Laws and Safety Equipment

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Other West Virigina Laws

Boating On Government-Owned Reservoirs

Special rules to be observed in the operation or navigation of motorboats and other vessels upon, over, or through the waters of a particular government-owned reservoir which the director considers necessary for the public health or safety of persons or property on or in those waters, or for the preservation of useful aquatic life.

A listing of these lakes or impoundments may be found in the Fishing Regulation brochure which is published annually. A copy may be obtained at any hunting and fishing license agent or any Division office.

• No motorboat or other vessel may be placed upon or operated upon a government-owned reservoir for a fee or profit, either as a direct charge to a second party or as an incident to other services provided by the second party, except as specifically authorized by lease, license, or concession contract with the government agency which manages the reservoir.
• No motorboat or other vessel containing a sink, toilet, or sanitary system may be launched and operated upon a government owned reservoir unless the sink, toilet, or sanitary system has been removed, sealed, or made to drain into a tank which can be carried or pumped ashore into a receptacle for disposal away from the lands and waters of the reservoir.

A motor boat or other vessel, when not in actual use at a government-owned reservoir, must be:

• Removed from the reservoir;
• Securely moored at an authorized dock or boathouse where supervision by the owner or his or her representative is provided on a twenty-four (24) hour basis; or
• Placed in the care of a marina concessionaire, state or local managing agency, or other party authorized to care for floating equipment on a twenty-four (24) hour basis.

No motorboat or other vessel may be placed upon a government-owned reservoir for use as a dwelling of either permanent or temporary nature.

• A barge, floating facility, motorboat, or other vessel may be moored only in locations designated by the government agency which manages the reservoir. All floating or stationary mooring facilities must be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the managing government agency.
• Abandonment of personal property on the land or waters of a government-owned reservoir is prohibited.
• Gasoline, oil, and other flammable or combustible liquids may not be stored upon or about a government-owned reservoir or the shores of the reservoir without written permission from the managing government agency.

Regattas, races and exhibitions; applications and permits – 15-day advance notice required.

• The department may authorize the holding of regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments or exhibitions on any waters of this state.
• The person in charge shall, at least fifteen days prior to the event, file an application with the director for permission to hold such event.