Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Section 8 Minnesota State Boating Laws Revised 2015 America’s Boating Course – 3 rd Edition

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Stop the Spread of Invasive Species! Be aware of the invasive species in your area. Inspect your boat, trailer, bilge, live wells, and bait containers at the boat ramp for invasive species (plants, animals, & mud). Clean the boat, bilges, live wells, engine cooling system and trailer before leaving the boat ramp area (review Section 14 – Trailering) Environmental Regulations

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how All motorized watercraft regardless of length & non-motorized watercraft greater than 10 Feet must be licensed by DNR Except: Watercraft current registration in another state or country & not kept in Minnesota more than 90 days. Government owned vessels, ship’s lifeboat, USCG documented (>5 tons), hunting or rice boats. Registration

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how License Fees Vary based on Type and boat Length (See Minnesota Boating Guide Summary of Laws) Obtain License from DNR Center or deputy registrar (where you license a car) Sign your License and keep it on board your watercraft. Non-motorized don’t have to carry, but must be able to produce it within a reasonable time frame. All watercraft licenses expire on Dec. 31 of the last year license is valid 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: within 4” after letters (astern) Contrasting colors to hull Space or hyphen between letters and numbers Example: MN 3717 ZW or MN-3717-ZW No other numbers displayed on bow Non-motorized only require decal (Paddleboat) Registration

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Valid Boating Operator Permit - Issued By: MN DNR United States Coast Guard Auxiliary United Sates Power Squadrons Other NASBLA approved course providers Other states Age Restrictions: (See current MN Boating Guide) Boat Operation

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 visible for 1 mile 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 13 years old: Never, even with adult on board 13 years old: Must either have: Someone at least 21 onboard, or Watercraft operator’s permit and be in visual supervision by someone at least years old: Must either have: Watercraft operator’s permit, or Someone at least 21 on board PWC Operation

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Whistles/Horns: Motorboats 16 to < 26 Ft must be equipped with a hand, mouth, or power- operated horn (audible up to 1/2 mile with min 2 sec duration) Motorboats 26 to > 40 Ft must be equipped with a hand or power-operated horn (audible for 1 mile with min 2 sec duration) Sirens are only legal on gov patrol craft Equipment Requirement

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Equipment Requirement Fire Extinguisher: Unlawful to operate a motorboat, except outboards of open construction, without fire extinguisher of the size, type, and number as specified Mufflers/Noise Limits: Before 1982: Pass By Test 84 dBa Stationary Idle 86 dBa After 1982: Pass By Test 82 dBa Stationary Idle 84 dBa 10

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) Equipment Requirement

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Minimum of one wearable life jacket for each person: 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 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 Must be USCG Approved wearable PFD for the boating intended, with readable label, of correct size, serviceable, and readily accessible It is best to fit each person with an USCG approved life jacket before departing the dock, and encourage wearing Children under 10 years old must wear PFD Requirements:

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Vessel 16’ or over: have USCG approved Throwable Type IV Flotation device readily available (except canoes or kayaks) PWC: Must wear Type I, II, III, or V to operate Inflatables are not legal for high speed 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 when operating Operated only from 9:30 AM to 1 hour before sunset Minimum operator age (see MN boating Guide) Engine shut-down lanyard must be attached to operator PWC restricted to slow-no-wake within 150’ of any other boat, PWC, skier, shoreline, landing Avoid reckless operation Factory installed mirror or observer for skiing Requirements - PWC

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Avoid weaving through congested areas or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 Ft Must be at “Slow - No Wake” speed: Within 150’ behind another vessel (PWC) Within 150’ of shoreline Less than 150’ from, docks, anchored vessel, marked swim area Illegal to disturb wildlife & aquatic vegetation Requirements - PWC

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Waterskiing: Requires 1 observer or approved wide angle mirror PWC: Must have personal watercraft rules decal issued by DNR in full view of operator Prohibited between 1/2 hour after sunset to sunrise the following day Tow ropes may not be longer than 150 Ft unless obtaining a permit from the county sheriff 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: Must remain within 50 Ft of flag Boats: Must remain 150 Ft away from 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 150 ft. of any dock, raft, pier, or buoyed restricted area on any lake at a speed in excess of “slow, no wake speed Violation of local community or lake boating ordinances 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 Environmental Protection Internationally agreed pollution regulations Placard required vessels greater than 26 feet 20

Boating is fun… we’ll show you how Must report immediately to sheriff if: A person Dies Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid Property damage over $2000 Stop at the scene of accident and assist others if you can do it safely Call 911 Accident Reporting

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