HB 160 -- Watercraft Regulations

Co-Sponsors:  Luetkemeyer, Hampton

This bill makes a number of changes relating to watercraft
regulations.  The bill:

(1)  Creates a definition for "racing shell" and "water skiing";

(2)  States that a penalty fee or cancellation may only be
imposed upon a person who documented a vessel with the U. S.
Coast Guard prior to August 28, 1994, if that person received at
least 30 days' notice that his or her vessel is required to be
registered;

(3)  Requires all watercraft to have one wearable personal
flotation device for each person on board.  Watercraft 16 feet or
more in length must have at least one throwable personal
flotation device on board.  Sailboards, racing shells, racing
canoes, racing kayaks, and rowing sculls are exempted from the
requirement to carry any type of personal flotation device and
kayaks are exempted from the requirement to carry a type IV
personal flotation device.  Mandatory use of personal flotation
devices is required in watercraft under 18 feet in length between
October 15 and March 15 in certain locations;

(4)  Authorizes the use of a urine sample to test for alcohol or
drugs.  The current boating law only authorizes the use of blood,
breath, or saliva;

(5)  Clarifies that the displaying of a ski flag is optional when
the watercraft is in the process of towing a person engaged in
water skiing, tubing, or similar activity;

(6)  Establishes a night-time speed limit of 30 miles per hour on
all waters of the state;

(7)  Prohibits vessels from operating within 100 feet of any
other vessel, person in the water, dock, or pier at a speed in
excess of the slow-no wake speed;

(8)  Authorizes the State Water Patrol to arrest persons on
probable cause, anywhere in the state, for a criminal violation
under investigation which occurred within the Water Patrol's
jurisdiction;

(9)  Deletes the reference to 600 hours of instruction a Water
Patrol officer must receive and replaces it with language
referring to training pursuant to Chapter 590, RSMo; and

(10)  Increases from $200 to $500 the amount of property damage
sustained before a person is required to report a watercraft
accident.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:11 am