When Boating in Louisiana Which of the following Actions Would Be Legal

You may not operate a motorboat or boat or alter water skiing, surfboards or similar equipment while drunk or under the influence of narcotics, barbiturates or marijuana. It is also illegal for a person who owns or is in charge of a vessel to knowingly permit or permit any person who is intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic, barbiturate or marijuana to operate the vessel. Have you encountered an accident, injury, or other problem that affects one or more of these Louisiana requirements for boats and operators? Whether or not you`re to blame for a boating accident, you simply can`t expect the result to go away just because it didn`t happen on land. Instead, you need a lawyer to help you in this situation. Louisiana`s boat laws require a certificate of ownership for vessels valued at more than $2,500 or equipped with an outboard motor. Certificates can be requested within 60 days of the purchase of a boat or outboard motor and must be issued at the time of the first transfer. A permit is required to transfer or transfer such a vessel. Do not operate a boat in an area designated by buoys or any other distinctive features as a swimming, swimming or otherwise regulated area under Louisiana law. Last but not least is the issue of life jackets, and that`s where they caught me! Remember that I mentioned being the boatmaster when we were arrested? This means that I was solely responsible for every violation of the law. My fifteen-year-old daughter wasn`t wearing her life jacket.

Of course, I was wrong, because the law states that children under sixteen must always wear a life jacket when sailing. This law changed ten years ago, and I irresponsibly failed to draw attention to that change. We were ticketed with a $50 fine. Louisiana law requires all boaters born after January 1, 1984, to complete a boat training course and be in possession of a certificate of completion to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. The person can drive the boat if accompanied by a person over 18 years old who has completed the course if necessary. The minimum age for boater training certification in Louisiana is 10 years. Teens under the age of 10 can take the course, but are not eligible for certification and must retake the course to earn certification if they are 10 years of age or older. A person holding a license issued by the USCG as a master to operate a vessel is exempt from the regulations. Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is punishable under Louisiana`s boat laws. Details on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and other items can be found in the table below. If you plan to be on the water this summer, take care of your environment and protect these children! Please do not follow the boat too closely and always watch out for skiers in the water.

Teach your children to hold the ski/knee, wakeboard high in the water when they fall. This may be the only defense they have in the water! It is important to know, understand and comply with Louisiana requirements for boats and operators. These laws apply to you if you are involved in a shipping accident at sea. Get acquainted with them, then contact Shlosman Law Firm and explain your situation. We have been working in the NOLA community for years and have handled many cases involving the law of the sea and we are ready to help you with your case as well. The Marine Pollution Prevention from Ships Act (MARPOL ANNEX V) restricts the discharge of waste from ships. It is illegal to dump plastic waste anywhere in the ocean or navigable waters of the United States. It is also illegal to dump garbage in navigable waters of the United States. The disposal of other types of garbage is permitted outside certain distances off the coast, depending on the type of garbage. While this list is not exhaustive, it includes Louisiana`s most important requirements for boats and operators. Before you get out on the water, you should familiarize yourself with this list.

These requirements were taken from the LA Wildlife & Fisheries page, which should be consulted for more details. Also, keep in mind that legal requirements may vary depending on the size of your vessel. U.S. seagoing vessels of 40 feet or more engaged in trade or equipped with a galley and berth must have a written waste management plan that outlines procedures for collecting, treating, storing, and unloading waste and designates the person responsible for implementing the plan. For more information about boating safety in Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Persons born after January 1, 1984 may not operate a motorboat or personal watercraft propelled by an engine of more than 10 horsepower unless they have successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The person may operate a motorboat if accompanied by a person over 18 years of age who has completed the course if necessary (this provision does NOT apply to personal watercraft). Such persons must be in possession of proof of completion of the approved voyage when operating such a vessel. In Louisiana, anyone over the age of 10 who has successfully completed the nautical training course is eligible to operate a boat independently.

Yes, your ten-year-old child has the right to go alone on a boat. I was shocked by this one. I don`t know many ten-year-olds who are willing and able to take on the responsibility of boating without help. The minimum legal age for the independent operation of a jet ski is sixteen years. Note: State laws can always change through the passage of new laws, decisions in higher courts (including federal decisions), voting initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most up-to-date information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to review the state laws you are seeking. Created by FindLaw`s team of writers and legal writers| Last updated on December 02, 2016 This is the one that really surprised me. Anyone who lives in Louisiana knows that alcohol and boating often go hand in hand. However, I never knew that drinking and driving is legal when I drive a motorboat. Yes, you read that right! You can drink alcohol while driving a boat without penalty. The prerequisite is that you must not have a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08. I imagine this law has two sides: 1.

Those who absolutely like to be able to drink legally, party and go boating all day 2. Those of you who, like me, fear for the safety of your families! Whether you`re looking for Crawdad or sailing in the Gulf, ship operators need to be aware of Louisiana`s boat laws. If you are involved in an accident or have a complaint about how your boat was sold or manufactured, you should contact a lawyer to find out the possible serious consequences. Contact an attorney in Louisiana to better understand your legal situation and options. An operator involved in a vessel accident, collision or other accident must immediately stop his or her vessel at the scene of the accident. The operator must also assist injured persons or attempt to minimize the danger caused by the incident, unless doing so poses a serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers. I have been an avid boater all my life. Few things bring me more joy than a day on the water separated from phones, jobs, and the business of life. Until last weekend, I thought I was well equipped and knowledgeable about Louisiana`s boat laws.

An encounter with wildlife and fishing during a boat security check proved me wrong. I was aware that a lot had changed since I was growing up on the water; However, I embarrassingly admit that I never took the time to read the fine print. All boaters born after January 1, 1984 must complete a boat training course and hold a certificate of completion to operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more. Many boaters in Louisiana must take a boating safety course in order to operate a boat. No licence is required and the boater training document is not a licence as it does not expire. For more information about these requirements, see the following table. Just as important as the requirements of the vessel are the requirements for the operators. Many may not know that not following these laws can have serious legal consequences, even if you are in open water. Make sure you learn about these laws and agree to follow them, it is important to be educated as much as possible to protect yourself and others.

All persons on board a motorboat less than 16 feet propelled by an outboard motor must wear a PFD I, II, III or V approved by the U.S. Coast Guard during navigation. Boat operators who drive drunk (DWI) with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more are subject to the same penalties as a person who drives a vehicle while intoxicated on the road.