Unsafe Conditions

Louisiana law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard while underway on a powerboat 26 feet or less in length. Specifically, this means allowing passengers to ride on the covered bow or gunwale, unless the powerboat has adequate guards or a railing to prevent falls overboard.

Overloading is loading the vessel beyond its safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration the weather and other operating conditions.

Overpowering is equipping the vessel with a motor that is beyond its safe power capacity, taking into consideration the type and construction of the vessel and other operating conditions.

Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel in a condition that causes a hazard to the occupants or others on the waterways. Enforcement officers may instruct the operator to immediately take corrective action or return to port if:

• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or navigation lights.
• The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
• The vessel is leaking fuel.