skinner are drinking source reservoirs and, therefore no body contact is allowed. To comply with the “no-body-contact” requirement, the public must observe the following restrictions:

1. No PWCs of any type are allowed.
2. Boats shall not pull individuals or any recreational equipment (e.g., inner tubes, skis, boards, etc.).
3. All boats must be a minimum of 12 feet in length, minimum of 42 inches wide, and must have at least 12 inches of freeboard at idle speed.
4. Multi-hulled vessel without solid and fixed decking shall not be allowed.
5. Only sea kayaks at least 10 feet in length that provide seating for all passengers inside the craft. Rolling over kayaks is prohibited
6. Boats with sink drains and flush toilets must have the sinks and toilets rendered inoperable, or designed so that no waste can be discharged into the lake. Dye tablets may be added by lake personnel to test for leaks

• RCSA Sections 15-121-A11 and 15-121-A12, which deal with personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers, are repealed because they have been rendered obsolete by changes in state law;
• RCSA Section 15-121-B5 and 15-121-B5a are amended, and RCSA Section 15-121-B5(f) is added to implement changes regarding the acquisition and renewal of marine dealer registration numbers.  In combination these changes provide marine surveyors access to marine dealer registration numbers and increase the access of yacht brokers to such numbers by waiving the requirement that a qualifying broker maintain an established place of business.  An annual $100 fee is established for each marine dealer registration number, an increase from the current fee of $50 and consistent with the doubling of fees required under Connecticut Public Act (PA) 09-3.  Also, a one-time examination fee of $280 is established for a first-time applicant for a marine dealer registration number;
• RCSA Section 15-121-B14 is amended to express the Commissioner’s authority to make a temporary speed zone in association with a permitted marine event and in the interest of public safety;
• RCSA Section 15-121-B15o is added at the request of the local Harbor Management Commission to make the entire Mystic River a Slow-No-Wake zone;
• Subsection (a) of RCSA section 15-121-B18 is amended to expand the list of waterbodies where law enforcement agencies or other governmental vessels being used in the performance of official duties or an emergency are exempt from speed limits or other local constraints;
• RCSA Sections  15-140f-1, 15-140f-3, 15-140f-4, and 14-140j-3 are changed to accommodate long range plans to shift DEP’s role from teaching boating safety to providing education oversight, to allow the Commissioner to approve online boating safety courses as an option for obtaining safe boating education that leads to certification; to codify the doubling of fees set by regulation as required by PA 09-3, and to track and issue safe boating certificates and certificates of personal watercraft operation through DEP’s online sportsmen licensing system;
• RCSA Section 15-140f-5 is amended to require residents of the state who hold reciprocal-state boating credentials to also obtain Connecticut-issued boating credentials within 90 days of obtaining residency; and
• RCSA Sections 15-140f-2, 15-140f-4, 15-140j-1, 15-140j-2 and 15-140j-3 are amended to change the rules for equivalency examinations so that a person may sit for such an examination only once, and to raise the fee for such examination from $25 to $75.

All fire extinguishers must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, fully charged, and readily accessible.  When looking for an extinguisher at a store or marine dealer, it is important to look for the words “U.S. Coast Guard Approved” right on the carton.   Although two sizes of extinguishers are approved for recreational craft (B-I or B-II), most extinguishers on the market will be B-I. The words “Marine Type USCG Type BC-Size I” will be in small letters right on the extin- guisher’s label along with the approval number. The letter “B” means the extinguisher will put out flammable liquid fires. The letter “C” means it can also be used for electrical fires.

State of Wisconsin, invites you to safely enjoy the recreational opportunities available on our waterways. Wisconsin is rich with locations to enjoy time on the water including more than 15,000 lakes and many miles of rivers in addition to access to the Great Lakes Michigan, Superior and the Mississippi River. This regulation handbook is provided to give you knowledge of Wisconsin’s Boating laws. It also includes safety tips and recommended practices.

If you have additional questions, contact the DNR’s information desk at 1-888-936-7463 or visit dnr.wi.gov. Federal laws can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard’s website at www.uscgboating.org. New Since 2009 – new regulations to be aware of 1. It is illegal to transport invasive species, see page 14 for more details. 2. It is illegal to operate a vessel within 100 feet of the shore of any lake at greater than slow-no-wake speed, see page 15 for more details. Many of you are already experienced boaters, as you take to the water this year please take the time to educate a person who may be new to boating by explaining safe boating practices, boating laws and rules.

Experienced and novice boaters alike need to be mindful that our waters are being shared by many users with various interests. It is crucial to always be respectful of others. Historically, most of Wisconsin’s boating fatalities have occurred in small boats with victims who were not wearing lifejackets. Statistics also show that many accidents involve the use of alcohol and drugs. Boat responsibly by always wearing your lifejacket and designating a sober operator. At the DNR, we wish you an enjoyable and safe boating experience on Wisconsin’s waters.

If you apply for a new boat registration or renew an existing one in person at a deputy registrar (any- place you get your auto license) or the DNR License Center, you will receive your boat license decal and registration card on the spot. If you apply through the mail, it will probably take several weeks before you receive your decal and card. Sign your license and keep it on board when you use it.

If you are operating a non-motorized canoe, kayak, rowing shell, paddle boat, sailboard or sailboat you don’t have to carry the license with you. However, if an enforcement officer asks to see it, you must produce it within a reasonable time. The owner of rented watercraft may keep the license certificate at the place the boat is rented from. The name of the rental business must be printed on both sides of the rear half of the watercraft in letters at least three inches high. The number issued to your boat appears on the license. Except for non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, paddle boats, sailboards and sailboats, this number must be displayed on the forward half of the hull on each side of the craft (see illustration on page 6 ). The letters and numerals must be at least three inches high, of a block character, and contrast with the background. They can be painted or attached to the craft. They should read from left to right and must always be legible. Before applying decals or numbers on the wa- tercraft, make sure the surface is free of dirt, grease, water, oil and wax. When you place your number on your boat, leave a 2 to 3 inch space – or provide a hyphen – between the MN and the four-digit number.

Leave another 2 to 3 inch space or hyphen between the number and the two letters which fol- low. Place the validation decal to the stern or rear of the license number within four inches of the license number (see illustration below). Remember, only the current decal must be visible. Remove the expired decals first, before applying the new ones.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) administers all boat titling and registration of recreational boats in Virginia. All motorboats used on the public waters of Virginia must be registered and titled. If the motorboat is principally used on the public waters of Virginia it must be registered and titled in Virginia as opposed to another state.

• A Certificate of Title (title) and a Certificate of Number (registration) are required for all watercraft propelled by machinery, including , but not limited to, gasoline, diesel, and electric motors. • A title alone is required for sail-powered vessels in excess of 18′ in length, even if they do not have a motor, all other non-motorized boats do not require registration or titling.

• Boats used only on private waters do not require registration or titling. • New watercraft must be registered or have a temporary registration before they may be operated on the public waters of Virginia. • Used watercraft with a current, valid registration may be operated for 30 days on the previous owner’s registration if a copy of the dated bill of sale and the registration card are carried aboard the watercraft.

• If there is no valid registration or the registration has expired, used watercraft must be registered or have a temporary registration before being operated on the public waters.

The registration sticker shows the month and the year that the registration expires. Attach each sticker in line with the registration numbers on each side of the hull, and three inches toward the stern of the boat.

NRS 488.730 Operation of certain motorboats on interstate waters of State by persons born on or after January 1, 1983: Requirements; presentation to peace officer of certain documentation; duties of certain persons engaged in business of renting or leasing motorboats.

1. A person born on or after January 1, 1983, shall not operate a motorboat that has a motor which exceeds 15 horsepower on any interstate waters of this State unless the operator:

(a) Has:

(1) Successfully completed a course in safe boating that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or passed a proficiency examination if the examination was proctored and tested the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of such a course; and

(2) Received a certificate as evidence of successful completion of the course or passage of the examination;

(b) Possesses a license to operate a vessel issued for maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard pursuant to 46 C.F.R. Part 10 or an equivalent license issued by the Canadian Coast Guard;

(c) Possesses a nonrenewable temporary operator’s permit to operate the motorboat which is valid for 60 days and was issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership;

(d) Possesses a rental or lease agreement provided pursuant to subsection 3 which lists the person as an authorized operator of the motorboat; or

(e) Is not a resident of this State, is at least 18 years of age, is temporarily using the interstate waters of this State for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days and satisfies any applicable requirements of the person’s state of residency or province relating to the operation of a motorboat.

2. A person born on or after January 1, 1983, who is operating a motorboat that has a motor which exceeds 15 horsepower on any interstate waters of this State and who is stopped by a game warden, sheriff or other peace officer in the enforcement of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall present to the game warden, sheriff or peace officer:

(a) The certificate received by the person pursuant to subparagraph (2) of paragraph (a) of subsection 1;

(b) A license described in paragraph (b) of subsection 1;

(c) An operator’s permit for the motorboat described in paragraph (c) of subsection 1;

(d) A rental or lease agreement for the motorboat provided pursuant to subsection 3 which lists the person as an authorized operator of the motorboat; or

(e) Proof that the person satisfies the requirements of paragraph (e) of subsection 1.

Ê Failure to present the certificate, license, permit, agreement or proof constitutes prima facie evidence of a violation of subsection 1. A person who fails to present the certificate, license, permit, agreement or proof is guilty of a misdemeanor unless the person presents the required documents in court. The documents must prove that the person was operating the motorboat in compliance with this section on the date of the violation.

3. A person or an agent or employee of a person engaged in the business of renting or leasing motorboats for operation on the interstate waters of this State shall not rent or lease a motorboat that has a motor which exceeds 15 horsepower to any person born on or after January 1, 1983, for operation on the interstate waters of this State unless the person:

(a) Is 18 years of age or older; and

(b) Signs an affidavit that the person:

(1) Has successfully completed a course in safe boating that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or has passed a proficiency examination that was proctored and tests knowledge of the information included in the curriculum of such a course;

(2) Possesses a license to operate a vessel issued for maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard pursuant to 46 C.F.R. Part 10 or an equivalent license issued by the Canadian Coast Guard; or

(3) Is not a resident of this State, is temporarily using the interstate waters of this State for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days and satisfies any applicable requirements of the person’s state of residency or province relating to the operation of a motorboat.

4. A person or an agent or employee of a person engaged in the business of renting or leasing motorboats for operation on the interstate waters of this State shall list on each rental or lease agreement for a motorboat the name and age of each person who is authorized to operate the motorboat. The person to whom the motorboat is rented or leased shall ensure that only those persons who are listed as authorized operators are allowed to operate the motorboat. A person who is under 16 years of age may:

(a) Be listed as an authorized operator.

(b) Operate the motorboat only if an authorized operator who is 18 years of age or older is on board the motorboat and supervises the person.

5. A person or an agent or employee of a person engaged in the business of renting or leasing motorboats for operation on the interstate waters of this State shall provide to each authorized operator of a motorboat a summary of the statutes and regulations governing the operation of a motorboat and instructions regarding the safe operation of the motorboat. Each person who is listed as an authorized operator of the motorboat shall review the summary of the statutes, regulations and instructions before the motorboat departs from the rental or leasing office.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 1717)

      NRS 488.580  Operation of personal watercraft.
      1.  A person shall not operate or authorize another person to operate a personal watercraft under his or her ownership or control:
      (a) In a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life or property of another person.
      (b) Unless the operator and each passenger is wearing a personal flotation device of a type approved by the United States Coast Guard and prescribed by the regulations of the Commission.
      (c) Unless the operator is at least 14 years of age.
      (d) Unless the operator satisfies any applicable provisions of NRS 488.730.
      2.  There is prima facie evidence that a person is operating a personal watercraft in a reckless or negligent manner if that person commits two or more of the following acts simultaneously:
      (a) Operates the personal watercraft within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, unless both are leaving a flat wake or traveling at a speed of not more than 5 nautical miles per hour.
      (b) Operates the personal watercraft in the vicinity of a motorboat in a manner that obstructs the visibility of either operator.
      (c) Heads into the wake of a motorboat which is within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel and causes one-half or more of the length of the personal watercraft to leave the water.
      (d) Within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, maneuvers quickly, turns sharply or swerves, unless the maneuver is necessary to avoid collision.
      3.  As used in this section, “personal watercraft” means a class A motorboat which:
      (a) Is less than 13 feet in length;
      (b) Is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on, rather than in, the motorboat;
      (c) Is capable of performing sharp turns or quick maneuvers; and
      (d) Has a motor that exceeds 10 horsepower.
      (Added to NRS by 1991, 852; A 2001, 1719, 1948; 2003, 74)

Prepare Your Boat for Summer! There are many items to check and recheck before launching a boat for the first summertime trip. If you want professional help, find a good boat mechanic and take your boat in for a full inspection and tune up. The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts free vessel safety checks throughout the year, and they will check all your safety equipment to make sure you are ready for the water. If you do decide to “do it yourself” look below at the list of ten items to keep in mind before setting your boat on the water:
1. Check Life Jackets: Life Jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on your boat. Ensure that they are still serviceable, with no rips, tears or other defects. Also make sure the kids’ jackets still fit.
2. Check Fire Extinguisher: Fire extinguishers have a habit of discharging over the winter. Make sure you still have a fire extinguisher in your boat and that it is still charged.
3. Registration Check: All boat registrations expire on December 31 of each year. Make sure you get a current decal on your boat before heading out.
4. Charge Batteries: This is an important on often-overlooked mechanical issue. No power, no boating. Charge batteries and make sure they hold that charge.
5. Electronics and Lights: Electronics can fail over the winter even without use. You should also make sure you navigation lights still work and examine exposed wiring for cracks and wear. Make sure that bilge pump still works.
6. Test Engine and Components: Go ahead and fire up the boat before you leave the driveway. Don’t forget your “outboard ears”—a device that cools the engine out of the water. Starting the boat before you leave can save you real agony, time and hassle at the boat ramp.
7. The Hull: Just walk around the hull to make sure it’s not cracked or damaged. A lot can happen in a year. Also make sure you have the plug for your boat and it is in good condition.
8. Tune up the Trailer: The trailer wheel bearings need to be greased before you leave the driveway. If you have a winch and other equipment, make sure it works.
9. Ski and Tow Check: Tubes, skis and other equipment must also be maintained. Rubber seals and inflatable devices can crack and leak. Make sure they are all ready to go, and don’t forget to bring your orange ski flag if you are going to tow someone.
10. Gas up and Go: It’s always a good idea to replace the gas from last year. Make sure your fuel lines are connected properly and have no cracks or damage.

Application to register a vessel may be made at any office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Upon receipt of the required information and fees, DMV will issue a Certificate of Number, a Certificate of Ownership, and a set of registration stickers.

The boat registration number is the number (beginning with CF) shown on the certificates. Upon registration, your vessel may be subject to Use Tax based on the purchase price if it is acquired out-of-state or from a private party. For additional information regarding Use Tax, contact your local Board of Equalization or DMV office.

The Certificate of Ownership is your evidence of title to the vessel and, therefore, should be kept in a safe place. Certificates issued will also contain the boat’s identifying number (known as the hull identification number), which is the number permanently marked on the transom by the manufacturer or builder, or the number assigned by DMV and marked on the transom by the owner.

The reverse side of the Certificate of Ownership is an application for transfer of ownership. The Certificate of Number, or temporary Certificate of Number, must be available for inspection on the vessel whenever it is being used on the water. Proper display of the current registration stickers on the vessel next to the CF number is required to permit enforcement officers to determine, without boarding, that the vessel is currently registered.

Several operating characteristics distinguish PWC. It is expected that PWC operators will fall overboard as a normal part of operation. For this reason, most models have safety lanyards or “kill switches” that are connected to the operator’s wrist to ensure that the vessel stops when the operator falls off.

It is also expected that PWC will roll over in the water; in effect, they capsize on a regular basis. PWC owners manuals include procedures for uprighting a capsized vessel. According to an international group working on PWC guidelines, in traditional boats, falling overboard would be considered the first event of a boating accident, and capsizing and swamping are also considered to be boating accidents or emergency situations.

But for PWC, these are expected events; consequently, PWC are designed and constructed with somewhat different objectives than traditional boats

It is a violation of California law to operate a vessel’s motor or generator while a person is: (1) teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the vessel, or (2) while someone is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder, except for a very brief period of time when a person is assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law enforcement or emergency rescue activity.

Teak surfing or platform dragging means holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of the transom of a motorized vessel for any amount of time while the vessel is underway at any speed. The law requires that a set of carbon monoxide warning stickers be placed on the transom and helm of all new and used motorized boats sold in California.

The Department of Motor Vehicles sends the set with all new vessel registrations. For a pamphlet on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and a set of warning decals, visit www.dbw.ca.gov, call (888) 326-2822, or write to Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815.

The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The system employs a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers, and light characteristics to show the side on which a buoy should be passed when proceeding in a given direction.

The characteristics are determined by the position of the buoy with respect to the navigable channels as the channels are entered from seaward. The expression “red right returning” has long been used by the seafarer as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (left) side.

Conversely, when proceeding toward the sea or leaving port, red buoys are kept to port side and green buoys to the starboard side. Red buoys are always even numbered. Green buoys are odd numbered. Red and white vertically striped buoys mark the center of the channel..