1. Supplement to America’s Boating Course
Section 8 - TENNESSEE
TENNESSEE
Supplement to America’s Boating Course
BOATING LAWS, RULES
AND
REGULATIONS
Thanks to Martha and Robert Heck for their contributions to this PPT presentation.
Distribute copies of THE HANDBOOK of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities to each student.
Numbers in these “Notes” refer to ABC 2015 sections and their paragraphs, figures and tables. The majority of material is sourced in the Tennessee HANDBOOK and TWRA web sites.
Advise the students to follow along in the Tennessee HANDBOOK and refer the slide material to specific HANDBOOK pages. The ABC listed material may by used to augment the discussion or to refer to previous discussion in the Course.

2. Tennessee Regulations
TWRA – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Region 1 – West Tennessee
Region 2 – Middle Tennessee
Region 3 – Cumberland Plateau
Region 4 – East Tennessee
Discussion items
As depicted in the HANDBOOK, the TWRA is responsible for a vast area comprised, of 4 regions. This web site is an excellent source of ready answers about recreational boating in Tennessee.

3. Tennessee Regulations
Federal Law sets Rules to avoid collisions and establishes minimum safety equipment requirements. State Laws set:
Operator qualifications
License requirements
Life Jacket wear
Additional required equipment
Speed and Time of day restrictions
Discussion items
This presentation includes information about recreational boating in the state of Tennessee.
Federal regulations prescribe Visual Distress Signaling requirements, backfire flame arrestors on gasoline engines, muffler requirements, ventilation systems to void gasoline fumes from bilges, navigation lights, sound signaling devices, hull identification numbers (HIN), fire extinguisher numbers and types, life jackets, Oil and Garbage pollution prevention placards and rules for marine sanitation devices.
This section will amplify the federal rules with state-specific laws, rules and regulations.

4. Life Jacket Requirements
USCG Approved PFD Required
(Personal Flotation Device = Life Jacket)
Must Be Legible!
One for each person
Correct size - fit
Serviceable
Readily available
Children must wear
ABC Sec 2 paragraph 4-104, figures 2-2 to 2-6
One USCG-approved wearable, PREFERABLY WORN or readily accessible, correctly sized, serviceable and appropriate for the boating activity life jacket is required for each person on board.
Try them on and adjust all ties and straps for each person before leaving the dock. Use the lift test to ensure correct size. Impact rated jackets are appropriate for high speed activity such as skiing and tubing.
When selecting a life jacket, SIZE is the most important consideration.
A life jacket with a rip or tear is NOT SERVICEABLE. Replace it
Children Must Wear Life Jackets:
While underway on a recreational vessel on any Tennessee waters, a child under 13 years old must wear a USCG–approved life jacket unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

5. Life Jackets
Tennessee law requires a life jacket for each person on board. Also one throwable flotation aid on vessels 16 feet or longer except canoes or kayaks. Life jackets must be USCG approved, worn or readily available, correct size, serviceable, and appropriate for the boating activity.
ABC Section 2 paragraphs 4-104
Boating activity including being towed on skis or in tubes, riding or operating a PWC and any similar high speed activity requires wearing impact rated life jackets.
Life jacket nomenclature is changing to reflect the type of activity:
Type I – off shore
Type II – near shore
Type III – floatation aid
Type IV – throwable floatation aid
Type V – special floatation aids
A USCG-approved life jacket must be worn by each person on board vessels being operated within specifically marked areas below dams.

6. Inflatable Life Jackets
Inflatable PFDs
ZERO buoyancy unless inflated
Inflated manually or automatically
Requires regular maintenance
Not to be used for:
Weak or non-swimmers
Children under 16 or under 80 lbs
Water Impact Sports; under clothing
ABC Section 2 paragraphs 62-72, Tables 2-1 and 2-2 and TIPs.
Inflatable PFDs
They may be inflated orally or with CO2, depending on the style. If the CO2 cartridge is used to inflate the life jacket, the CO2 bottle must be replaced to re-arm the life jacket for use. Always check the CO2 bottle integrity before boating.
Inflatable PFDs must have a full cylinder, and all status indicators on the inflator must be green, or the device is NOT serviceable and does NOT satisfy the requirement to carry PFDs.
Coast Guard approved inflatable PFD’s are authorized for use on recreational boats by persons at least 16 years of age.
INFLATABLE SKI BELTS ARE NOT APPROVED FOR WATER SKIING.
Tennessee law: Inflatables may not be used for –
Persons on Personal Water Craft (PWC)
Persons towed behind a vessel
Persons 16 years of age or younger

7. Recent Change to Federal Navigational Rules
Sound Producers
Bell
Recent Change to Federal Navigational Rules
There have been several changes to the Federal Navigational Rules (72 COLREGS) that should be communicated to public boating courses and membership course students that reference Navigational Rules. The primary area impacting recreational boaters is Rule 33(a) which discusses the carrying requirements for sound producing devices on vessels 12 meters or longer. The amended USCG rule no longer requires a vessel between 12 and 20 meters to carry a bell. State requirements may differ. Some states may have additional requirements or may still require a bell for boats between 12 and 20 meters; make sure you know your local requirements.
The following was copied from the Coast Guard web site: (
RULE 33(a) is amended to read as follows:
(a) A vessel of 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 meters or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell, and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the required signals shall always be possible.
Please note that the bell is no longer required on a vessel 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length.
RULE 35(i) is added as follows, and the old Rule 35(i) and (j) are renumbered as 35(j) and (k), respectively:
(i) A vessel of 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
Tennessee law –39.4 feet long or longer
Whistle and Bell (still required by Tennessee regulations)
If less than 39.4 feet some means to make an efficient sound signal
The USCG no longer requires a vessel between 39.4 ft. (12 meters) and 65.6 ft. (20 meters) to carry a bell. States may have additional rules.

8. Navigation Light Patterns “Tug Towing”
DANGER
Towline may not be visible – day or night
ABC Section 6 Figure 6-8
Down-bound tugs with barges/tows on the Mississippi River have the right of way or stand-on status because they are less maneuverable in the strong currents.
The 2014 edition of the USCG Rules specifies INLAND Rules apply to all inland waters, including the Mississippi River system and Great Lakes.
The numbering system used for aids to navigation are not used on the Mississippi River system.
Learn about Towboats on Western Rivers. They are different and are not covered in this course.
Tug with tow less than 650 ft. long

9. Registering Your Vessel
Registration Certificate must be on board
Validation decals properly displayed
Exceptions to Tennessee registration are:
Vessels propelled only by paddles or oars
Vessels registered in other states and using Tennessee waters for 60 days or less.
ABC Section 7, paragraphs 3-26, Figures 7-1 and 7-2
The Federally mandated registration procedures are applied and administered by each state.
The Tennessee HANDBOOK presents the local regulations on pages

10. They are not required to display the registration number.
Boat Registration
All vessels:
Registered with Tennessee must have:
Registration numbers on the vessel and
Required paperwork onboard
U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessels must be registered in Tennessee and carry the required paperwork on board.
They are not required to display the registration number.
Tennessee registration can be for one, two, or three years at the owner’s discretion
Reciprocity with other states is up to 60 days
Three inch high BLOCK letters correctly spaced on each side of the hull is required with TN validation decal immediately before or after.
Certificate must be on board when operating
Document vessels must additionally be registered in TN, but only the “validation decal” need be displayed on each side of the boat

11. USCG Standards Capacity label by manufacturer Required under 20 feet
Combined persons, motor & gear – enforced as federal requirement
ABC Section 7 Figure 7-5 and paragraphs 53-70
Displayed on boats usually within sight of the helm position.
Provides the maximum weights for the hull design. Exceeding leads to swamping or capsizing.
Not required on PWC. Do not exceed the maximums
No capacity label? Follow the manufacturers owner manual

12. Pollutant Disposal Laws
Sewage: illegal to discharge raw sewage; black water in inland waters. If equipped with installed head (marine sanitation device) discharge ONLY into approved pump-out stations
Beware of no discharge zones for treated waste
ABC Section 7 paragraph Figure 7-8
Review established discharge and no-discharge areas from THE HANDBOOK OF TENNESSEE BOATING LAWS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, page 48.
The discharge and no discharge reservoirs are listed on the TWRA website

13. Pollutant Disposal Laws
Trash: prescribed by International Marine Pollution Regulations. None in Tennessee waters. Oil Products: Prevention of spilling or otherwise discharge of oil and gasoline products is required. Oil waste must be taken ashore to proper disposal sites.
Be a responsible boater – keep our water clean!

14. International Regulation
Applies to all inland water – no garbage, sewage or oil products!
International Marine Pollution Regulations (MARPOL) are in place, reinforced by National and State rules prohibit polluting our pristine waters. This placard is required on all boats 26 feet and longer as reminder of the regulations.

15. Who May Operate -- Tennessee
Persons who are required to have successfully completed the examination administered by TWRA are those born after January 1, 1989.
They must carry their TWRA Boater Safety Education Certificate on board and
They must make it available upon request by an enforcement officer.
Renters are exempt from having the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Note: There is no Tennessee requirement to renew boater education certificates.
They do not expire.

16. Who May Operate -- Tennessee
Operate a motorized vessel 8.5 horsepower or less and sailboats
Tennessee residents are not required to possess the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Operate a motorized Vessel over 8.5 horsepower
Those less than 12 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old and if the adult was born after 1/1/89, then he/she must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate education (same for persons 12 or older)
Those 12 or older operating alone must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by TWRA.
Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam
If from out-of-state and you were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept an NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.
Operators of boats powered by engines of 8.5 HP or less and operators of sailboats under sail alone are not required to possess the Boating Safety Education Certificate.

17. Tennessee Law Enforcement
TWRA enforces Tennessee’s boating laws. (A U.S. Coast Guard presence may be seen on navigable waterways) May stop and inspect a vessel operated, moored or being launched May board a vessel in the course of an inspection You must bring your vessel to a stop after being signaled to do so
TWRA boats monitor Marine VHF radio Channel 17

18. Tennessee Speed & Distance Laws
It is illegal in Tennessee to --
Operate at an excessive rate of speed in crowded or dangerous areas or during periods of restricted visibility.
Operate within 300 feet of a commercial vessel dock at greater than “idle speed”
Operate at greater than “slow, no wake speed” in any areas marked as “No Wake”.
Jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.
There are more! What is the maximum length of tow line for skiers? Tubers? How far must other boaters remain from towed skiers and tubers?

19. Additional Equipment Beyond Federally required equipment –
Mooring lines Anchor and rode
Fathometer GPS
First Aid Kit Manual back-up bailer
Spare fuses / light bulbs Whistle and light on each life jacket
Marine VHF radio Charts and magnetic compass
Fenders Alternate propulsion (oar / paddle)
Search and flash lights Binoculars
Spare, fully charged battery Jumper cables
You may think of other items such as a trash bag and even paper products. Do no let the adventure be spoiled by not having the necessities on board.

20. Alcohol & Drugs Tennessee law prohibits anyone from boating ---
Under the influence of alcohol or other drug or a combination of such substances or…
With a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more or…
With any amount of a controlled substance
ABC Section 7 paragraphs
Penalties up to $2500 and six months in jail. Additional federal penalties may be imposed.

21. Implied Consent
By operating a vessel on Tennessee waters, you have given “implied consent” to alcohol testing (“sobriety” testing). Refusal to be tested is a separate offense and may result in loss of operating privileges for up to six months.
Bottom line is no drinking and boating.

22. PWC’s in Tennessee
Each person must wear a USCG Approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on PWCs. PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. A lanyard-type ignition safety switch must be attached to the wrist or life jacket of the operator whenever the PWC is running and in use. You must be 16 years of age or older to rent a PWC.
ABC Section 15.
Must know information for PWC operators.

23. Towing Skiers In Tennessee
Must have observer at least 12 years old in addition to operator, or the required number of wide-angle rearview mirrors. Persons being towed must wear PFD (not inflatable) Boats and PWCs may tow skiers between sunrise and sunset. Vessel must have capacity to bring skier on board
Review tow line length, observer and distances from other boats rules.

24. Boating Accidents and Casualties
Anyone involved in a boating accident must
stop the vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger own vessel or passengers .
Every vessel operator involved in a reportable accident must notify TWRA immediately
Print and distribute Tennessee Boat Accident Report.

25. Tennessee Accident Reporting
Must file a written accident report :
Within 48 hours if a person dies or disappears or if someone is injured requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
Within 10 days if damage exceeds $2,000.
Failure to report a boating accident is a criminal offense and may result in prosecution by the TWRA.
TN accident reporting form is available from and should be reviewed.

26. Charts & Maps Both show scaled representations of earth Charts show
Maps cover terrestrial areas
Charts cover water areas
Charts show
Underwater features
Features for boaters
ABC3 Section 9 paragraphs.1 to 11
Maps show features on land to allow travel in a vehicle, such as roads, route numbers and places of interest.
Charts, on the other hand, show places and items of interest to the marine community.
They show places to utilize caution ( shallow areas, rocks etc)
As well as areas of safe water and recognized channels.
Detailed charts of local waters are a necessity to safe boating
Consult Corps of Engineers charts and maps for the major waterways.
Charts of local waters are required for safety