1. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

2. Key Topics Numbering and documentation Numbering and documentation Hull Identification Number Hull Identification Number Age/education requirements Age/education requirements Unlawful operation Unlawful operation Alcohol and drug laws Alcohol and drug laws Obstructing navigation Obstructing navigation Homeland Security Homeland Security Personal flotation devices Personal flotation devices Fire extinguishers Fire extinguishers Flame arrestors, ventilation, boat battery, and mufflers Flame arrestors, ventilation, boat battery, and mufflers

3. Key Topics Navigation lights Navigation lights Visual distress signals & sound producing devices Visual distress signals & sound producing devices Diver Down flags Diver Down flags PWC laws PWC laws Laws relating to towing person(s) Laws relating to towing person(s) Waste, oil, and trash disposal Waste, oil, and trash disposal Reporting accidents Reporting accidents Penalties and enforcement Penalties and enforcement

4. Displaying Number and Decals Display number and decals as follows: Number must be placed on each side of forward half of vessel. Number must be placed on each side of forward half of vessel. Number must read left to right. Number must read left to right. Numbers must be separated from letters by 2" spaces or hyphens. Numbers must be separated from letters by 2" spaces or hyphens. Number must be in at least 3" high bold, BLOCK letters of contrasting color to background. Number must be in at least 3" high bold, BLOCK letters of contrasting color to background.

5. Hull Identification Number Hull Identification Number: Is unique to your vessel. Is unique to your vessel. Is typically engraved in fiberglass or on metal plate attached to transom. Is typically engraved in fiberglass or on metal plate attached to transom. Should be recorded and put it in safe place other than vessel. Should be recorded and put it in safe place other than vessel.

6. Hull Identification Number (cont.) All vessels built after Nov. 1, 1972, must have HIN. This includes home-made boats. If a vessel has no HIN, or it has been removed, obliterated, or altered, it must be noted in the application for Certificate of Title, and the state will assign a HIN.

7. Who May Operate a Vessel No one under age of 10 may operate a motorboat. No one under age of 10 may operate a motorboat. A 10 or 11 year old may operate a motorboat only if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 designated by the parent or guardian. A 10 or 11 year old may operate a motorboat only if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 designated by the parent or guardian. A person at least 12, but less than 16, may operate a motorboat only if: A person at least 12, but less than 16, may operate a motorboat only if: ● Accompanied by parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 designated by parent or guardian or... ● He or she has completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin DNR. If required to complete a boater safety course you must always carry the certificate on board the vessel. If required to complete a boater safety course you must always carry the certificate on board the vessel.

8. Who May Operate a PWC No one under age 12 may operate a PWC. No one under age 12 may operate a PWC. A person at least 12 but less than 16 must have completed a boating safety course accepted by WDNR to operate a PWC. A person at least 12 but less than 16 must have completed a boating safety course accepted by WDNR to operate a PWC. Operator’s course certificate must be carried on board the PWC. Operator’s course certificate must be carried on board the PWC. No one under the age of 16 may rent or lease a PWC. No one under the age of 16 may rent or lease a PWC.

9. Unlawful Operation Negligent or Reckless Operation is operating in a manner that causes danger to life, limb, or property of any person. Examples are: Jumping a wake with a motorized vessel within 100 feet of another vessel Jumping a wake with a motorized vessel within 100 feet of another vessel Jumping the wake of any vessel towing a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc. Jumping the wake of any vessel towing a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc. Operating within any area marked off or set aside as a prohibited area or swim area Operating within any area marked off or set aside as a prohibited area or swim area

10. Unlawful Operation (cont.) Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic Operating in a manner to create hazardous wave or wake conditions while approaching or passing another vessel Operating in a manner to create hazardous wave or wake conditions while approaching or passing another vessel Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel

11. Unlawful Operation (cont.) Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining proper speed and/or distance. Specifically, it is illegal to: Operate at a distance from other vessels or a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given waterway traffic, marked speed limits, weather, and other boating conditions Operate at a distance from other vessels or a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given waterway traffic, marked speed limits, weather, and other boating conditions Exceed speeds posted or charted in specific zone or area Exceed speeds posted or charted in specific zone or area Operate a vessel repeatedly in a circuitous manner within 200 feet of another vessel or person in the water Operate a vessel repeatedly in a circuitous manner within 200 feet of another vessel or person in the water Operate a vessel within 100 feet of any dock, raft, pier, or restricted area at greater than slow no wake speed Operate a vessel within 100 feet of any dock, raft, pier, or restricted area at greater than slow no wake speed

12. Unlawful Operation (cont.) Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride on the bow decking, gunwales or any other position where there is danger of falling overboard.

13. Unlawful Operation (cont.) Unsafe Condition is placing or leaving in public waters any vessel not safe to operate. Law enforcement officers may instruct operator to take immediate corrective action or return to mooring if any of these “unsafe condition” exists: Vessel is overloaded Vessel is overloaded Insufficient PFDs, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or navigation lights Insufficient PFDs, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or navigation lights Vessel is leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges Vessel is leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges

14. Vessel Capacity Capacity plate is located near the operator’s position or on the transom. Capacity plate is located near the operator’s position or on the transom. Indicates maximum weight capacity or maximum number of people vessel can safely carry. Indicates maximum weight capacity or maximum number of people vessel can safely carry. Federal law requires single-hull vessels have capacity plate if less than 20 feet in length. Federal law requires single-hull vessels have capacity plate if less than 20 feet in length.

15. Alcohol and Drugs Wisconsin law prohibits operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slow reaction time. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide. Anyone who operates or attempts to operate a vessel is deemed to Anyone who operates or attempts to operate a vessel is deemed to have given consent to an alcohol and/drug test.

16. Alcohol and Drugs (cont.) Has blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater or... Has blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater or... Is under the influence of any controlled substance or any other drug, or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs that renders that person incapable of operating safely. Is under the influence of any controlled substance or any other drug, or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs that renders that person incapable of operating safely. Wisconsin law states that a person is considered to be under the influence if he or she:

17. Obstructing Navigation Be aware that it is illegal to: Operate in such a way to unnecessarily interfere with safe navigation of other vessels Operate in such a way to unnecessarily interfere with safe navigation of other vessels Anchor in traveled portion of river or channel preventing or interfering with any other vessel Anchor in traveled portion of river or channel preventing or interfering with any other vessel Moor or attach vessel to buoy, beacon, light, or any other navigational aid Moor or attach vessel to buoy, beacon, light, or any other navigational aid Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid

18. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) All vessels must be equipped with USCG–approved life jackets called personal flotation devices or PFDs. Quantity and type depends on: Quantity and type depends on: ● Length of vessel ● Number of people on board and/or being towed Each PFD must be: Each PFD must be: ● In good condition and readily accessible ● Proper size for the intended wearer Vessel operators should ask everyone to wear a PFD. Vessel operators should ask everyone to wear a PFD.

19. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.) Type I: Offshore Life Jackets For rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. For rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. Excellent for flotation—will turn most unconscious persons face up in water. Excellent for flotation—will turn most unconscious persons face up in water.

20. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.) Type II: Near-Shore Vests Good for calm waters and fast rescues. Good for calm waters and fast rescues. May lack capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up. May lack capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up.

21. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.) Type III: Flotation Aids Good for calm waters and fast rescues. Good for calm waters and fast rescues. Will not turn a person face up. Will not turn a person face up. Some designed to inflate when you enter water. Some designed to inflate when you enter water.

22. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.) Type IV: Throwable Devices Cushions or ring buoys designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Cushions or ring buoys designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Not for long hours in rough waters, non-swimmers or the unconscious. Not for long hours in rough waters, non-swimmers or the unconscious.

23. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.) Type V: Special-Use Devices Designed for specific activities such as kayaking or water- skiing. Designed for specific activities such as kayaking or water- skiing. Some designed to inflate when you enter water. Some designed to inflate when you enter water. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.

24. PFD Requirements All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG–approved PFD for each person on board. All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V USCG–approved PFD for each person on board. Vessels 16 feet or longer must also carry one USCG– approved Type IV throwable device. Vessels 16 feet or longer must also carry one USCG– approved Type IV throwable device. All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible. All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible.

25. PFD Requirements (cont.) Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG–approved PDF while underway on federally controlled waters, unless in a cabin or below decks. Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG–approved PDF while underway on federally controlled waters, unless in a cabin or below decks. It is strongly recommended that children also wear PFDs while on state waters. It is strongly recommended that children also wear PFDs while on state waters. Sailboarders and windsurfers are exempt from PFD requirements but are encouraged to wear a PFD. Sailboarders and windsurfers are exempt from PFD requirements but are encouraged to wear a PFD. All persons on board a PWC or being towed behind a vessel must wear a Type I, II, III, or V USCG–approved PFD. All persons on board a PWC or being towed behind a vessel must wear a Type I, II, III, or V USCG–approved PFD.

26. Fire Extinguishers Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. Number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher. Number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher. Letter indicates type of fire it will extinguish: Letter indicates type of fire it will extinguish: ● Type A:fires of combustible solids like wood ● Type B:fires of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil ● Type C:electrical fires

27. Fire Extinguishers (cont.) All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of these conditions exist: Inboard/outboard or inboard engine Inboard/outboard or inboard engine Closed compartments Closed compartments Closed living spaces Closed living spaces Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored Permanently installed fuel tanks Permanently installed fuel tanks

28. Fire Extinguishers (cont.) Length of VesselWithout Fixed SystemWith Fixed System* Less than 26 ft. one B-Inone Less than 26 ft. one B-I none 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. two B-I or one B-IIone B-I 40 ft. to less than 65 ft. three B-I or one B-II and one B-Itwo B-I or one B-II * Refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required for your vessel:

29. Fire Extinguishers (cont.) Approved fire extinguishers are identified by “Marine Type USCG approved” on the label, followed by size and type symbols and approval number. Extinguishers must be placed in an accessible area where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them. They must be maintained in usable condition. Inspect them regularly.

30. Backfire Flame Arrestors Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) fueled with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent ignition of gasoline vapors in case of engine backfire. Backfire flame arrestors must be: In good and serviceable conditions In good and serviceable conditions USGC-approved, or must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards USGC-approved, or must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards Periodically clean flame arrestor and check for damage. Periodically clean flame arrestor and check for damage.

31. Ventilation Systems The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce chance of a life-threatening explosion.

32. Ventilation Systems (cont.) All gas-powered vessels that would entrap fumes must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes. All gas-powered vessels that would entrap fumes must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes. If vessel is equipped with power ventilation system, turn on for at least 4 minutes after fueling, prior to starting engine. If vessel is equipped with power ventilation system, turn on for at least 4 minutes after fueling, prior to starting engine. If vessel is not equipped with power ventilation system, open engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting engine. If vessel is not equipped with power ventilation system, open engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting engine.

33. Boat Battery It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a storage battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. Battery must be equipped with nonconductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. Battery must be equipped with nonconductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. Both positive and negative terminals must be covered. Both positive and negative terminals must be covered. Best solution is a covered battery box with a strap. Best solution is a covered battery box with a strap.

34. Mufflers Excessive noise can prevent a vessel operator from hearing signals and voices. Exhaust must be effectively muffled. Exhaust must be effectively muffled. It is unlawful to operate a vessel that exceeds a noise level of 86db. It is unlawful to operate a vessel that exceeds a noise level of 86db. Use of cutouts is prohibited. Use of cutouts is prohibited.

35. Navigation Lights Operators must make sure vessels are equipped with proper navigation lights and use them during the following conditions: When away from dock between sunset and sunrise When away from dock between sunset and sunrise During periods of restricted visibility, such as fog or heavy rain During periods of restricted visibility, such as fog or heavy rain

36. Navigation Lights (cont.) No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited. Blue or red flashing lights restricted to use by law enforcement vessels only. Required navigation lights differ depending on type and size of your vessel.

37. Navigation Lights (cont.) Power-driven vessels less than 65.6 ft. long (including sailboats operating under power), when underway, must exhibit: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles (or if less than 39.4 ft. long, at least one mile) on a dark clear night. Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles (or if less than 39.4 ft. long, at least one mile) on a dark clear night.

38. Navigation Lights (cont.) An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles on a dark clear night. An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles on a dark clear night. The all-round white light (or masthead light) must be at least 3.3 ft. higher than the sidelights. The all-round white light (or masthead light) must be at least 3.3 ft. higher than the sidelights.

39. Navigation Lights (cont.) Unpowered vessels (sailboats or those that are paddled, poled and rowed) less than 65.6 ft. long must exhibit when underway: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles (if less than 39.4 ft. long, visible at least one mile) on dark clear night. Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles (if less than 39.4 ft. long, visible at least one mile) on dark clear night. Sternlight visible from at least two miles. Sternlight visible from at least two miles.

40. Navigation Lights (cont.) When underway, unpowered vessels less than 23 ft. long should exhibit: If practical, same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 ft. in length. If practical, same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 ft. in length. If not practical, at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light. If not practical, at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light.

41. Navigation Lights (cont.) Between sunset and sunrise, when not underway, all vessels are required to display a white light visible from all directions whenever anchored away from dock or moored in area other than designated mooring area.

42. Visual Distress Signals Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified as complying with USCG requirements. VDSs must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified as complying with USCG requirements. It is prohibited to display VDSs on the water, except when assistance is required. It is prohibited to display VDSs on the water, except when assistance is required. When observing a vessel or person displaying a VDS, it is your duty to stop and render aid. When observing a vessel or person displaying a VDS, it is your duty to stop and render aid.

43. Visual Distress Signals (cont.) VDSs are classified as: Day signals (visible in bright sunlight) Day signals (visible in bright sunlight) Night signals (visible at night) Night signals (visible at night) Both day and night signals Both day and night signals VDSs are either: Pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) Pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) Non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible) Non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible)

44. Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

45. Visual Distress Signals (cont.) Vessels on U.S. coastal waters must be equipped with USCG–approved VDSs. On coastal waters, all vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Recreational vessels 16 feet or longer are also required to carry day signals, EXCEPT: Non-motorized, open sailboats less than 26 feet Non-motorized, open sailboats less than 26 feet Manually propelled vessels Manually propelled vessels

46. Visual Distress Signals (cont.) If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be on board. Examples that satisfy USCG requirements: Three hand-held red flares Three hand-held red flares One hand-held red flare and two red meteors One hand-held red flare and two red meteors One hand-held orange smoke signal, two floating orange smoke signals, and one electric light One hand-held orange smoke signal, two floating orange smoke signals, and one electric light

47. Sound Producing Devices All vessels, including PWCs, are required to carry a mouth, hand, or power operated whistle or horn, or some other means to make efficient sound signal. All vessels, including PWCs, are required to carry a mouth, hand, or power operated whistle or horn, or some other means to make efficient sound signal.

48. Other Equipment & Regulations Diver Down Flag: Persons scuba diving, skin diving snorkeling, or underwater spearfishing must display diver down flag unless within 150 feet of shore. Diver must stay within 150 feet of the flag. Divers may not surface more than 50 feet from flag unless there is an emergency. Vessels not engaged in diving operation must stay at least 100 feet from the flag.

49. Other Equipment (cont.) The diver down flags are: Rectangular red flag, at least Rectangular red flag, at least 13” by 15”, with a white diagonal stripe if on state waters. A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) if on federally controlled or international waters. A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) if on federally controlled or international waters. Local Regulations: Local waterways in Wisconsin may also have specific equipment and operational restrictions.

50. Requirements Specific to PWC PWC operators must obey these laws in addition to all other boating laws: Every person on board PWC must wear a USCG– approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Every person on board PWC must wear a USCG– approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. If PWC equipped with lanyard-type ignition safety switch, lanyard must be attached to person, clothing, or PFD of operator. If PWC equipped with lanyard-type ignition safety switch, lanyard must be attached to person, clothing, or PFD of operator. PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. PWC operator must always face forwards. PWC operator must always face forwards.

51. Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.) PWC may not be operated faster than slow no wake speed within: PWC may not be operated faster than slow no wake speed within: ● 100 ft. of another vessel ● 100 ft. of dock, pier, raft, or restricted area ● 200 ft. of shore on any lake There are minimum age and boater education requirements for operators of PWC. There are minimum age and boater education requirements for operators of PWC.

52. Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.) PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including: PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including: ● Jumping a wake with a PWC within 100 feet of another vessel ● Operating within 100 feet of a vessel that is towing a skier, tuber, or wakeboarder or the tow rope of the vessel ● Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic ● Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision ● Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your PWC

53. Towing a Person Legally Vessel operators towing person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, or similar devices must also obey these laws: A person may not be towed from sunset to sunrise. A person may not be towed from sunset to sunrise. When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, surfboards, or similar devices, an operator must have a competent person on board to act as an observer. When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, surfboards, or similar devices, an operator must have a competent person on board to act as an observer.

54. Towing a Person Legally (cont.) A PWC operator may not tow a person on water skis or other devices unless the PWC is rated for at least three people. A PWC operator may not tow a person on water skis or other devices unless the PWC is rated for at least three people. Those towing skiers on water skis, surfboards, etc. and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner. Those towing skiers on water skis, surfboards, etc. and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner. ● Vessels towing persons may not come within 100 ft. of other vessels, persons, swimming area, or a public boat landing. ● It is illegal to operate the vessel in such a way that the towed person collides with any other person or object.

55. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any state or federally controlled waters because: Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants, and animals. Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants, and animals. Trash thrown into water can injure swimmers and wildlife and plug engine cooling water intakes. Trash thrown into water can injure swimmers and wildlife and plug engine cooling water intakes. Pollution is unsightly and takes away from enjoyment of the water. Pollution is unsightly and takes away from enjoyment of the water.

56. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Discharge of Sewage and Waste It is unlawful to place, leave, or discharge waste or waste containers into or near any Wisconsin waters. Every vessel with installed toilet must have on board an operable MSD—Type I, II, or III. All installed devices must be USCG – certified. Pump-Out Station Sign

57. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Type III MSDs: Simplest and most common, consists of holding tanks or portable toilets. Simplest and most common, consists of holding tanks or portable toilets. Has least effect on the environment since waste is discharged on shore into local sewage treatment facility. Has least effect on the environment since waste is discharged on shore into local sewage treatment facility.

58. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Types I and II MSDs: Usually found on large vessels. Usually found on large vessels. Waste treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before waste is discharged. Waste treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before waste is discharged. Have “Y” valves that direct waste overboard which must be secured so valve cannot be opened. Have “Y” valves that direct waste overboard which must be secured so valve cannot be opened.

59. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Discharge of Trash It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled. You should store trash in a container on board You should store trash in a container on board If on federal waters, you must display 4 x 9 inch Garbage Disposal placard on vessel 26 ft. or longer which notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions. If on federal waters, you must display 4 x 9 inch Garbage Disposal placard on vessel 26 ft. or longer which notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

60. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances Vessels with propulsion machinery must have capacity to retain oil mixtures on board. Not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. Not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. Illegal to dump oil into bilge of vessel without means for proper disposal. Illegal to dump oil into bilge of vessel without means for proper disposal. Must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational vessels, bucket or bailer is adequate. Must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational vessels, bucket or bailer is adequate.

61. Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.) Must immediately notify USCG if vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances into the water. Must immediately notify USCG if vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances into the water. On federal waters, vessels 26 ft. or longer must display 5 x 8" sign stating Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law. On federal waters, vessels 26 ft. or longer must display 5 x 8" sign stating Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law.

62. Protecting the Environment Zebra Mussel: The barnacle-like mussel is a small black-and-white striped valve mollusk that first appeared in this country in 1988 and has spread throughout the Great Lakes and into the Mississippi Basin. Zebra Mussel poses a multi-million-dollar threat to agriculture, industrial, and municipal water delivery systems and possibly sport fisheries.

63. Protecting the Environment (cont.) To prevent spreading aquatic pests: Inspect vessel and trailer, removing any nuisance species you see before leaving the waterway. Inspect vessel and trailer, removing any nuisance species you see before leaving the waterway. Drain motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the waterway. Drain motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the waterway. Empty bait buckets on land. Never release live bait into waterways or release aquatic animals from one waterway into another. Empty bait buckets on land. Never release live bait into waterways or release aquatic animals from one waterway into another. Dry your boat out or power wash it before launching. Dry your boat out or power wash it before launching. If you think you have found a Zebra Mussel, save it and contact your nearest WDNR. If you think you have found a Zebra Mussel, save it and contact your nearest WDNR.

64. Accidents and Casualties A vessel operator involved in an accident must immediately stop their vessel and: Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger your vessel or passengers. Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger your vessel or passengers. Give in writing—name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to owner of any damaged property. Give in writing—name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to owner of any damaged property.

65. Accidents and Casualties (cont.) A vessel operator is required to make an oral and a written report whenever a boating accident results in: Loss of life or disappearance of a person or... Loss of life or disappearance of a person or... Injury to any person or... Injury to any person or... Property damages exceeding $2,000 Property damages exceeding $2,000 Oral reports must be made immediately to a conservation warden or a local law enforcement officer. A written report must be made within 10 days.

66. Enforcement Wisconsin DNR officers and all other peace officers enforce the boating laws of Wisconsin. USCG officers also patrol and have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters. They have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws. It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority.