RECKLESS OPERATION
(KRS 235.240, Para (1))
The boat operator is responsible for any action that has the potential of endangering life, limb or property. These actions may be deemed reckless, whether intentional or not.
- A person shall not operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard, or similar device, in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life or property of any person.
- A person shall not operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard, or similar device, while intoxicated or under the influence of any other substance which impairs one's driving ability.
Taking into consideration the weather and existing operating conditions, a person shall not operate a vessel loaded beyond its safe carrying capacity with:
If a vessel is operating faster than at idle speed, a person shall not ride:
- On an enclosed bow;
- Outside the protective railing of a pontoon boat or houseboat;
- On a seat which extends six (6) inches above the plane of the gunwales;
- On the sides, back, engine cover, seat back; or
- In an obviously dangerous position which could lead to falling overboard.
Except during an emergency or for purposes that the operator of a dam may authorize, a person shall not operate, moor, anchor or use a vessel within a posted restricted zone.
BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
(301 KAR 6:060)
There are specific education requirements depending on the age of the operator and the type of boat:
- A person under twelve (12) years of age shall not operate a personal watercraft or motorboat over ten (10) horsepower on the public waters of the Commonwealth.
- A person twelve (12) years of age through seventeen (17) years of age may not operate a personal watercraft or motorboat over ten (10) horsepower on the public waters of Kentucky unless the person is in possession of a safe boating certificate or is accompanied, on board, by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older or in possession of a safe boating certificate.
- While operating a motorboat or a personal watercraft over ten (10) horsepower on the public waters of Kentucky, nonresidents twelve (12) years of age through seventeen (17) years of age shall have in their possession a Kentucky safe boating certificate or a recognized and equivalent boat operator licensing or safe boating certificate from another state or country.
- The parent, legal guardian, or other adult who has direct supervision over a minor under the age of eighteen (18) shall not knowingly authorize or permit the minor to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in violation of this section.
The American Boat Operator course meets the Kentucky qualifications to obtain your boating safety certificate!
SAFE BOATING CERTIFICATION
(301 KAR 6:060)
A person twelve (12) through seventeen (17) years of age operating a personal watercraft or motorboat over ten (10) horsepower must possess a safe boating certificate.
- To obtain a safe boating certificate card, a person shall answer correctly at least eighty (80) percent of the questions on the Kentucky Certification Exam.
- There shall be a five (5) dollar replacement fee for safe boating certification cards.
- A person may waive the examination requirements if he or she submits to the department certification showing that approved course – This course of study is approved and meets the requirements of Kentucky.
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