Night fishing and boat lights....

[GoneFishn]

BTW- you do not know me and don't know how much time I spend in the local community trying to be a good "role model". People make mistakes and if I made one, so be it. I will correct it. Erased rest of my thoughts here

No sir I dont know you.Just have seen 2-3 post where you made it clear you was a cop or w/e you wanna callem.Just figured you being a cop you have worked with game wardens and know the laws.Federal law states to have lights on all times at night or day when foggy or cant see to good in day light.I read it somewhere few weeks ago.I'll research and find it just for you Beagle & post the link here.

[Beagle]

Well dude, here's theLa. regs. If you find something different, let me know. I can't find it.
A. The following regulations shall dictate the operation of vessels upon the waters of the state and shall set forth a standard of operation. In construing and complying with these Rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from the Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

B. Any violation of the Rules of the Road as referred to in this section shall be prima-facie evidence of careless or reckless operation.

C. Boating accidents caused by deviation from the Rules of the Road shall be documented as such in accident reports.

D. The Rules of the Road for vessels upon the waters in the state shall be as follows:

Vessels passing head-on shall each keep to their respective right.

A vessel overtaking another vessel may do so on either side, but must grant the right-of-way to the vessel being overtaken.

When vessels are passing at right angles, the vessel on the left will yield right-of-way to vessel on the right.

Motorboats shall yield right-of-way to non-motor powered boats except as follows:
a. When being overtaken by non-powered vessels.
b. For deep draft vessels that have to remain in narrow channels.
c. When vessel is towing another vessel.

Motorboats must maintain a direct course when passing sailboats.

A vessel approaching a landing dock or pier shall yield the right-of-way to any departing vessel.

A vessel departing shoreline or tributary shall yield right-of-way to through traffic and vessels approaching shoreline or tributary.

Vessels will not abruptly change course without first determining that it can be safely done without risk of collision with another vessel.

If an operator fails to fully comprehend the course of an approaching vessel he must slow down immediately to a speed barely sufficient for steerageway until the other vessel has passed.

Vessels yielding right-of-way shall reduce speed, stop, reverse, or alter course to avoid collision. Vessel with right-of-way shall hold course and speed. If there is danger of collision, all vessels will slow down, stop, or reverse until danger is averted.

Vessels will issue warning signals in fog or weather conditions that restrict visibility.

No mechanically propelled vessel shall be operated so as to traverse a course around any other vessel underway or any person swimming.

In a narrow channel, vessels will keep to the right of mid-channel.

Vessels approaching or passing another vessel shall be operated in such manner and at such a rate of speed as will not create a hazardous wash or wake.

No vessel shall obstruct or interfere with take-off, landing, or taxiing of aircraft.

All vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.

No person shall, under any circumstances, operate a vessel in excess of an established speed or wake zone.

No vessel or person shall obstruct or block a navigation channel, entrance to channel, mooring slip, landing dock, launching ramp, pier or tributary.

Vessels shall keep at least 100 feet clearance of displayed diver's flag.

Operator shall maintain a proper lookout.
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 34:851.27A.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 29:1835 (September 2003).

[GoneFishn]

Them are state laws.I seen it somewhere where it is federal which over rides states.

Like california says medical maryjane was legal.You see feds won the battle.

Not trying to argue with you at all sir.Just thought it was kinda weird to get on the internet and let it be well known your a cop then say you dont follow rules.

Anyway cop or no cop hope you dont get hurt or hurt someone in the DARK

[Beagle]

Thats the problem, I thought I knew the law and I do know that I follow the law. Guess I took offence to you calling me a bad role model. Until I see different, I will continue in a safe manner.

PS- where did I say that I don't follow the rules?

[silversalmon]

If you feel safe fishing with no lights, good on you...........If you think it is unsafe to fish with no lights, good on you...........

BUT

Keep the off color remarks to oneself.  Keep it on track about the topic

[Beagle]

I really think we are having a little bit of a communication problem. There is a big difference in northern lakes and our southern swamps. Again, if there is any risk AT ALL of me causing harm to myself or someone else, the lights are on. If there is absolutly NO CHANCE of getting hit, and I am staying within the law, whats the problem?
I'm not a law breaking, bad role model sir.

BTW- by no chance I mean there is no chance of a boat being able to even run the big motor where I'm fishing. It's not possible.

[Allen Shadd]

 Beagle, common sense flew out the window a long time ago on this one. I understand what you're saying. Where I fish in Rodman at night, usually the big motor gets raised while fishing or it gets hung on stumps. If a boat comes along under power, they are at idle with a spotlight so they don't hit stumps. Not minimum wake, but IDLE. You have to wonder about all the law abiding citizens here that don't mind being a bit condescending, wonder if any of them  *ever* break the speed limit while driving their automobiles?

[GoneFishn]

Read 1st 3 paragraphs should maybe clear it up

[Allen Shadd]

Read 1st 3 paragraphs should maybe clear it up

Yep, clear as mud. That link is from  Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Government of Western Austrailia.

[GoneFishn]

Every state should pass the same law VA did. Everyone no matter who you are or age must attend & pass a boat safety course and get a card to show you passed.When in effect 7-1-2007 but wont be giving the $100 fine until 7-1-2008 to give everyone 1 year to get there class or get your walking shoes/boots on and start walking the banks to fish.Where they should be if they dont have the class.

[Beagle]

I agree it should be mandatory. And I'm not at all against making a federal law requiring all boats on public waters have there lights on at all times. I think it would be a good law. But, I don't know of any law like this yet so I cannot bash people for doing something that is not against the law.

[George Welcome]

This subject has been really beat into the ground. However for those that wish, here is the US Code reference this subject.

Motorboats operating between sunset and sunrise shall exhibit a twenty point (225 degree) combination red and green bow light, visible for one mile, the left side being red, the right side being green.
See also the inland navigation rules in 33 U.S.C.A. § 2021 (defining "sidelights" as "a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side"); 33 U.S.C.A. § 2022 (requiring a sidelight to be visible for a minimum of one mile); and 33 U.S.C.A. § 2020 ("The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as . . . do not impair" the visibility of lights specified in the rules.).

That being said understand that it applies to boats being "operated" and those boats that are anchored in close proximity to shipping lanes. Those boats that are anchored out of harms way are not required to carry an anchor light. However, the last statement can be ambigous as, what is harms way?

Note: The above refers to required lighting when the boat is being operated. There is another section of the USCA that covers proper lighting for different vessels, and another for boats at anchor.

[Beagle]

Thank you but I do have a question, they have a pic of a vessel and it doesn't look like a bassboat, it is a fishing trawler with huge nets comming off the side. "inland" waters is defined as tributaries of rivers leading into oceans or the gulf (i think i read that right) Are you sure this stuff applies to me on Cypress? Don't get me wrong, I'm gonna start using them so I'm not a bad role model cop person, or whatever you call them. I'm just wondering if they could possibly make these laws a little easier for those of us that arent fishing in 60ft trawlers on a 1,000 acre privatly owned lake like Cypress. It also refers you to the state laws which do not have anything about night fishing.
I guess my point is that they need a whole section for lakes and rivers. I never knew these rules applied to lakes. I just read the state laws.

[spetro]

You guys do what you want here are the facts...govern yourself accordingly
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BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES
3.1 TITLE 33 CFR United States Coast Guard Regulations:
173.15 (a) (1) No certificate of numbers/unregistered vessel $50.00
173.15 (a) (2) Improper display/no numbers on display $50.00
173.19 Displaying unauthorized numbers $50.00
173.21 (a) (1) Expired numbers/ no certificate on board $50.00
173.21 (a) (2) Rental agreement not aboard $50.00
173.23 Failure to present certificate upon demand $50.00
173.25 Improper location of certificate $50.00
175.15 (a) Insufficient PFD's less than 16' $75.00
175.15 (b) (1) Type I, II or III PFD not readily accessible $75.00
175.19 (b) Type IV not readily accessible $75.00
175.21 (a) PFD unserviceable $75.00
175.21 (b) Wrong size PFD $75.00
175.21 (c) Non-approved PFD $75.00
3.1 (a) Violation of State Boating Laws:
[See 18 USC 13, Assimilated Crime Statute]
11CSR80-7.010 Failure to display current decal $25.00
11CSR80-7.010 Improper location of decal $25.00
RSMO-306.122 Unsupervised operator of motorboat under 12 years $50.00
RSMO-306.220 Allowing person on board under 7 years without PFD $50.00
RSMO-306.530 Failure to register outboard motor $50.00
RSMO-306.260 Discharging sewage $100.00
RSMO-306.100 No anchor lights $50.00
RSMO-305.100 No running lights $50.00
RSMO-306.100 Required ventilation $50.00
RSMO-306.100 No fire extinguisher $50.00
RSMO-306.100 No sound device/bell $50.00



EDIT NOTE:   These fines would be closer to $250.00 while underway or anchored....These items and fines are levied for not having these listed items during an inspection FYI

[George Welcome]

Requirements change based on size and type:

Navigation (Running) Lights

Required on boats between sunset and sunrise. A sailboat under motor only, or under sail and motor, is considered a powerboat, and must display appropriate lights.

BOATS UNDER 12 METERS (39.4')

Sailboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, tri-color masthead light.

Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360°) white light (should also have sidelights).


LA Boating Law:

NAVIGATION LIGHTS:

Every motorboat or vessel when underway in all weather from sunset to sunrise shall carry and exhibit the following lights and during such time no other lights which may be mistaken for those prescribed shall be exhibited.

Every motorboat or vessel of Class A and 1 shall carry the following lights:
- A bright white light aft to show all around the horizon.
- A combined lantern in the fore part of the vessel and lower than the white aft showing green to starboard and red to port so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on their respective sides.

Every motorboat or vessel of Classes 2 and 3 shall carry the following lights:
- A bright white light in the fore part of the vessel as near the stern as practicable so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of twenty points of the compass and so fixed as to throw the light ten points on each side of the vessel, namely from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side.
- A bright white light aft to show all around the horizon and higher than the white light forward.

On the starboard side, a green light so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass and so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on the starboard side. On the port side, a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on the port side. The side lights shall be fitted with inboard screens of sufficient height so set as to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.

Motorboats and vessels of Classes A and 1 when propelled by sail alone shall carry the combined lanterns but not the white light aft prescribed by this Section. Motorboats and vessels of Classes 2 and 3 when so propelled shall carry the suitably screened colored side lights, but not the white light prescribed by this Section. Motorboats and vessels of all classes when underway shall carry ready at hand a lantern or flashlight showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to avert collision.

ANCHOR LIGHTS:

All motorboats anchored in navigable waterways of this state shall exhibit a white three hundred and sixty degree stern light between the hours of sunset to sunrise. This light shall be the highest such light to be exhibited.

VISIBILITY OF LIGHTS:

White lights shall be of such character as to be visible at a distance of at least two miles. Every colored light shall be of such character as to be visible at a distance of at least one mile. "Visible" means visible on a dark night with clear atmosphere.
NOTE: When propelled by sail and machinery any motorboat shall carry the same lights required for a motorboat propelled by machinery only.

[Coonhound]

Craziest thing i've ever seen was fishing Wood Creek Lake, in Kentucky. The locals down there would run this lake, what looked like a whole bunch of Z's and W's strung together and no wider than 100 yards...wideazzed open...in the middle of the night with nothing but marker lights.

Made me an instant believer in having my lights on all the time...and hugging the bank!

[Americangirl]

WOW! Sorry the Oreo remark put you over the edge! Give me a break!
Are you looking for support or attention?
Be carefull up there on the pedistol you put your self on looking down at us, You might lose your balance!

    Seriously, is that all you could come up with

[Fish_myster]

  boys did miss this one, I must be workin way to hard. I replied way back there, I must come clean. I believe in Beagle here too. I am safe with my lights on anytime I running and if I feel I'm back in a cove or in the back waters, I will take my chances of the ticket. I like my night vision.
Remember America gives us the right to our opinions
Chip

[Beagle]

Well, nearly everyone I know breaks this one. I think it could be written more clear. vessel "underway" also includes trolling motor I guess. Start using your lights fellas.

[spetro]

OK....listen up...There will be no personal attacks in this thread or anywhere else on UB.  If you feel the need..... send emails.

The topic is regarding running/anchor lights at night.  Everyones been warned.  

[BassBUFF]

Well said Spetro!!


When I took the Boating Safety Course taught by the LDWF personnel this specific question was addressed and the answer was you are supposed to have lights on from 1/2hr before sunset to 1/2hr after sunrise. I'll see if I can find the reference.

[Beagle]

This really turned into a helpful thead. I just learned that I need a throwable pfd with a rope in my new boat. I had no idea. I am also wondering where you found all the La laws? I didn't see any of that stuff in the wildlife and fisheries website.

[spetro]

This really turned into a helpful thead. I just learned that I need a throwable pfd with a rope in my new boat. I had no idea. I am also wondering where you found all the La laws? I didn't see any of that stuff in the wildlife and fisheries website.

You'll find what you need here
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http://www.boat-ed.com/la/handbook/boater_education.htm

[Ron Fogelson]

This really turned into a helpful thead.

  I'm just sorry you and SJ had to get attacked before help was offered   

[Roba22]

Boy I opened up a big can here didn't I?   Well from what I can see I have been fallowing the law in allways having my lights on from dusk-dawn.  To me Law is Law and safty to myself and others is right behind law...  I also understand that we are all different and not everyone lives by the same rules.  So I'll just have to keep a safe eye out for those.