A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 2 u Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

OFFICER AUTHORITY Every peace officer of the state, city, county or harbor district is empowered to enforce general boating laws, navigation regulations, and local restrictions. Peace officers have the authority to stop and board any vessel where the peace officer has probable cause to believe that a violation of state law or regulations or local ordinance exists. The use of a distinctive blue light is reserved for law enforcement vessels. Any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, shall immediately slow, alter its course, and proceed at a reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the law enforcement vessel. Every vessel underway and lawfully ordered to stop by a peace officer or harbor policeman shall stop immediately and permit the peace officer or harbor police vessel to come alongside. Peace officers can order the operator of an unsafe vessel to shore. A vessel can be ordered to the nearest safe moorage if an unsafe condition is found that cannot be corrected on the spot and the officer believes continued operation of the vessel could be hazardous. Court-Ordered Boating Education ƒ ƒ Any person convicted of any moving violation in the Harbors and Navigation Code, the Federal Navigation Rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) while operating a vessel, must be ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by DBW. ƒ ƒ Proof of completion and passage of the course must be submitted to the court within seven months of the time of the conviction. False Search and Rescue Calls Anyone who reports to a state or local agency that an emergency exists knowing that the report is false is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, a fine up to $1,000, or by both imprisonment and fine. An emergency includes any condition that results in, or could result in, the response of a public official in an authorized emergency vehicle, vessel or aircraft. It is a felony anyone to falsely report to any state or government agency that an emergency exists when the reporter knows, or should know, that the response to the report is likely to cause death or great bodily injury to some- one as a result of the false report.

REMEMBER

Under the law, no person shall operate a vessel, or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or similar device in a reckless or negligent manner, endangering life, limb or property.

TAKE NOTE

Making a false emergency report is against the law and it can keep law enforcement officers from responding to real emergencies.

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California Boating  A Course for Safe Boating