Rules And Regulations For Boating In Arkansas
No matter in which state you live, and wherever you are, there are standard rules and regulations regarding boating, especially safety regulation. Arkansas required specific boat requirements for its boaters. The state of Arkansas put the safety requirements in place for everyone's safety as well as protection for the environment. As the Arkansas's Education board thinks that an educated boater is safer boater as many boating fatalities occur because boaters are not educated about boating safety. The Arkansas Boater Education Card which is also referred to as the Arkansas Boating License is proof that a boater has taken and passed an approved boater education course.
Boating can be a fun and productive activity but most accidents that are boating related can be prevented by education. Arkansas has thousand of and about 600,000 acres of lakes, including Millwood Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Beaver Lake and many more. Boating is a fun moving activity, but it can be dangerous for everyone involved if you just jump right in without the necessary licenses, and if caught, they can face some fine as well. At Laceys you can rent a Houseboat with much ease and comforts which you want or desire for your family trips.
Boat Requirements In Arkansas
Safe boat operations begins by making sure your boat and required equipment are together and in good working order before you get out on the water.
Boater’s Education
In Arkansas, there are mandatory boater education requirements based on the age of the operator of the boat. 12 and 13 year olds can operate a boat provided they have their Boater Education Course completed and they are with an adult onboard. Anyone the age of 12 and under must wear a life jacket or personal floating device while boating in Arkansas. If you will rent a Luxury boat at Laceys on the clear waters of lake Maumelle, you will make your trip more enjoyable than any other lake.
Life Jackets
Life jacket is one of the most important equipment on the board while you are on your way on waters. All vessels must have Personal Floating Devices for each person on board for their safety if you will meet an accident while boating. All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition. Wearable PFDs must be of the proper size as it is based on the body weight and chest size. You must wear a USCG approved PFD on board.
Use Of Alcohol
Boating and alcohol laws vary in each state. In Arkansas no person will be permitted to operate any motorized boat while they are under the influence of alcohol or any type of drugs.
Legal Age For Boating
All stated require boat operators to have a license and get a boater safety course before allowing anyone to operate any vessel. The legal age in Arkansas to operate a motorized vessel is 12 years of age. However, from the age of 12 up until 16, they would have to be accompanied by a competent adult for supervision.
Law Enforcement
In Arkansas, boating laws are enforced by Enforcement officers of the Arkansas Game And Fish Commission, State Police Officers, The Coast Guard, Enforcement Officers Of The Department Of Parks And Tourism. These officers have the authority to stop board boast to ensure they are in compliance with state and federal laws. They also have the authority to investigate for violations and boat accidents. They may also ask the operator to return their boat to the dock upon investigation. In case of any refusal to follow their directions, you may charged a fine.
Speed Restrictions
It is illegal to operate a boat at a rate of speed that creates a hazardous wash or wake upon approaching or passing boats, including, but not limited to wake that causes other boats to take on water, and a wake sufficient to toss occupants of other boats about in a manner to cause injury or the risk of injury.
Restricted Zones
It is illegal to operate at greater than No Wake Speed when within 100 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, dam, anchored boat, intake structure, or other obstructions at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour, unless another speed limit has been established in the area.
Enforcement
Arkansas law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines imposed by the government. You must carry the Boater Education Card on board the vessel and have it available to present when asked by an enforcement officer. If you wouldn’t have to show it to the law enforcement office, you can result in a fine as well.
Reciprocity
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet National Association Of State Boating Law Administrators which is known as Reciprocity.
If you will follow the above rule and regulations and adopt the safety measures, you trip on vessel will be more comfortable. Also you can rent a Pontoon boat and a Houseboat for your vacation trip.