HB0387 Pryor, Charles R. et al

P R E F I L E D

HB 387 -- Watercraft and Docks

This bill requires that beginning January 1, 2000, owners of docks or piers on any lake of this state must attach blue lights or reflectors to docks and piers such that their location is plainly visible from a distance of 250 feet under normal atmospheric conditions. It will be unlawful for any person to abandon a boat dock or dock flotation device. The State Water Patrol is given authority to seize any abandoned dock or dock flotation device, investigate to determine the owner, and dispose of the abandoned dock or flotation device if the owner is not found. Beginning January 1, 1997, any person owning a dock must attach identifying information to the dock. The water patrol by administrative rule will establish the form, content, and placement of identifying information. Any person who abandons a dock or floatation device or allows such item to float freely without being moored is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to operate a motorboat unless they are under the direct onboard supervision of a parent, guardian, or other person 16 years old or older.

The bill requires a red or orange flag to be displayed on any watercraft operated on the Mississippi River, Missouri River, or the lakes of the state between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and sunset whenever any person enters the water from the watercraft. Operators are prohibited from knowingly operating any watercraft within 50 yards of a flagged watercraft in excess of a slow-no wake speed.

A personal watercraft cannot be operated unless all riders are wearing a type I, II, III or V personal flotation device. Persons under 14 years old cannot operate personal watercraft, no person can operate such watercraft at any time between sunset and sunrise, and every such watercraft must at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner.