KENTUCKY BOATING GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

This publication provides basic information for most boaters and answers the most commonly asked questions. However, it is not all inclusive and for further information, please contact Law Enforcement.

For further information contact:

Division of Law Enforcement
Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

For emergencies, officers may be contacted through the nearest Kentucky State Police post, local law enforcement agency or by dialing 1-800-252-5378.

PLEASE NOTE:
Kentucky Boaters on the Ohio River may also be subject to enforcement of the laws of Ohio, Indiana or Illinois.

REGISTRATION

All mechanically powered vessels used primarily in this state must have a Kentucky registration. Boats are registered at the county clerk's office. Persons may register in the county of their residence or the county of principal use.

Boats currently registered in other states may be used for up to 60 consecutive days in Kentucky without registering here.

All boats being operated in this state must have the registration certificate on board (see Note 1).

Registration fees are as follows:

THE ABOVE COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE PROPERTY TAXES, CLERK'S FEES, TITLING FEES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE CHARGES.

Note 1: Boats that are rented from a marina or boat livery must have a lease agreement on board.

Display of Number and Decal

Once boats are assigned a registration number and decals, they must be displayed correctly. (See diagram below)

The number assigned (and no other) shall be displayed on the bow (forward half) of each side of the vessel, read from left to right, and in a position to be distinctly visible. The letters and numbers must be of a plain block design, at least three (3) inches in height, and of a color that will provide maximum contrast to the background (light numbers on a dark hull or vice versa).

There must be a letter size space between letter and number groups.(see sample below)

CORRECT -- KY 1234 AA

INCORRECT -- KY1234AA

Registration decals are to be placed within six (6) inches behind (aft) and in line with the registration number.

Upon renewal every year, old registration decals are to be removed and the current ones applied.

Correct Display of Numbers and Decal

See the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Transfer, Destruction or Abandonment

When ownership of a currently registered boat changes, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to take the endorsed registration certificate to the county clerk and have the boat transferred into the name of the new owner. This procedure must be done upon completion of the transaction.

Whenever a vessel is transferred, the seller shall, within fifteen (15) days, give the county clerk notice of the transfer of his interest in the vessel.

Whenever a vessel is destroyed or abandoned, the owner shall, within fifteen (15) days, give notice to the county clerk of the action for the purpose of termination of registration. Further, the owner shall remove the numbers and decals from the vessel.

OPERATION

BOAT, MOTOR and LAKE USAGE RESTRICTIONS

Maximum horsepower limits and other boat motor and lake usage restrictions apply on the impounded waters of many small public fishing lakes.

150 HP: Beshear, Malone. Skiing is permitted on a seasonal basis in marked areas (see below).

10 HP at slow speeds which cause no disturbance or interference with fishing: Beaver Creek, Boltz, Bullock Pen, Corinth, Elmer Davis, Herb Smith, Kincaid, Shanty Hollow, Swan Lake.

Operation of internal combustion motors prohibited: Ballard WMA lakes, Bert Combs, Briggs, Carpenter, Carter Caves State Park Lake, Fagan Lake (a.k.a. Lebanon City Lake), Kingfisher lakes, Lincoln Homestead State Park Lake, McNeely, Marion County Lake, Metcalfe County Lake, Mauzy, Peabody WMA's Goose, Island and South lakes, Reba, Spurlington, Swan Lake WMA lakes (excluding Swan Lake), Washburn.

Operation of electric or internal combustion motors prohibited: Chumley, Dennie Gooch, Kingdom Come, Martin County Lake.

Idle Speed Only: Greenbo, Pan Bowl, Wilgreen.

ON ALL KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE RESOURCES-OWNED/MANAGED LAKES:

1) Boaters must use idle speed (slowest speed possible to maintain maneuverability of a boat) when passing another boat where fishing is actively going on.

2) The centerline of boats on the water cannot exceed 18 feet, 6 inches measured on deck, or from bow to stern. Except on Guist Creek Lake, where the centerline cannot exceed 22 feet. Float boats are an exception and may have decking or pontoons up to 22 feet in length. On Lake Malone and Lake Beshear only, float boats may have decking and pontoons up to 30 feet. There is no size restriction on canoes.

3) Houseboats are not permitted.

4) Swimming is permitted only in designated areas where a qualified lifeguard is on duty.

5) Skin or scuba diving is not permitted.

6) Boat motors with underwater exhaust are not permitted.

Waterskiing permitted as designated by signs on Guist Creek Lake and Lake Beshear from 10:00 a.m. to sunset beginning the third Thursday in May through September 30. Similarly, waterskiing is permitted on Lake Malone beginning the third Thursday in May through October 31.

Small Craft Precautions

Statistics show that approximately half of the boat related fatalities involve boats that are less than 16' in length. These boats are usually unstable and can tip over, throwing the occupants overboard. Also, these boats can be easily swamped, especially if used on a large body of water where the wind can cause high waves. When using such craft, be aware of the hazards and wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or if practical, a "float coat".

Uniform State Waterway Marking System

See the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Buoys

Buoys are the most common type of navigational aid, and they serve the same purpose as traffic signs on the highway. Failure to obey buoys can result in enforcement action, or worse, a loss of property or lives. When boating in unfamiliar waters, slow down and look for any regulatory or channel marking buoys, and remember, it is possible for these buoys to drift out of position. Kentucky law prohibits from tying up to any buoy except designated mooring buoys.

Idle Speed

Kentucky law defines idle speed as the "slowest speed possible to maintain maneuverability" of a boat. Generally speaking for a properly adjusted boat, this is the speed when a boat is put into gear without advancing the throttle. All but the very smallest boats when operated above idle speed will create a hazardous wash or wake. Wakes can capsize small boats or cause damage to boats moored at marinas and docks. It is extremely important that boat operators be aware of their speed and the resulting wake. Operators are liable for any injuries or damage caused by their boat's wake.

Boaters may see buoys or signs that say "No Wake". This means that boats must be at idle speed.

Locks and Dams

Boaters in Kentucky may encounter lock and dam systems. Generally, these will be on the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, but a few impoundments have a lock and dam. Locks are a relatively simple method of raising or lowering boats from one water level to another. However, the dams associated with the locks can be very dangerous. Boaters should be alert for these structures. Dams are either conventional or "low head" type. Conventional dams are more easily recognizable with their spillways and power installations. These are usually marked with "keep out" buoys above and below. Low head dams pose an even greater danger due to the fact that they are not as recognizable, especially when water is flowing over them. It is this flow of water over the dam that creates a "boil" on the lower side. Unsuspecting canoers and power boaters alike risk almost certain death if caught in this turbulence.

Drawing of Low Head Dams and "Boil"

Illustration see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Kentucky law prohibits boats from operating within restricted areas as posted above or below navigation, power generating or flood control dams.

Operating Under the Influence

In the state of Kentucky, it is against the law to operate a boat while intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic drug, barbiturate or marijuana. Those persons who are detected by law enforcement officers to be in violation will be subject to sobriety testing and arrest.

Illustration see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Prohibited Riding

Approximately half of the boat related fatalities result from falls overboard. Kentucky Administrative Regulation number 402 KAR 4:150 states that:

Section 1. When operating a motorboat above idle speed the operator or passengers shall not ride on an enclosed bow, outside protective railing of a pontoon or houseboat nor shall they ride on the sides, back, engine cover, back of seat, or any other obviously dangerous position which could lead to falling overboard.

Section 2. No person shall ride in a high rise or "bass seat" while underway and the vessel is at a speed greater than "idle speed". Any seat which exceeds six (6) inches above the plane of the gunnels shall be considered a high rise seat.

Persons should ride only in the areas designated for such.

Reckless Operation

While reckless operation of a boat has no single definition, let's mention some things that might be considered reckless.

• Speed is one of the main causes of boating accidents. Excessive speed in conjested waters can be considered reckless. When operating in a busy area, reduce speed (to idle if necessary) and allow plenty of room for avoidance maneuvers.

• Even in areas that are not marked as idle speed, excessive wake can still be dangerous. Operators of larger craft should be extremely aware of the wake their vessels are throwing.

Rules of the Road

On the water there are no painted lines to mark where boats must go. In order to provide an orderly flow of traffic, there are "rules of the road" that boaters should learn and practice.

Boaters on the water encounter three situations: meeting, crossing and overtaking. The following diagrams should give a clear explanation of who has the right of way (privileged vessel) and who must give way (burdened vessel). However, in an emergency, all vessels must give way to avoid a collision. At night, a boat's navigation lights give an indication of right of way (see page on navigation lights).

The above rules cover most traffic situations; however, a few other situations exist. Sailboats under sail have the right of way except when it is the overtaking vessel. Rowboats and paddle powered boats have the right of way over motorboats. All recreational craft must yield the right of way to large commercial craft (towboats, barges).

On small or narrow bodies of water, all traffic should stay to the right of mid-channel and not "cut corners".

Illustration - see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Water Skiing

While this section is titled water skiing, it applies to persons being towed on any device such as kneeboards, inner tubes, etc.

Kentucky law states that persons being towed on any device must wear a Type I, II or III PFD. Further, the law requires in addition to the operator of the boat, an observer 12 years of age or older - or - a wide angle rear view mirror mounted so as to let the operator check on the skier but still give full attention to traffic ahead of him. The primary responsibility of the operator is to watch for oncoming traffic and not to be looking at the skier.

Both the operator and skier should be alert to the areas of a lake or river marked as "no ski".

Water skiing is only allowed between sunrise and sunset.

Boats towing kites and similar airborne devices must:

• Have, in addition to the operator, an observer 12 years or older (mirror will not suffice),

• Stay 500 feet from commercial docks and ramps,

• Limit the tow rope to 150 feet or less,

• Have no more than two (2) persons being towed.

Water skiing is a sport of skill and coordination. However, caution should be used in displaying this skill. Skiers who ski too close to other boats, docks and obstructions are showing poor judgement. Many of the complaints officers receive while patrolling the water are those about skiers skiing too close.

Additionally, it is illegal to manipulate skis, surfboards, etc. while intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic drug, barbiturate or marijuana.

Personal Watercraft

The term "personal watercraft" (PWC) is used to define a category of vessels that have grown in popularity as well as numbers.

Personal watercraft are small (usually 8 feet or less in length) one or two person motorized craft. These vessels are highly maneuverable and capable of speeds in excess of 35 mph. They are known by terms such as jet skis, wet bikes, etc.

Because of their small size and low profile, operators of other craft may not see them as readily. Operators of personal watercraft should exercise defensive driving. These craft are highly responsive and capable of quick turns. In fact, this is what they are designed for and is part of the fun of their operation. However, this kind of operation can be considered reckless or dangerous if done in congested areas of boat traffic.

In addition to being governed by the same laws that apply to all boats, the following laws apply to personal watercraft:

• The operator must use an engine kill switch when the craft is underway.

• Operators and passengers must wear a personal flotation device.

• No PWC can be operated from sunset to sunrise.

• Where skiing is prohibited, operators can not jump the wake of another boat, perform abrupt turns or engage in similar acrobatic maneuvers.

• In areas where skiing is allowed, operators cannot jump the wake of another boat by getting unreasonably close to another boat or when visibility around another boat is restricted.

• Operators can not pass close enough to other boats to cast spray on another vessel or engage in any other reckless practice which could endanger life, safety or property.

EQUIPMENT

For a boat to be safe, certain equipment must be aboard. Kentucky law specifies the minimum equipment to be carried. The length of a boat is a determining factor for the type of safety equipment required .

Personal Flotation Devices

Illustration see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Personal flotation devices (PFD) are the most important piece of equipment on a boat. While the law doesn't require people to wear PFDs while on a boat, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources strongly recommends that they be worn, especially by children and non-swimmers. In order for PFDs to be legal, the following requirements must be met:

• Coast Guard approved: A label with an approval number will be on the PFD.

• Serviceability; All straps, buckles, zippers, stitching, must be intact and the fabric should not be rotted. Some PFDs contain airtight bags filled with a fibrous material. Squeeze the bags. If air escapes destroy the PFD and replace it with a new one.

• Size: PFDs must fit the people they are intended for. Read the label to determine size and weight restrictions.

• Accessibility: PFDs must be readily available for immediate use by all occupants of a vessel. It is advisable for each person to try on their PFD before departing so that they are familiar with the fastening devices and to assure it is adjusted to the person. PFDs shouldn't be stored in the plastic bags they were sold in. This limits access and can promote rotting of the device.

Federal law requires a Type I, II, or III PFD on all boats. Boats over 16 ft. (Except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one (1) Type IV throwable PFD.

TYPE 1 and TYPE 2

These devices are designed, when worn properly, to turn a person who is unconscious and face down in the water to a vertical or slightly backward face up position.

TYPE 3

These are special purpose devices which include ski vests, fishing vests and float coats. They are not designed to turn a person face out of the water, but they do have its same buoyance and are more comfortable to wear.

TYPE 4

These PFDs are designed to be thrown to persons in the water who can hold on to them until help arrives. They are not designed to be worn, and could cause drowning if worn on the back.

Fire Extinguishers

Kentucky law requires that: "All boats equipped with a petroleum product (gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc.) consuming device (engines, lanterns, stoves, etc.) shall have a hand portable fire extinguisher in workable condition and located for immediate use."

Of course, the best fire protection is well maintained equipment and proper safety habits.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF B-1 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Illustration see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Backfire Flame Arrestors

Internal combustion engines may backfire. To safeguard against fire, all motorboats with enclosed engines and engines originally equipped with a flame arrestor, (except outboards and diesels) must have an approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor system on each carburetor.

Ventilation

Most fires on a boat are due to ignition of fuel vapors. Therefore, Kentucky law requires boats to have adequate ventilation of areas where flammable vapors can accumulate. Most boats are equipped with adequate ventilation systems when they come from the factory. Usually, this is a combination of active and passive systems. Active systems use electrical blowers to exhaust flamable vapors from the bilge and other areas. Passive systems are ducts and cowls that ventilate areas when the boat is moving. Almost all inboards will have an electrical blower installed in the engine compartment. Operators should run the blower for several minutes before starting the engine. If the blower is inoperable it should be repaired or replaced immediately. The majority of boat fires take place after refueling, so care should be taken to avoid spilled fuel in the vessel.

There are fuels other than gasoline that cause fires. Many houseboats use bottled gas (propane) for stoves and other appliances.

One more cause of fires should be mentioned. Many fishermen will use a lantern while fishing at night, if tipped over they can cause a fire.

Navigation Lights

All vessels when underway between sunset and sunrise must display proper navigation lights. Navigation lights on boats are restricted to the colors of red, green and white.

Manually propelled vessels shall carry a white light to display in sufficient time to avoid a collision.

All vessels when anchored or adrift in normal navigation channels shall display a steady white light visible 360 degrees.

Remember, the purpose of navigation lights at night is to show if your boat is in a meeting, crossing or overtaking situation. They will give some indication of the size and speed of vessels. The red and green bow lights are especially helpful in determining right of way in crossing situations.

Illustration see the printed "Kentucky sport fishing and Boating Guide" available at:

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3074

Signalling Devices

Kentucky law states that all boats 16 feet in length or longer must have a horn, whistle or other mechanical sound producing device capable of producing a blast for two (2) seconds or more.

Audibility requirements are as follows:

• Class 1 vessels - one-half (1/2) mile

• Class 2 vessels - one (1) mile

• Class 3 vessels - one and one-half (1 1/2) miles

This does not exempt vessels from any other signalling device as may be required by federal law when operating on navigable waters of this state.

Maneuvering and Warning Signals

ONE LONG BLAST: Warning signal (coming out of slip)

ONE SHORT BLAST: Pass on my port side (left)

TWO SHORT BLASTS: Pass on my starboard (right)

THREE SHORT BLASTS: Engines in reverse

FIVE OR MORE BLASTS: Danger signal

Marine Sanitation Devices

The Department for Natural Resources adopts the United States Coast Guard regulations governing the design, construction, installation and operation of marine sanitation devices as were issued June 30, 1975, and amended April 12, 1976, and future amendments and revisions thereto. For more information concerning marine sanitation devices in Kentucky contact:

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet
5th Floor, Capital Plaza Tower
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3350

Muffling Devices

Kentucky law requires all boats to be equipped with effective exhaust muffling devices. Usually, boats and motors that come direct from the manufacturer are adequately muffled. However, there may be instances of high performance boats that have been modified by the owners that are not in compliance with the law.

Additionally, there may be federal and/or local regulations restricting boats with an over the transom exhaust system.

Recommended Items

The safety equipment required by law is only the minimum. Boaters should consider the following list of items which can make for an even safer and more pleasant cruise.

• First Aid Kit

• Combination Paddle/Boat Hook

• Radio (Marine Band or CB)

• Towline

• Owners Manual

• Spare Parts and Tools

• Bailing Device or Bilge Pump

• Anchor (for river cruising)

Of course, the type of boat and body of water will dictate how much extra equipment will be needed. By anticipating problems, boaters will be prepared before they happen.

ACCIDENTS

Reporting Requirements

If any of the following conditions occur as the result of a boating accident, collision, etc., a "Boating Accident Report" must be made.

• The death or disappearance of a person

• Injury to a person which requires medical attention or incapacitates that person for 24 hours or more

• Loss or damage to property (including the vessel) in an amount of $100 or more

Who must file the report? The operator of a vessel is required to complete the report. If the operator is not capable of filing the report and is not the owner of the vessel, then the owner shall be required to fill out a boating accident report.

Note 1: Even if a Law Enforcemnt Officer fills out a boating accident report, this does not exempt the operator from filing a report.

Note 2: The reports filed by operators of vessels are confidential and are not available as public record (KRS 235.250). However, reports made by officers are available for review.

When must the report be filed? Accidents involving death or serious injury must be submitted to the Division of Law Enforcement within 48 hours. All others must be submitted within five (5) days.

Where do you obtain report forms? Boating Accident report forms are available from Conservation officers or by calling or writing:

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildilfe Resources
Division of Law Enforcement
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, Ky 40601
502-564-3074

Rendering Aid

An operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident shall render aid to other persons and vessels as long as it doesn't endanger his crew, passengers or vessel. Also, the operator of any vessel involved in an accident shall give his name, address, and identification of his vessel, in writing, to any person that is injured or to the owner of any property that is damaged.

OTHER SITUATIONS

Littering

According to KRS 433.757 the operator of any motorboat or vessel is responsible for any litter thrown into the water. Litter is not only unsightly, but can be dangerous to humans and animals. For example, fishing line discarded into the water can be hazardous to wildlife and to a boat's lower unit. Animals can be ensnared in the line and die Fishing line caught on a prop shaft can cause seal leaks and lower unit failure.

ALCOHOL Intoxication Public Intoxication Drinking in Public

Kentucky law (KRS 222.202) specifically prohibits the drinking of alcoholic beverages in public places (this excludes establishments licensed to sell such beverages) and the waterways of this state are considered public places.

Further, this law states that persons in a public place "manifestly" under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that they may "unreasonably annoy" or "endanger themselves or others" shall be guilty of Alcohol Intoxication and subject to arrest.

Persons under the influence of intoxicating substances other than alcoholic beverages or in addition to alcoholic beverages and meeting the above criteria will also be subject to arrest.

Hypothermia

According to statistics, approximately half of the water related fatalities that take place in this state occur from September to May, and the culprit is "cold water". Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. There are several things that can happen when people are immersed in cold water (70 degrees Fahrenheit or less).

Cold water will cause a "torso reflex" which is an involuntary gasp for air by the body. If this occurs while a person's head is submerged, water will be taken into the lungs and drowning is inevitable. By wearing a PFD, a person can survive the initial submersion. But even with a PFD on, cold water may cause death.

-A!ways wear a PFD when near cold water.
- Dress according to the weather.
- If immersed in cold water, make attempts at getting out of it (water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air). However, prolonged swimming is to be avoided, as this will hasten the drop of body temperature.
- Conscious victims should be rewarmed immediately.
- Unconscious victims will need emergency medical attention.

Swimming

Swimming related fatalities far outnumber boat related fatalities in this state. Usually this happens when . persons find themselves unexpectedly in deep water. These people panic and subsequently drown. Here are some helpful hints for persons who go to lakes and rivers to beat the heat of summer.

- Swim in marked and supervised areas.
- If you are a non-swimmer or a poor swimmer, wear a PFD. Remember, PFDs are not just for boaters.
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages when swimming. Alcohol greatly reduces a person's reflexes and strength when in the water. For persons who have had alcoholic beverages a PFD is the difference between life and death.
- Persons who wish to swim a long distance should swim parallel to the shore instead of across a river or lake. Boaters don't normally expect to see swimmers in the middle of a lake or river and may run over them.
- Kentucky law specifically prohibits swimming at any boat launching ramp.

Inflatables

Air mattresses, inner tubes and other similar devices are generally used as recreational items by persons swimming or sunbathing. However, these items, by law are vessels and can be required to carry PFDs. The following precautions should be taken:

Number 1
- Use of these items should be restricted to designated or generally recognized swimming areas and not be used in areas of boat traffic.

Number 2
- Non-swimmers or poor swimmers should not depend on theses devices to save their life. These items can be punctured and lose their buoyancy - wear a PFD!

Alpha Flag.

Internationally recognized diving flag must be blue with 3" silver strip.

Diver's Flag

Recognized and widely used though not an official diving flag.

Scuba Diving

Persons diving or submerging with the aid of a mechanical breathing apparatus in an area where boats might be, are required by law to display the "Diver Down" flag.

This flag should be put on a buoy or other floating platform so that boaters will readily see it. Approaching boats must stay outside of a 100 foot radius of the flag. Divers must surface within a 50 foot radius unless there is an emergency.

Divers shall not dive in established traffic lanes nor interfere with anyone fishing unless emergency operations are in progress.

First Aid

This section includes suggestions that may save a life.

First, boats should be equipped with a first aid kit. This kit should be able to provide treatment for some of the following injuries:

Burns
Insect Bites
Cuts Abrasions

Second, boaters should take a first aid course so they know how to treat victims with sprains, broken bones and shock.

Third, boaters should know how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in case they encounter victims of near drowning, heart attack or trauma from boating accidents.

In many cases, emergency medical help is further away on the water than on land.

Interested persons should contact their local chapter of the American Red Cross for information on first aid and CPR training.

Fatigue

Boaters should be aware of the factors that induce fatigue while on the water. The wind, sun, engine noise and constant motion of the boat can greatly reduce a person's reaction time.