America’s Boating Course 3 rd Edition

1. Indiana State & Local Regulations Chapter 2 Section 8 America’s Boating Course3rd Edition

2. Ready References Continued education is a mark of a good boater The ABC3 Student Manual and handbooks provided in this course will serve you well as refresher and as ready reference Stay abreast of Federal and Indiana laws by visiting www.in.gov/dnr

3. Boat Registration - DMV • Required for - • Any motorboat boat in Indiana • PWC • Motorized sailboat • Exempt if - • Registered in another state, and visiting less than 60 days • Temp for foreign • Lifeboat • No-motor sail Certificate required onboard when boat is operated

4. Display the Registration Number • Renewed annually • Validated by new excise tax decal placed after registration number • Two decals issued with excise tax payment • Number and decal on port and starboard • 3” block letters • No other numbers displayed on either bow • Certificate of title needed Excise tax validation decal 2” space or dash

5. Boater Education Card Motorboat or PWC operators must have valid driver’s license Operators 15 Years old may operate until becoming licensed driver ONLY IF issued Boater Education Card If required to carry Boater Education Card, have aboard

6. Unlawful Operations Personal Watercraft No endangering persons or property of another person Operate in reasonable and prudent manner No weaving through congested watercraft No following towed water sport participants No jumping of wake that endangers others No cutting between tow boat and towed persons No crossing path of other boat when visibility obstructed No “chicken” maneuvers

7. Unlawful Operations Speed that endanger human life, safety or property Speed the prevents stopping within assured distance ahead Failure to obey regulatory marks –idle speed/no-wake Operating a boat at speeds more than 10 miles per hour between sunset and sunrise Interfering with safe and lawful use of public waters Obstructing a sanctioned special event Creating wake that endangers others Circling boats fishing or swimmers Bow and gunnel riding on boats less than 21 feet Operate within 200 feet of shore at greater than idle speed Operate within 150 feet of diver-down flag

8. Alcohol and Drugs Intoxicated is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or drugs or any combination of this items Alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams one hundred milliliters of persons blood or greater is intoxicated Indiana is an “Implied Consent” state Refusal to submit to test can lead to arrest Repeat offender may have committed a class D felony

9. Wear It Indiana

10. Life Jacket Laws A USCG approved wearable personal floatation device (PFD) correctly sized and in serviceable condition is required on board for every person Boats 16 feet and longer must additionally carry a USCG approved throwable device Persons being towedby a PWC and those operating personal water craft MUST wear the PFD PFDs with water impact ratings are suggested for high speed watersports such as operating PWC and being towed

11. Concurrent Jurisdiction • Unique to state’s contiguous rivers and Great Lakes • "Waters of concurrent jurisdiction - State and USCG" refers to the following waters within Indiana: • Lake Michigan • Ohio River • Wabash River where it forms the boundary between Indiana and Illinois • Great Miami River • Federal and state rules apply for: • Children under 13 must wear lifejackets • Firefighting equipment / VDS required • Sound signals – whistle and bell over 12 meters • Water skiing rules on Ohio River

12. Towed Watersports Persons being towed by a PWC MUST wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. If being towed a boat, it is recommend that that the PFD be worn but is required to have one on the boat if it is not worn. Must have observer on tow-boat who provides full attention to the person being towed. Mirror not allowed when towing kite. SPECIAL Ohio River Operations Have either a 12 Y.O. observer OR rear view mirror with at least 160 degree field of vision, mounted to enable the operator to observe any person being towed

13. Personal Watercraft Towing Towing by PWC on Indiana public waters requires: PWC at least 9 feet long PWC designed to seat at least 3 individuals An individual, other than operator, observer Towed watersports hours on the Ohio River are extended to 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hours after sunset

14. Litter and Waste Disposal Unlawful to dispose of: Litter Other waste (1) Filth. (2) A putrid substance. (3) An unwholesome substance. (4) Contents of a catch basin. (5) Contents of a grease trap. (6) Any other graywater. Consult 312 IAC 5-6-1 Boating restrictions on specified public freshwater lakes

15. International Marine Pollution Law

16. Oil/Fuel Spills Spills reported immediately to US Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802 Indiana Department of Environmental Management at 1-888-233-7745 Placard displayed for vessels >26’

17. Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) • MSD holds sewage • Some MSDs can treat sewage • Use pumpout stations • Indiana waters are considered NoDischarge Zones. This designation extends to Lake Michigan and federal waterways. Refer to nautical charts for designated areas 17

18. Marine Engine Noise • Both the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have Model Noise Acts. • These requirements are in compliance with the SAE recommended dBA standards. NASBLA requires 88 dBA under SAE J2005, and 75 dBA under SAE J1970. NMMA recommends 90 dBA under SAE J2005. • Indiana requires engine mufflers that are NOT switchable; a violation is a Class C infraction 18

19. Diving/Snorkeling Flags • Boaters remain 150 feet away from flag • Divers remain within 100 feet of flag • Avoid placing in Areas already occupied • by boaters or in narrow channels

20. Boating Accidents Immediately stop boat close to scene Stay at scene and provide to other boat and each injured person 1. Operator’s name and address 2. Identification of boat operated 3. Name and address of owner 4. Exhibit operator’s license if requested 5. Provide reasonable assistance

21. Accident Reporting • If • 1. Injury to or death of a person • 2. Damage to a boat or other property exceeding $750 • Operator SHALL • Notify sheriff or • Notify state police or • Notify Conservation or office • File written report within 24 hours 21

22. Aquatic Nuisances To prevent the spread of non-native fish and mollusks in our waterways, boaters should follow these simple rules: • Trailer boaters should remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals from boats and trailers prior to transport to another body of water. • Scrape any mussels from boat or outdrive, and flush hull, bilges & water holding compartments with hot water (at least 120º F or use 1 quart / gal of vinegar). • Do not release plants or fish, including bait, into a body of water unless it came out of that same body of water.

23. From Other Sections • Know your boat’s capacity – capacity plate -7 • Know fueling procedures and check lists – 3 • Use a FLOAT PLAN – 3 and appendix D • Navigation Rules – 4 • Skiers and towed watersports - 13 • Aids to Navigation – 5 • Weather and Emergencies – 11 • Use pre-boating briefing check list – 3 • Navigation lights and sound devices - 7

24. Law Enforcement • Conservation Officers with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources enforce boating laws in Indiana • U.S. Coast Guard officers and other authorized peace or law enforcement officers may also enforce laws • USCG also has authority on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction

25. Indiana Boating Contacts • Division of Law Enforcement • Department of Natural Resources • Indiana Government Center-South • 402 West Washington Street, Room W255-D • Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

26. End Chapter 2