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Here are some of the regulations that apply to the portion of lakes that are in Tennessee. (Note that Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are also in Kentucky.)
Boating under the influence
It is against the law to operate a sail boat or powered vessel while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs.
Everyone operating a sail boat or powered vessel has given their implied consent to a sobriety test, under the law. Failure to consent to testing is a separate offense and may result in suspension of vessel operating privileges for six months.
A vessel operator whose tests show .08 of alcohol is presumed under the influence and his or her ability to operate a vessel is impaired.
State law requires that blood-alcohol content be taken from all operators involved in an accident where death or serious injury occur.
The penalty for operating under the influence on the first offense will bring a fine of up to $2,500. The second offense: $2,500. The third offense: $5,000. Those convicted may also be sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Probation is mandatory for any offense and operating privileges may be suspended from one to 10 years. Those operating a vessel under the influence may also be subject to federal penalties.
Children operating boats
Children under 12 may not operate a powered boat unless they are accompanied by an adult who can take immediate control of the vessel. An exception is made if the boat is powered by an outboard motor of 8.5 horsepower or less. A further exception is made for unaccompanied operators between the ages of 10 and 12 if the boat is over 14 feet long, powered by an outboard motor of less than 15 horsepower, and the person has successfully completed a boating education course approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Reckless Operation
Reckless operation of a vessel or reckless use water skis or similar devices punishable by a state fine of $2500 and six months in jail. There may also be federal penalties, including a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for one year. Reckless operation is defined as any act which endangers life, limb or property.
Examples of reckless operation are:
· Operating a vessel in swimming areas.
· Riding on seatbacks, gunwales, transoms or pedestal seats while above an idle speed.
· Excessive speed in crowded areas, dangerous areas or during restricted visibility.
· Operating an overloaded vessel.
· Towing a skier in a crowded area where a fallen skier is likely to be hit by other vessels or towing in areas where the skier is likely to strike an obstacle.
· Using a personal watercraft to jump the immediate wake of another vessel.
Owner's responsibility
A vessel’s owner may be responsible for any injury or damage done by his or her vessel even if the owner is not present. This shall not hold true if the vessel is used without the owner's consent.
Accidents must be reported
Boating accidents involving death, or injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or the disappearance of a person should be reported as soon as possible, and must be reported within 48 hours.
All accidents involving property damage in excess of $500 (to one vessel or a combination of both vessels) must be reported within 10 days.
The operator of every vessel involved in a reportable boating accident is required to file an accident form with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Forms are available from any TWRA office. Failure to report a boating accident is a criminal offense.
If a boat is involved in an accident, it is the duty of the operator to give necessary assistance, as long as it will not personally endanger the operator, the passengers, or vessel.
Personal watercraft
Personal watercraft are designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the craft rather than sitting or standing inside the vessel. These include Jet Skis, Wet Bikes, Wave Runners Sea |Doos and similar craft. Personal watercraft are considered powered vessels and must adhere to the same rules as any other boat. They must be registered, carry flotation devices and be operated at a speed safe enough for the operator to avoid a collision or stop in time to avoid an accident.
Jumping the immediate wake (within 100 feet) of another vessel, weaving through congested vessel traffic and riding close to ramps, docks, or the shore is considered reckless operation.
All persons operating or using personal watercraft must wear a personal flotation device (life jacket), Type I, II, or III (Inflatable cannot be used). Personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Children under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft unless an adult is on board who can take immediate control of the boat. Anyone who allows an under-aged operator to use a personal watercraft may be prosecuted.
Personal watercraft used to tow skiers, surfboards or other devices must be equipped with 2 mirrors (at least 2 1/2 by 4 inches) or have a person, 12 or older, to observe the progress of the skier. The mirrors must be mounted on each side of the personal watercraft (not on the handle bars).
Sailboards (for windsurfing) are not considered vessels and do not have to be registered. A personal flotation device is recommended but not required for sailboards.
Carrying passengers for hire
Anyone carrying passengers must obtain a license from the U. S. Coast Guard. This includes ferry service and fishing guide service.
Special marine events
Anyone wanting to hold a boat race, marine parade or any other special aquatic events that may restrict local navigation or require additional patrol by wildlife officers must apply for a permit from the TWRA at least 30 days beforehand.
Life jackets required below dams
An approved life jacket must be worn by everyone on vessels operated within specifically marked areas below any dam.
Noise levels
Engines of all motorized vessels must have an effective muffling system. The noise level of any motorized vessel may not exceed 86 decibels at 50 feet or more. Manufacturers may not sell vessels which do not meet the noise level requirements.
Water skiing
Skiing is prohibited from sunset to sunrise and during inclement weather. Vessels towing skiers must be equipped with a 170-degree, wide-angle rearview mirror or have someone 12 or older on board, other than the operator, to observe the progress of the skier.
Skiers must wear a life preserver, buoyant vest or life belt. If the device worn is not Coast Guard approved, then an approved device for the skier must be on board the towing vessel.
Skiers may not ski near, or in front of tow boats or other large craft since their visibility is restricted and their ability to stop quickly or maneuver is extremely limited.
Driver and passengers must not sit on deck, gunwales or transom while the boat is in motion.
No-wake (idle speed) areas
Unless otherwise marked, all vessels operating within 300 feet of a commercial boat dock must do so at a slow wake speed regardless of whether or not the area is marked by buoys.
"No wake" is defined as a vessel traveling at or below idle speed, or at such speed that the boat or its wake (waves) is not sufficient to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats, or property.
Rules for TWRA access areas
· Picnicking is permitted.
· Disorderly conduct or use of intoxicants or other behavior-modifying substances are prohibited.
· The use of firearms is prohibited except during regular hunting season.
· Target shooting is prohibited at all times.
· Swimming from or near ramps or in such a manner as to interfere with the launching or removal of boats is prohibited.
Diving safety
Boats must not operate within 50 feet of a diver's- down flag and a slow, no-wake idle speed restriction is automatically imposed within 200 feet of the flag.
A diver is any person who is in the water and equipped with a face mask, snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.
All divers shall prominently display a diver's-down flag in the area in which they are diving and must surface within 50 feet of the flag. After dusk the flag must be illuminated so it can be seen from a minimum of 300 feet.
Any boat used as a necessary part of the diving operation must display, from its mast a diver's-down flag at least 18 inches x 24 inches in size and an international code flag Alpha so that they are visible from 360 degrees. After dark such boats shall illuminate their flags so they are visible from a minimum of 300 feet.
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