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PROHIBITED OPERATIONS
Reckless Operation
No person shall operate a motorboat, PWC or other motorized vessel or manipulate any water skis, surfboard or similar device in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. Examples of reckless or careless operation include:
- Excessive speed in regulated or congested areas
- Operating in a manner that may cause an accident
- Operating in a swimming area with bathers present
- Towing water skiers where obstructions exist or a fall might cause them to be injured
- Bow riding or riding on the gunwale or transom where no seating is provided
- Operation of a personal watercraft which endangers life or property
Prohibited Operations
- No person who owns a motorboat or personal watercraft or who has charge over or control of a motorboat or personal watercraft shall authorize or knowingly permit a motorboat or personal watercraft to be operated in violation of any West Virginia Boating Regulation.
- No person may operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as required by the West Virginia Boating Regulations.
- No person may operate a vessel in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.
- No person may operate or knowingly permit another person to operate a vessel if that person, by reason of physical or mental disability, is incapable of operating the vessel in a safe manner under all the prevailing circumstances.
- No person may operate or knowingly permit another person to operate a vessel at a rate of speed greater than will permit that person, in the exercise of reasonable care, to bring the vessel to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
- No person may make a reckless approach to or passage by a dock or ramp, a moored or anchored vessel, or a marked swimming area.
- No person may operate a vessel within twenty (20) feet of a person engaged in fishing without first obtaining permission from that fisherman.
- No person may operate a vessel within twenty (20) feet of the exterior boundary of a water area which is clearly marked by buoys as a swimming area or other restricted area. Swimming areas must be marked with yellow and red colored buoys by the owners of the areas.
- No person may operate a motorboat at a speed greater than idling speed on established and marked no-wake zones on a government-owned reservoirs or other waters of this state.
- No person may anchor a vessel in a position that obstructs a passageway ordinarily used by other vessels.
- No person may anchor or tie a vessel to any type of navigation aid or buoy.
Overloading
- No vessel may be loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe cargo carrying capacity.
- The maximum persons capacity marked on a vessel's maximum capacities plate must not be exceeded.
- The maximum weight capacity marked on a vessel's maximum capacities plate must not be exceeded.
- If a vessel does not have a U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities plate provided by the manufacturer, the owner must demonstrate that his or her vessel conforms to the U. S. Coast Guard safe loading requirements.
Overpowering
No vessel may be operated beyond its safe powering capacity.
- The maximum horsepower capacity marked on a vessel's maximum capacities plate must not be exceeded.
If a vessel does not have a U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities plate provided by the manufacturer, the owner must demonstrate that his or her vessel conforms to the U. S. Coast Guard safe powering requirements.
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