2024 Watercraft Regulations - 5

2 0 24 WATERCRAFT REGULATIONS
If you purchased your AIS
decal and your watercraft
registration at the same
time, you will only have one
(1) decal on both sides of
the watercraft as illustrated
below for the combo decal.
REGISTRATION DECAL
REGISTRATION/AIS
COMBO DECAL
AIS REGISTRATION DECAL
DECAL
If you purchased the AIS decal and your watercraft registration
at different time periods, you will have a watercraft registration
decal on both sides of your watercraft and one (1) AIS decal on
the starboard side as illustrated below for separate decals.
PART 2 : IMPORTANT INFORMATION
RULES OF THE NAUTICAL ROAD
The rules of the road are an internationally accepted standard to which
all mariners are to comply when operating any vessel upon the water.
The rules require that every operator conduct their vessel in a prudent
manner, at a safe speed, constantly maintaining a proper lookout by all
means available to the operator. It is every boat operator's responsibility
to avoid a collision no matter who has the " right of way " .
RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN VESSELS:
* A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel
not under command (unable to maneuver), a vessel restricted in its
ability to maneuver, a vessel engaged in fishing* or a sailing vessel.
* A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel not
under command, a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver or a
vessel engaged in fishing.*
* A vessel engaged in fishing* when underway shall, so far as possible,
keep out of the way of a vessel not under command or a vessel
restricted in its ability to maneuver.
* A vessel engaged in fishing does not include vessels fishing with trolling
lines or other apparatus that does not restrict maneuverability.
All vessels approaching each other at such angles or in directions so
as to involve the risk of collision shall exchange the below signals and
direct themselves in the following manner:
Crossing. When two vessels are approaching at perpendicular or
oblique angles, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side
shall keep out of the way of the other vessel. The rules allow either
vessel to initiate the one blast signal in this situation, which should
then be answered by one blast from the other vessel.
Meeting head on. When two vessels are approaching on reciprocal
courses in a head on or nearly so situation, both vessels should exchange
a one blast signal and pass with safe room on each other's port side.
The overtaking situation. When one vessel is overtaking another vessel
from any direction two or more points abaft the other vessel's beam,
that vessel is an overtaking vessel and thus is required to keep clear of
the other vessel. Any person operating a vessel shall not follow another
vessel more closely than is reasonable and prudent and shall have regard
for prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to not create a
risk of collision. The overtaking vessel should indicate the intended side
on which it desires to pass and wait until the overtaken vessel signals a
similar signal before passing.
Accidents or collisions; duty to render aid; reportable accidents; operators
required to report; accident investigation; seizure of watercraft.
UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES MUST I REPORT A BOATING
ACCIDENT?
* When a collision, accident or other casualty involving watercraft
results in death or injury to a person requiring medical treatment
beyond first aid at the scene.
* The disappearance of any person from the watercraft under circumstances
that indicate the possibility of death (falling overboard, jumping
from watercraft).
* When damage to watercraft or property is in excess of $500.
WHEN AND TO WHOM DO I REPORT THE ACCIDENT?
* Report accident immediately to any Wyoming law enforcement
agency or any Wyoming peace officer.
* Within ten (10) days after the date of the accident, the watercraft
operator shall file with the Department a full description of the accident,
collision or other casualty.
The operator of a watercraft involved in a collision, accident or other
casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own watercraft,
crew, passengers and guests, shall render to other persons
affected by the collision, accident or other casualty such assistance
as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to save them
from or minimize any danger caused by the collision, accident or other
casualty. The operator shall give his/her name, address and identification
of his/her watercraft to any person injured and to the owner
of any property damaged in the collision, accident or other casualty.
If a collision, accident or other casualty involving a watercraft results
in death or injury to a person requiring medical treatment beyond first
aid, the disappearance of any person from the watercraft under circumstances
that indicate the possibility of death or injury, or damage
to property in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), the watercraft operator
shall immediately provide notice of the accident to any Wyoming
law enforcement agency or peace officer of this state. For purposes of
this section, accidents include capsizing, flooding, fire, explosion, disappearance
of the watercraft other than by theft and all collision accidents
involving other watercraft or fixed or floating objects.
The operator of any watercraft involved in a reportable watercraft accident
as defined shall immediately provide notice of the accident to any
Wyoming law enforcement agency or peace officer. If a watercraft operator
is not able to provide notice, another adult person on the watercraft
at the time of the accident may provide the required notice. Notice
under this subsection shall, to the extent reasonably known, contain the
following information:
I.
For each watercraft involved in the accident, the identifying
number assigned by the certificate of number issued to the
watercraft;
II.
IV.
The location, time and date of the accident;
III. The name, address and age of the operator of each watercraft
involved in the accident;
If not operating the watercraft at the time of the accident,the
name and address of the watercraft owner;
V. The name and address of any person injured, killed or missing
as a result of the accident;
VI. The nature and extent of each injury resulting from the accident;
VII.
A description of any property damage resulting from the accident;
and,
VIII. The name and address of any passengers on the watercraft
5
2024 Watercraft Regulations

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2024 Watercraft Regulations
