A. Every vessel shall have aboard:

(1) one life preserver, buoyant vest, ring buoy or buoyant cushion bearing the mark of approval of the United States coast guard and in serviceable condition for each person on board;

(2) one oar or paddle;

(3) one bailing bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated bilge pump; and

(4) a length of stout rope at least equal to the length of the vessel.

B. Every motorboat, during the hours of darkness, shall carry:

(1) a bright white light aft to show around the horizon; and

(2) a combined light on the fore part of the vessel and lower than the white light and showing green to the starboard and red to the port, and so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on their respective sides. No other light shall be shown except as specifically prescribed by the United States coast guard for the particular class of boats.

C. If carrying or using any inflammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose, and if not entirely open, every vessel shall have an efficient natural or mechanical ventilation system capable of removing resulting gases prior to, and during, the time the vessel is occupied by any person.

D. No privately owned vessel shall carry a siren unless specifically authorized in writing by the director of the division.

E. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as required by this section.

History: 1953 Comp., § 75-35-6, enacted by Laws 1959, ch. 338, § 6; 1963, ch. 45, § 3; 1977, ch. 254, § 99.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 12 Am. Jur. 2d Boats and Boating §§ 10 to 13.

Validity of regulation of smoke and other air pollution, 78 A.L.R.2d 1313.

Liability under Jones Act or unseaworthiness doctrine for failure to furnish individual safety equipment or to require its use, 91 A.L.R.2d 1019.