Boating and Fishing Rules Below is information that I obtained from U.S. Coast Guard and N.Y. State websites. It is in no way a complete listing of all boating rules and regulations, but it is as thorough a listing of what you are expected to know and comply with while boating that I could come up with. A thorough and complete understanding of all rules and regulations can only come from a thorough reading of all Federal, State, and Local Laws, Codes, Rules and Regulations, and Ordinances. I believe that if we comply with the rules and regulations that I have listed below, and use good common sense, we will be far ahead of the average boater. Although I can never guarantee that no one will be cited if they comply with what I have listed, I feel reasonably sure that likelihood is slim. I also researched the issue of fishing in close proximity to marina gas pumps and was unable to find any Federal or State Law prohibiting this practice. To be sure I hadn't missed something, I called DEC and talked with their Law Enforcement Officers. According to them there is no Federal or State Law prohibiting fishing in close proximity to gas docks. Common sense, however, should tell you not to block access to such areas, thereby preventing customers from reaching the gas pumps. I have researched this information and provide it as a guideline only. It is not intended to be a complete or thorough listing of all Federal, State, or Local Laws, Codes, Rules and Regulations, and/or Ordinances. It is simply a guideline to help bass fishermen avoid regulatory difficulties while pursuing their passion. No guarantees are stated or implied, and none should be assumed. Education is our only hope for avoiding inadvertent problems on the water and this information is provided for that purpose, and that purpose only. Em Seefeldt, President, Oak Orchard River Bass Anglers REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON CLASS I VESSELS (16'-25'11") VALID REGISTRATION REGISTRATION MUST BE ON BOARD REGISTRATION NUMBERS MUST BE PROPERLY DISPLAYED VALIDATION STICKER MUST BE PROPERLY DISPLAYED PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE, PFD (LIFE JACKETS): Required. One Type I, II, or III PFD, USCG approved, for each person on board. Must be of appropriate size for each passenger, servicable, and readily accessible (never kept in plastic bags or under lock and key). Children under the age of 12 must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD, USCG approved, at all times. Type V PFD (Special Use Device-floatation suits, deck suits, work vest, board sailing vests and Hybrid PFD), USCG approved, is only acceptable if used according to the approval condition on the label. Hybrid Inflatable PFD, USCG approved, must be worn when underway to be acceptable. PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE, PFD (THROWABLE DEVICE): Required. At least 1 USCG approved, Type IV PFD (throwable device) that is readily accessible. SOUNDING DEVICE: Required. Mouth whistle capable of producing a blast of 2 or more seconds in duration and which can be heard for at least 1/2 mile is permitted on vessels under 39'. ANCHOR AND LINE: Required. Of sufficient weight and strength to provide the vessel with safe anchorage. Anchor style should be suitable for the types of water in which you are operating. Anchor line should be between 4 and 7 times the depth of the water in which you normally anchor. FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Required. Outboard motor boats under 26' (unless of open construction, which are exempt) 1 USCG approved, Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher, readily accessible. DISTRESS FLAG: Required. USCG approved, distress flag, readily accessible. SIGNALING DEVICE: Required. Minimum of 3 USCG approved, handheld day/night flares. Must be readily accessible and not expired. NAVIGATION LIGHTS: Required. Must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during daylight periods of reduced visibility. No blue lights allowed. CAPACITY PLATE: Required of manufacturer. Must be prominently displayed. NOISE LEVEL COMPLIANCE: Required of the manufacturer. PADDLES/OARS: Although I could find nothing requiring paddles or oars, I would recommend that at least one be in your boat at all times. BAILING BUCKET: Although I could find nothing requiring a bailing bucket or pail, I would recommend that one be in your boat at all times. FIRST AID KIT: Although I could find nothing requiring a first aid kit, I would recommend that one be in your boat at all times. I should also point out that the USCG Auxiliary provides Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) and that their requirements for receiving their decal (Seal of Safety) not only parallels Federal USCG requirements, but often exceeds these requirements. Please don't confuse requirements for the USCG Auxiliary's Seal of Safety with Federal USCG requirements. NEW YORK STATE BOATING REGULATIONS NO VESSEL SHALL BE OPERATED: within 100 feet of shore, dock, anchored vessel or swim area in excess of 5 mph. NYS speed limit is 5 mph when within 100 feet of shore, dock, pier, raft, float, or anchored boat and on some specific waters it is 5 mph out to 200 feet. There may also be a daytime speed limit of 45 mph and 25 mph at night. Local ordinances may further regulate the speed of boats within specific areas. Check with local authorities and obey posted limits. whose operator is intoxicated or has his ability impaired by alcohol or drugs. by a person under the age of 18 who does not have a Boating Safety Certificate. with a child under age 12 that is not wearing a Type I, II, or III, USCG approved PFD. without required equipment. without navigation lights displayed at night or during times of poor visibility. within 100 feet of a diving flag. REPORTING BOATING ACCIDENTS any accident in which there was a death, a disappearance, an injury requiring professional aid, or damage in excess of $500.00 is considered a reportable accident. If there was a death, disappearance, or injury, you must immediately report it to the police, and then report it to NYS PARKS within 48 hours. If there was only damage, you must report it to NYS PARKS within 5 days. Anytime you are involved in an accident on the water you must stop and exchange information with the other involved party. NEW YORK STATE RULE GOVERNING CULLING OF BASS A single uninjured largemouth bass or smallmouth bass that an angler is landing, measuring or in the process of releasing from a recirculating or aerated livewell, is not considered to be part of the daily limit. NEW YORK STATE RECOMMENDATIONS When you leave a body of water: Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment Drain water from equipment (boat, motor, trailer, livewells) before transporting Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (equipment, clothes, etc.) Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water Good Luck, Good Fishing, and Safe Boating!!!!!!
(THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST, BUT THE MOST COMMON THAT WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF)
