The Water Patrol is generally available to start inspecting rental watercraft the first of June. While conducting these inspections, Deputies/Posse will review the following areas to ensure the watercraft is safe for use by the general public.
 Lights: All motorized watercraft must display the correct lights for their
class from sunset to sunrise when underway and at anchor. Red and green
running lights must be visible at a distance of one mile and white lights at
a distance of two miles. Faded lenses or lights that are not bright enough
to be seen at the distances listed must be replaced or repaired.
Life Jackets: There must be an adequate number of U.S. Coast Guard
approved wearable personal flotation devices in usable condition to cover
different size rental customers. On watercraft 16 feet and longer, there
must also be at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV throwable
device onboard.
Fire Extinguishers: All watercraft with enclosed fuel tanks/containers
must have a Coast Guard approved, fully charged and accessible fire
extinguisher. Depending on the size of the watercraft, more than one may
be required.
Oars / Paddles / Pole: All watercraft must have a pair of oars and
oarlocks, a paddle or a pole in serviceable condition.
Registration: All watercraft must be licensed through the Department of
Natural Resources. The Watercraft must display the State sticker and
numbers on both side of the forward portion of the craft. Registration
cards must either be kept on the watercraft or the owner's business name
must be legibly printed on the rear half on both sides of the craft in the
same size and manner as registration numbers.
Watercraft Condition: No watercraft can be rented or offered for rent or
lease which is broken, rotten or in otherwise hazardous condition. All
watercraft must have intact all floatation and sealed compartments as
designed and installed by the manufacturer. No watercraft should have
signs of or visible cracks, punctures, or gouges that would or does
compromise the watercrafts hull and water resistance.
.
.
|
