OPERATION OF VESSELS

Careless Operation

Any person who operates any watercraft in a careless or heedless manner so as to be indifferent to the person or property of another person, or at a rate of speed greater than will permit him in the exercise of reasonable care to bring the watercraft to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, is guilty of the crime of careless operation.

Reckless Operation

Any person who shall operate any watercraft in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb, or damage the property of, another person, shall be guilty of the crime of reckless operation.

Overloading

W atercraft shall not be loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity as stated on the capacity plate and affixed to the watercraft by the manufacturer, taking into consideration weather and other existing operating conditions. Capacity plates shall not be removed or altered.

Overpowered Watercraft Prohibited

No watercraft shall be equipped with any motor or other propulsion machinery that has a horsepower rating exceeding the maximum stated on the capacity plate approved and issued by the United States coast guard and affixed to the watercraft by the manufacturer.

Does not apply to motorboats competing in or while on trials of an approved race or regatta nor in areas designated by the game and fish department.

Riding on Gunwales or Bow Decking Prohibited

No person operating a motorboat shall allow any person to ride or sit on either the starboard or port gunwales thereof or on the decking over the bow of the vessel while underway unless such motorboat is provided with adequate guards or railing to prevent passengers from being lost overboard. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that passengers or other persons aboard a motorboat cannot occupy the decking over the bow of the boat to moor the watercraft to a mooring buoy or to cast off from such a buoy, or for any other necessary purpose.

Age Restrictions

“Accompanied by an adult” means no person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft, required to be numbered, on the waters of Wyoming unless an adult is also physically in or aboard the motorized watercraft.