Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Section 8 Wisconsin State Boating Laws Revised 2015

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Exotic Species: Wisconsin statutes prohibit launching a boat, boat trailer, or boating equipment if there are any aquatic plants or zebra mussels attached. Inspect your boat, trailer, bilge, live wells, and bait containers for visible plants, animals, & mud. Do not transport to other bodies of water. Dry boats & equipment for at least 5 days. Environmental Regulations

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Hull Identification Number: Boats built after 1972 Engraved or permanently attached to transom Similar to VIN of auto Federal Documented Vessels: Must be registered with Wisconsin Follow USCG guidelines Registration

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Certificate of Number (Registration): Must be carried aboard vessel Expires on March 31 Good for 3 years ALL – except: non-motorized - under 16 feet, canoes, kayaks Registered in other states & in Wisconsin for 60 days or less Registration

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Registration Numbers and Validation Decal Display: Affixed to bow – both sides 3 inch BLOCK letters Validation Decal: space 3” after letters Contrasting colors to bow Space or hyphen between letters and numbers Example: WS 3717 ZW or WS-3717-ZW No other numbers displayed on bow Registration

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Valid Boating Safety Certificate - Issued By: WI DNR United States Coast Guard Auxiliary United Sates Power Squadrons Other NASBLA approved course providers Boat Rentals - Must Meet: Wisconsin age requirements (16 for PWC) Boating Safety Certificate requirements Boat Operation

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Boat Safety Education Wisconsin boating safety certification or out-of-state equivalent certification is required for operators born on or after January 1,

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Navigation Lights: (Displayed Sunset to Sunrise, periods of restricted visibility) Motorboats: One White light visible for 2 miles (All Around), Combination Red (Port side) & Green (Starboard side) attached so the light shows directly ahead to 225 Degrees Non-motorized: Must carry a White light and displayed in sufficient time to avoid collisions. Visible for 2 mile distance Boat Operation

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Who May Operate: Less than 12 years old: Never 12–15 years old: Valid Boat Safety Certificate AND Parental permission is not a substitute for boat safety certificate. 16 years and older: Valid Boat Safety Certificate Minimum age to rent PWC Operation

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Boat Battery: Must be secured against shifting & Both negative and positive terminals must be covered. (Covered battery box with straps works best) Fire Extinguisher: Unlawful to operate a motorboat, except outboards of open construction, without fire extinguisher of the size, type, and number as specified Equipment Requirement

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Fire Extinguisher Requirement by boat size and class: A = Less than 16’ = 1 size B-1 1 = 16’, less than 26’ = 1 size B-1 2 = 26’, less than 40’ = 2 size B-1 or 1 size B-2 3 = 40’, and over = 3 size B-1 or 1 size B-2 & 1 B-1 Gasoline Inboard boat engine: Must have a bilge ventilator (blower system) to vent fuel vapors & must have a USCG approved flame arrestor (carbureted engines) Mufflers: Boat noise must not exceed 86db Equipment Requirement

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Available for each person on board: Type I – Offshore – Turn unconscious person face-up Type II - Near Shore – might turn person face-up Type III - Floatation Aid – will not turn person face-up Type IV – Throwable – not to be worn Type V – Special Use Device – vest, suits - used according to label (Must be worn to be valid) PFD Requirements:

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how All PFD’s Must Be: Proper size Readily accessible Serviceable condition Federal Waters: Under age 13 must wear PFD while underway(Great lakes) PFD Requirements:

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Vessel 16’ or over: must have Throwable (except canoes or kayaks) One USCG approved wearable PFD of proper size & type for each person on board PWC: Must wear Type I, II, III, or V to operate Inflatables are not legal for watersports (PWC, Skiing, or whitewater paddling PFD Requirements:

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how All must wear a PFD Non-inflatable Type I – III, or V Not legal to operate between sunset & sunrise Minimum operator age of 12 (Rental age 16) Lanyard must be attached to operator If between 12– 16 years old: Must possess a valid state-approved boating safety certificate PWC restricted to slow-no-wake within 100’ of any other boat, PWC, skier PWC restricted to slow-no-wake within 200’ of the shoreline of any lake Requirements - PWC

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Illegal Reckless Operation: Must be at “Slow - No Wake” speed: Within 100’ of any other vessel on the waterbody Within 200’ of shoreline on any lake Less than 100’ from docks, piers, rafts or restricted areas on any lake Illegal to disturb wildlife & aquatic vegetation Requirements - PWC

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Waterskiing: Requires 3 People (Minimum) PWC: Must be rated by Manufacturer to carry 3 People (includes gear) No Skiing between sunset & sunrise Must have an observer, in addition to the operator Keep the towed person at least 100’ away from: Moored or anchored vessel, dock or raft, marked swim area or person in the water. Towing Behind Vessel

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Stay Clear of Divers Diver-Down: Diver in the water Alpha Flag: Vessel unable to maneuver Diver: within 50’ of flag

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Weaving in and out of congested area Jumping Wakes (minimum distance) Chasing, Harassing, Disturbing Wildlife or Vegetation Causing damage from wake Operating at greater than “slow, no wake” speed: Within 100 ft. of any dock, raft, pier, or buoyed restricted area on any lake at a speed in excess of “slow, no wake speed Loading beyond capacity stated on the capacity plate. In restricted areas Bow riding – walking, standing in areas of boat not designed to Operating under influence of intoxicant or controlled substance or with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher Unlawful Operation:

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how A "reportable" boat incident is any incident (regardless of the number of boats involved) that results in loss of life, injuries that require medical treatment beyond first aid, boat or property damage in excess of $2,000, or complete loss of a boat. Wisconsin law requires every boat operator involved in a reportable boat incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report: Reporting a Boat Accident

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Questions / Comments