the

Vermont Boating Laws and Responsibilities of

Provided by

Marine Division

“Troopers are your best protection” Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

The Vermont State Police are responsible for the safety education of Vermont boaters. The Boat Vermont safe boating program is recognized nationally and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Many insurance companies offer a discount for successful completion.

Safe Boating Program

Now!

1.

Boating safety certification is now required by law for many Vermont boaters. You have two ways to obtain your certification.

Over the Internet …

Learn what you need to be a safe boat operator online! The complete study course with exciting visuals awaits you on the Net. Interactive graphics help you learn and retain information on boating safely in Vermont. Successfully complete the online test, and you will receive the official State of Vermont boating safety education certificate.

Start today at www.boat-ed.com/vermont

2.

In a classroom …

Share the learning experience with other interested students and a qualified instructor. The Vermont State Police can help you find a classroom course in your area.

Visit www.vsp.vermont.gov for information or call 802-878-7111 ext. 2211

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

the of

Vermont Boating Laws and

Responsibilities

Published by Boat Ed, a division of Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., 14086 Proton Road, Dallas, TX 75244, 214-351-0461. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright © 2013 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any process without permission in writing from Boat Ed. Effort has been made to make this publication as complete and accurate as possible. All references contained in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, and to represent the best current opinion on the subject. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information contained in this publication. P1013 www.kalkomey.com

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Table of Contents Boating Basics Before Going Out

Vessel Length Classes. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Vessel Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fueling a Vessel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC . . . 6 Preventing Theft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Filing a Float Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Pre-Departure Checklist. . . . . . . . . 7

On the Water

Encountering Other Vessels . . . . . . 8 Navigation Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Nighttime Navigation. . . . . . . . . . 10 U.S. Aids to Navigation System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Specifically for PWCs

Steering and Stopping a PWC . . . 16 Ignition Safety Switches . . . . . . . . 17 PWC Courtesy and Environmental Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

It’s the Law! Before Going Out

Registering Your Vessel . . . . . . . . . 18 Where To Title/Register . . . . . . . . 19 Other Facts About Titling and Registering. . . . . . . 20 Hull Identification Number. . . . . 20 Schedule of Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Buying or Selling a Vessel. . . . . . . 22 What You Need To Register/Title a Vessel. . . . . . . . 23 Who May Operate a Vessel. . . . . . 24 Marine Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Enforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Required Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices . . . . . . 26 Navigation Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Ventilation Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Backfire Flame Arrestors. . . . . . . . 31 Mufflers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Sound-Producing Devices. . . . . . . 32 Visual Distress Signals. . . . . . . . . . 32

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

3

On the Water

Unlawful Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Accidents and Casualties. . . . . . . . 37 Homeland Security Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Obstructing Navigation. . . . . . . . . 38 Diver-Down Flags. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Discharge of Trash. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Discharge of Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Discharge of Sewage and Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Specifically for PWCs

Requirements for PWCs. . . . . . . . 40 Sharing Your PWC. . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Specifically for Skiing

Requirements for Towing Skiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hand Signals for Skiers . . . . . . . . 43

Collected Management Rules for Vermont Lakes, Ponds, & Reservoirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake-Specific Rules Regulating the Use of Particular Public Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vermont Required Equipment Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44 52 63 65

Stay up-to-date on new boating laws!

Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements. ■■

■■

For state boating law information, contact the Vermont State Police. • Visit the website at: www.vsp.vermont.gov. • Call 802-878-7111 ext. 2211. For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety website at www.uscgboating.org.

Information in this handbook does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Vermont, which is found in the Vermont Statutes and federal laws. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Before Going Out Before going out on the water, take steps to make the outing safe and enjoyable.

Inboards

Vessel Length Classes

■■

Length

■■

A vessel’s length class determines the equipment necessary to comply with federal and state laws. Vessels are divided into length classes: • Less than 16 feet • 16 feet to less than 26 feet • 26 feet to less than 40 feet Outboards • 40 feet to less than 65 feet Length is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern. This does not include outboard motors, brackets, rudders, bow attachments, or swim platforms and ladders that are not a molded part of the hull. Length

■■

Vessel Capacity ■■

■■

Always check the capacity plate, which is usually found near the operator’s position or on the vessel’s transom. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and maximum number of people that the vessel can carry safely. PWCs and some other vessels are not required to have a capacity plate. Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s warning decal.

Fueling a Vessel

Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. Try to refuel away from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp. ■■ Before beginning to fuel: • Dock the boat securely and ask all passengers to exit. • Do not allow anyone to smoke or strike a match. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 5

■■

• Check all fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents. • Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment. • Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. • Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. • Remove portable fuel tanks and fill them on the dock. While filling the fuel tank: • Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark. • Avoid spilling fuel into the boat’s bilge or the water. • Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room to expand.

The most important safe fueling practice … If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling and before starting your engine to remove gas vapors in the bilge. ■■

After fueling: • Wipe up any spilled fuel. • Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.

Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs ■■

■■

Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. If the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into the water. After fueling, open the door of the engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of gas fumes. Do this before starting the engine. If you do smell gas fumes, determine the source and make repairs immediately.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

6 Boating Basics

Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC

This switch can help you avoid becoming stranded without fuel. ■■ Use the “Off” position when the PWC’s engine is turned off. ■■ Use the “On” position while you are underway. ■■ Use the “Reserve” position if you run out of fuel while underway. This will allow you to return to shore. Don’t forget to switch back to “On” after refueling.

Preventing Theft

Defend against theft of your vessel and equipment. Store your vessel so that it is not easily accessed. • Store your vessel and trailer in a locked garage or storage area. • Park another vehicle in front of the trailer, or lock the trailer to a fixed object in a well-lighted area. • Secure the vessel and trailer to a fixed object with a good quality chain and lock. If moored, secure the vessel to the dock with a steel cable and lock. • Remove a trailer wheel if parked for an extended time. • Purchase a quality trailer hitch lock and use it. ■■ Chain and lock the motor and fuel tanks to the vessel. ■■ Mark or engrave all equipment with an identifier such as your driver’s license number. ■■ Photograph or videotape the interior and exterior of your vessel, showing all installed equipment and additional gear and equipment. Make a complete inventory of your equipment, vessel, and trailer. ■■ Remove expensive electronics or other valuables if the vessel is left unattended. ■■ Cover your vessel and always remove the keys. ■■ Title and register your vessel. ■■

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 7

Filing a Float Plan

Before going out on a vessel, it is always a good idea to leave a float plan with a relative or friend, or at least with a local marina. A float plan should: ■■ Describe the vessel, including its registration number, length, make, horsepower, and engine type. ■■ State where you are going, the detailed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time. ■■ Give the name, address, and telephone number of each person on board and an emergency contact.

Pre-Departure Checklist

You can help assure a good time while operating your vessel by performing this pre-departure check. ✓✓ Check the weather forecast for the area and time frame during which you will be boating. ✓✓ Make sure that the steering and throttle controls operate properly and all lights are working properly. ✓✓ Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor. ✓✓ Check the engine compartment for oil leaks. ✓✓ Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight. ✓✓ Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the bilge plug is replaced and secure. ✓✓ Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers. ✓✓ If so equipped, make sure the ignition safety switch and wrist lanyard are in good order. ✓✓ Make sure you have the required number of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and check that they are in good condition. ✓✓ Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

On the Water Safe navigation on Vermont waterways is everyone’s responsibility. All operators are equally responsible for taking action to avoid collisions.

Encountering Other Vessels

Even though no vessel has the “right-of-way” over another vessel, there are some rules that every operator should follow when encountering other vessels. It is the responsibility of both operators to take the action needed to avoid a collision. The next page shows what to do when encountering another vessel. To prevent collisions, every operator should follow the three basic rules of navigation. ■■ Practice good seamanship. ■■ Keep a sharp lookout. ■■ Maintain a safe speed and distance.

Encountering Vessels With Limited Maneuverability ■■

■■

When operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to: • Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel • Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing another or laying cable, or one constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel • A vessel engaged in commercial fishing • A sailboat under sail unless it is overtaking When operating a vessel under sail, you must give way to: • Any vessel not under command • Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver • A vessel engaged in commercial fishing

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 9

Navigation Rules

There are two terms that help explain these rules. Stand-on vessel: The vessel that should maintain its course and speed ■■ Give-way vessel: The vessel that must take early and substantial action to avoid collision by stopping, slowing down, or changing course ■■

Power vs. Power

Power vs. Sail

Meeting Head-On

Power vs. Power: Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. Both vessels should keep to the starboard (right). Give way!

Power vs. Sail: The powerboat is

Give way! the give-way vessel. The sailboat

Give way!

is the stand-on vessel.

Crossing Situations

Give way!

Power vs. Power: The vessel on the operator’s port (left) side is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator’s starboard (right) side is the stand-on vessel. Power vs. Sail: The powerboat is the give-way vessel. The sailboat is the stand-on vessel.

Give way!

Overtaking

Power vs. Power: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel. Power vs. Sail: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the Give give-way vessel. The vessel being way! overtaken is the stand-on vessel. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Give way!

10 Boating Basics

Nighttime Navigation

Be on the lookout for the lights of other vessels when boating at night. Several types of lights serve as navigational aids at night. There are four common navigation lights. ■■

■■ ■■

■■

Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side. Sternlight: This white light is seen from behind or nearly behind the vessel. Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailboat under sail. All-Round White Light: On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished. all-round white light (360 degrees)

masthead light (225 degrees)

sidelights (combination)

sidelights (combination)

sternlight

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 11

Encountering Vessels at Night

Give way

Stand on, but be prepared to give way!!

Give way

When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel. It is the stand-on vessel whether it is underway or anchored. You may go around it on either side. When you see a green and a white light, you are the stand-on vessel. However, remain alert in case the other vessel operator does not see you or does not know the navigation rules. When you see a red and a white light, you must give way to the other vessel! Slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you may turn to the right and pass behind the other vessel.

Encountering a Sailboat at Night

When you see only a red light or only a green light, you may be approaching a sailboat under sail and you must give way. The sailboat under sail is always the stand-on vessel!

Give way

Give way

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

12 Boating Basics

U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)

Buoys and markers are the “traffic signals” that guide vessel operators safely along some waterways. They also identify dangerous or controlled areas and give directions and information. As a recreational boat or PWC operator, you will need to know the lateral navigation markers and non-lateral markers of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System.

Lateral Markers

These navigation aids mark the edges of safe water areas; for example, directing travel within a channel. The markers use a combination of colors and numbers, which may appear on either buoys or permanently placed markers.

Red colors, red lights, and even numbers indicate the right side of the channel as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream. Green colors, green lights, and odd numbers indicate the left side of the channel as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream. Red and green colors and/or lights indicate the preferred (primary) channel. If green is on top, the preferred channel is to the right as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream; if red is on top, the preferred channel is to the left.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 13

Nuns are red cone-shaped buoys marked with even numbers.

Cans are green cylindrical-shaped buoys marked with odd numbers. Lighted Buoys use the lateral marker colors and numbers discussed above; in addition, they have a matching colored light.

Daymarks are permanently placed signs attached to structures, such as posts, in the water. Common daymarks are red triangles (equivalent to nuns) and green squares (equivalent to cans). They may be lighted also.

open waters

open waters

Red Right Returning

is a reminder of the correct course when returning from open waters or heading upstream.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

14 Boating Basics

Non-Lateral Markers

Non-lateral markers are navigational aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers which are white and use orange markings and black lettering. These markers are found on lakes and rivers.

Information

Squares indicate where to find food, supplies, repairs, etc. and give directions and other information.

Controlled

Circles indicate a controlled area such as speed limit, no fishing or anchoring, ski only or no skiing, or “slow, no wake.”

Exclusion

Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.

Danger

Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 15

Other Non-Lateral Markers Safe Water Markers are white with red vertical stripes and mark mid-channels or fairways. They may be passed on either side. Inland Waters Obstruction Markers are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore. Underwater Historic Preservation Area Markers are yellow specialpurpose buoys that mark historic and archeological sites located on the bottomlands of the waters of Vermont.

UNDERWATER H IS T O RIC PRESERVE

Mooring Buoy

Mooring buoys are white with a blue horizontal band and are found in marinas and other areas where vessels are allowed to anchor.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Specifically for PWCs Although a personal watercraft (PWC) is considered an inboard vessel and comes under the same rules and requirements of any other vessel, there are specific considerations for the PWC operator. steering control

steering nozzle ■■

Steering and Stopping a PWC

■■

PWCs are propelled by drawing water into a pump and then forcing it out under pressure through a steering nozzle at the back of the unit. This “jet” of pressurized water is directed by the steering control—when the steering control is turned, the steering nozzle turns in the same direction. For example, if the steering control is turned right, the nozzle turns right and the jet of water pushes the back of the vessel to the left, which causes the PWC to turn right.

Most PWCs do not have brakes. Always allow plenty of room for stopping. Just because you release the throttle or shut off the engine does not mean you will stop immediately. Even PWCs that have a braking system do not stop immediately.

Remember—no power means no steering control … Most PWCs and other jet-drive vessels must have power in order to maintain control. If you allow the engine on these PWCs to return to idle or shut off during operation, you lose all steering control. The PWC will continue in the direction it was headed before the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned. New PWCs allow for offthrottle steering.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Boating Basics 17

Ignition Safety Switches ■■

■■

■■

Most PWCs and powerboats come equipped by the manufacturer with an important device called an emergency ignition safety switch. This is a safety device that is designed to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown from the proper operating position. A lanyard is attached to the safety switch and the operator’s wrist or PFD. The safety switch shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the PWC or out of the powerboat. If your vessel does not come equipped with an ignition safety switch, you should have one installed. In many states, it is illegal to ride your PWC without attaching the lanyard properly between the switch and yourself.

PWC Courtesy and Environmental Considerations ■■

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■■ ■■

Avoid jumping the wake of a passing boat, or riding too close to another PWC or boat, which creates risks and is restricted or even prohibited in some states. Vary your operating area, and do not keep repeating the same maneuver. Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore, which increases annoying noise levels. Avoid making excessive noise near residential and camping areas, particularly early in the morning. Avoid maneuvers that cause the engine exhaust to lift out of the water because that increases noise levels. Do not operate a PWC in water less than 30 inches deep. Avoid causing erosion by operating at slow speed and by not creating a wake when operating near shore or in narrow streams or rivers. Do not dock or beach your PWC in reeds and grasses. This could damage fragile environments. Take extra care when fueling your PWC in or near the water. Fuel on land if possible. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Before Going Out All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel’s registration, titling, and operation.

Registering Your Vessel ■■

■■

■■

■■

You must have a Vermont Certificate of Registration and validation stickers to operate any vessel propelled by a motor legally on the public waters of Vermont. The only exceptions are: • Non-motorized vessels • Vessels legally registered in another state or country that have not been within the State of Vermont for more than 90 days • Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or registered legally in another state or country must validate their registration numbers by obtaining a validation sticker from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles if the vessels are used in the waters of Vermont for at least 30 days in any calendar year. The Certificate of Registration and validation stickers are obtained by submitting the proper application and fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Certificate of Registration (registration card) must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated. The registration number and validation stickers must be displayed as follows. • Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow. Sea Ray Gas 18

■■

2008

Red

FG

Inboard Pleasure

ABC67689B606 10

John Doe

103 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT 05671-2101

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

May 2013

It’s the Law! 19

Validation Sticker VT 3717 ZW ■

Spaces or hyphens should appear here.

• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow. • Number must be in at least three-inch-high block letters. Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background. • Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: VT 3717 ZW or VT-3717-ZW. • No other numbers may displayed on either side of the bow. • Stickers must be displayed on both sides. The sticker on the port side must precede the registration number. The sticker on the starboard side must follow the registration number.

Where To Title and Register Your Vessel

Your Certificate of Registration, validation stickers, and title can be obtained by submitting the proper application and fee to: Department of Motor Vehicles 120 State Street Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001 To obtain registration/title and validation stickers application forms: ■■ Call the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles at 802-828-2000. ■■ Visit the DMV website at http://dmv.vermont.gov and download registration forms. ■■ Visit any Department of Motor Vehicles, any State Police office, or some Town Clerk’s offices. ■■ Visit many marine dealers and marinas. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

20 It’s the Law!

Other Facts About Titling and Registering ■■

■■ ■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

All motorized vessels that are 16 feet long or longer and manufactured as a 2004 model year or newer must be titled as well as registered. The application to obtain the title to your vessel is a part of the same form used to register the vessel. The registration fee includes the validation stickers. (see next page for fees.) Registration is valid for one year from date of issue. You may not register for a partial year. The same registration number remains with your vessel from year to year unless you fail to renew. If you change your address or transfer ownership of your vessel, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 15 days of the change. If your registered vessel is lost, stolen, or abandoned, you must report it to local authorities and to the DMV within 15 days. If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Registration or a sticker, you must apply for a duplicate and submit a processing fee. Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Owners of documented vessels must apply for and display Vermont validation stickers.

Hull Identification Number ■■

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.

ABC 67689 B6 06 Hull Serial Model Number Year Manufacturer’s Date of Identification Manufacture Code (MIC)

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 21 ■■

■■

■■

Hull Identification Numbers: • Distinguish one vessel from another­. • Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom. You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen. If the HIN is missing or nonexistent, such as with a homemade vessel, apply for an identification number from the Department of Motor Vehicles. • If the vessel does not need a title or is valued at less than $1,000, a number will be assigned and mailed to you. You will attach it to the vessel. • If the vessel requires a title or is valued at $1,000 or more, a DMV Inspector will attach the HIN.

Schedule of Fees

Registration of Motorboats (fees by length)

Less than 16 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 27.00 16 feet to less than 26 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 43.00 26 feet to less than 40 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 70.00 40 feet and longer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 136.00

Validation Stickers Only (fees by length)

Less than 16 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 27.00 16 feet to less than 26 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 43.00 26 feet to less than 40 feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 70.00 40 feet and longer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 136.00

Other Fees

Transfer fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5.00 Duplicate Registration Certificate fee . . . . . . . . . $ 2.00 Title fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 19.00 Lien fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9.00 Duplicate Title fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 19.00

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

22 It’s the Law!

Buying or Selling a Vessel ■■

■■

■■

If a vessel is purchased from a marine dealer, it may be registered and titled through the dealer. You pay the registration and title fees to the dealer, and the dealer issues a temporary registration valid for 30 days. You receive your permanent registration and title from the DMV by mail. If you sell a vessel, you must: • Give the new owner a bill of sale, including the HIN. • Transfer registration (see below) within 15 days of the sale if it is a registered vessel. • Notify the DMV within 30 days if your vessel has, or should have had, validation stickers. • Have each owner shown on the title properly sign the back of the title, selling it to the new owner. To transfer vessel registration to a new owner: • The former owner completes the reverse side of the current registration certificate and sends it to the DMV, along with the other items listed on the next page. Date of sale and the name and address of the new owner must be completed on the back of the registration certificate. • If the new owner wishes to retain the registration number on the purchased vessel, the new owner must complete a new registration and title application and Vermont Sales & Use Tax Return and send both, with the correct fees, to the DMV (see address on page 19). • In Vermont, you may transfer your registration if you purchase a new vessel. When transferring the registration, the new vessel may be registered for the remainder of the current registration year. File the new application and Vermont Sales & Use Tax Return, and pay the transfer fee plus any additional fee for the change in length. The validation stickers are not transferable to the new vessel. The owner must apply for new validation stickers.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 23

What You Need To Register and Title a Vessel Obtain New Registration and/or Title

• Registration and title application • If a previously owned vessel, Vermont Sales & Use Tax Return, proof that Vermont Sales & Use Tax has been paid, or proof of tax paid in another state • Title if a previously owned vessel or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for a new vessel • Proper fees Transfer Registration and Title

• Registration and title application • Vermont Sales & Use Tax Return, proof that Vermont Sales & Use Tax has been paid, or proof of tax paid in another state • Previous registration certificate showing to whom your old vessel was sold or assigned • Title, properly assigned • Visual verification of the (HIN) Hull Identification Number by a certified law enforcement officer • Proper fees Obtain Validation Stickers

• Application for vessel validation • Proof of valid registration or documentation from another state or province • Vermont Sales & Use Tax Return, proof that Vermont Sales & Use Tax has been paid, or proof of tax paid in another state • Proper fees Obtain Title for a Homemade Vessel

• Registration and title application • Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin to a Homemade Vessel (available from DMV) • Application for assignment of Vermont Hull Identification Number (HIN) to a vessel • Proper fees

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

24 It’s the Law!

Who May Operate a Vessel ■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

All persons born after January 1, 1974, must complete an approved boating safety education course successfully to operate any motorized vessel legally (this includes personal watercraft). The boating safety education course must be approved by the Vermont State Police. Those successfully completing a course are issued a certificate by the Vermont State Police, which is valid for the student’s lifetime. Those younger than 12 years of age but older than 10 years of age must take a classroom course. Persons required to have completed the course must carry the course certificate on board when operating a motorized vessel. Those born after January 1, 1974, are exempted from the above if they: • Are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial vessel or … • Operate the vessel only on a private lake or pond or … • Are not a resident of Vermont and have proof that they have passed an approved boater education course in another state. No one under 12 years of age may operate any vessel powered by a motor of more than six horsepower legally, even if the person has completed a boating safety education course successfully. No one under 16 years of age may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) legally, even if the person has completed a boating safety education course successfully.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 25

Marine Events ■■

■■

To hold a marine parade, regatta, race, tournament, exhibition, or any other event on Vermont waters, you must obtain authorization from the Vermont State Police. The person in charge of the event must apply to the Vermont State Police for a permit at least 15 days prior to the event.

Enforcement

The boating laws of Vermont are enforced by the troopers of the Vermont State Police, game wardens, U.S. Coast Guard officers, and any other authorized peace officer or law enforcement officer. The U.S. Coast Guard also has enforcement authority on all federally controlled waters. ■■ An operator must stop his or her vessel when signalled to do so by an officer wearing an identifying insignia or by a law enforcement vessel sounding a siren or flashing a blue light. It is illegal to fail to stop or to try to elude the officer. ■■ The officer has the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Required Equipment When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) ■■

■■

■■

■■

■■ ■■

■■

All vessels, except sailboards, must carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board. In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type IV PFD on board and readily accessible. Children under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while underway on the open deck of any vessel. A person under 16 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while on board a sailboard. Everyone on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard– approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Ski belts are not approved personal flotation devices. Besides being USCG–approved, all PFDs must be: • In good and serviceable condition. • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency. • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 27

TYPE I: Offshore Life Jackets

These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They provide the most buoyancy, are excellent for flotation, and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.

TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests

These vests are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. A Type II may not turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.

TYPE III: Flotation Aids

These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. They are not recommended for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up.

TYPE IV: Throwable Devices These cushions and ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Since a Type IV is not designed to be worn, it is neither for rough waters nor for persons who are unable to hold onto it. TYPE V: Special-Use Devices

These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

28 It’s the Law!

Navigation Lights

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in illustration 1. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under engine power. The required lights are: ■■ Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. ■■ An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed. ■■ If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in illustration 2. The required lights are: • Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away. • A sternlight visible from at least two miles away. ■■ If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should: • If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length. • If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as in illustration 3.

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible in all directions whenever they are moored or anchored outside a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 29

1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet

The masthead light and sternlight may be combined as an all-round white light on vessels less than 39.4 feet long.

Less than 39.4 feet only

2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet An alternative to the sidelights and sternlight is a combination red, green, and white light, which must be exhibited near the top of the mast.

3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23.0 Feet Vessel operators should never leave shore without a flashlight. Even if you plan to return before dark, unforeseen developments might delay your return past nightfall. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

30 It’s the Law!

Fire Extinguishers ■■

■■

■■

■■

All motorized vessels are required to have a Type B, U.S. Coast Guard–approved fire extinguisher(s) on board. Vessels less than 26 feet in length that do not carry passengers for hire are exempt from this requirement if the vessel is constructed in a way that flammable or explosive gases and vapors cannot be trapped in any compartment or space in the vessel. Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number. Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them, and inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure they are in working condition and fully charged. Use this chart to determine the size and quantity required for your vessel.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements Classification Foam Carbon Dioxide Dry Chemical type & size minimum gallons minimum pounds minimum pounds B-I 1¼ 4 2 B-II 2½ 15 10 Length of Vessel

Without Fixed System With Fixed System*

Less than 26 ft. 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. 40 ft. to less than 65 ft.

one B-I None two B-I or one B-II one B-I three B-I or two B-I or one B-II and one B-I one B-II * refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 31

Ventilation Systems The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a lifethreatening explosion. ■■ All gasoline-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes. ■■ If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes both after fueling and before starting your engine. ■■ If your vessel is not equipped with a power ventilation system (for example, a personal watercraft), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

Backfire Flame Arrestors Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires. ■■ All powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. ■■ Backfire flame arrestors must be: • In good and serviceable condition and … • U.S. Coast Guard–approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards). ■■ Periodically clean the flame arrestor and check for damage.

Mufflers All vessel engines must be equipped with an effective muffling device or underwater exhaust. Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled. ■■ The noise level of any motorized vessel measured at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vessel must not exceed 82 decibels in normal operating environments. ■■ The use of cutouts is prohibited. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

32 It’s the Law!

Sound-Producing Devices ■■

■■

Vessels less than 65.6 feet in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile. Vessels that are 65.6 feet or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell that are audible for at least one mile.

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) Common Sound Signals

■Restricted ■ Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with Visibility

distress signals are U.S. of Coast ■■ visual One prolonged blastthat at intervals not Guard–approved, more than two inminutes serviceable and accessible. is thecondition, signal used byreadily powerboats underway.

■■ All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry ■■ One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of

night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the under sail alone. requirement for day signals are: Warning • Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length ■■ • Non-motorized One prolonged blast a warning (forthan example, openissailboats thatsignal are less 26 feet in when lengthcoming around a blind bend or exiting a slip). ■■ • Manually Five (or more) short,vessels rapid blasts signal danger or signal propelled that you do not understand the other boater’s intentions.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 33 ■■ ■■ ■■

Note: Although Lakes Champlain and Memphremagog are under federal control, VDSs are not required on these waters. If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or nonpyrotechnic (non-combustible).

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals Orange Smoke—Handheld Orange Smoke—Floating Day Signal Red Meteor Day and Night Signal Red Flare Day and Night Signal

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals Electric Light Night Signal Orange Flag Day Signal

Federally Controlled Waters

Vessels must observe federal requirements on these waters: ■■ Coastal waters ■■ The Great Lakes ■■ Territorial seas ■■ Waters which are two miles wide or wider and are connected directly to one of the above

Arm Signal

Although this signal does not meet VDS equipment requirements, wave your arms to summon help if you do not have other distress signals on board.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

On the Water In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are some other Vermont regulations which apply when vessel operators are on the water.

Unlawful Operation

Vermont law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal. ■■ Careless and Reckless Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of illegal, reckless operation are: • Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diverdown flags, etc. • Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Failing to follow the navigation rules shown on pages 8-9 • Weaving through congested waterway traffic • Swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision • Causing danger or damage from the wake of your vessel • Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel ■■ Overloading is loading the vessel beyond a safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration the weather and other operating conditions.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 35 ■■

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device. Specifically, the following actions are illegal: • Operating a vessel (except sailboards) at greater than “no wake speed” within 200 feet of: -- The shoreline -- A person in the water -- A canoe, rowboat, or other vessel -- An anchored or moored vessel with a person on board -- An anchorage or dock • Operating a vessel at speeds of five miles per hour or greater within 200 feet of a marked swimming area • Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury, or damage. Be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including areas marked as “no wake”

“No Wake Speed” means … operating your vessel at a speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed five miles per hour. ■■

Violating Underwater Historic Preservation Area Requirements is the failure to follow the requirements that govern operation in areas marked “State of Vermont Underwater Historic Preserve.” Vessels may not operate in these areas. Additional requirements also apply in these areas. • A vessel may secure to a yellow buoy (see page 15) only if diving at the preserve. These vessels must be 35 feet in length or less and display a diver-down flag. No more than one vessel may moor to a yellow buoy. • When a vessel is secured to a yellow buoy, all other vessels must stay at least 200 feet from the buoy. • A vessel may not anchor within 200 feet of a yellow buoy.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

36 It’s the Law!

Alcohol and Drugs

Vermont law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI) due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination. ■■ Vermont law states that a person is considered to be intoxicated if he or she has a concentration of alcohol of 0.08% or more (based on a chemical analysis of breath or blood) or is under the influence of alcohol or any other drug to a degree that he or she is incapable of operating safely. ■■ Vermont law establishes the following penalties. • Upon first conviction, offenders lose the privilege to operate any vessel (except for a non-motorized canoe or rowboat) for up to one year, must complete successfully an alcohol program at their own expense, and are fined up to $750. • Upon subsequent convictions, the fine is increased up to $1,000. • A person boating while intoxicated who causes the death of someone will, upon conviction, be imprisoned for up to five years, fined up to $2,000, or both imprisoned and fined. ■■ Vermont law has special provisions for operators under 21 years of age. • It is unlawful for those under 21 years to operate with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more. • For a first violation, the offender loses the privilege to operate any vessel (except for non-motorized canoe or rowboat) for at least six months and must complete successfully an alcohol program at their own expense. For subsequent violations, privilege to operate is lost for one year or until the person is 21 years old, whichever is longer. • A person under 21 years old who refuses to submit to a breath test is subject to the same Just remember this simple rule: penalties as BWI. Don’t Drink and Boat!

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 37 ■■

By operating a vessel on Vermont waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if requested by a law enforcement officer.

Accidents and Casualties ■■

■■

■■

An operator involved in a boating accident must: • Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene and … • Assist anyone injured in the accident or minimize any danger caused by the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her vessel or passengers and … • Give his or her name, address, and identifying number of his or her vessel in writing to anyone injured from the accident and to the owner of any damaged property. The operator also must file an accident report with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles within 36 hours of the accident if: • A person dies or disappears or … • A person is injured requiring treatment beyond first aid or … • Damage to the vessel and other property exceeds $100. Accident report forms are available from any office of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles or any office of the Vermont State Police.

Homeland Security Restrictions ■■

■■

■■ ■■ ■■

Do not approach within 100 yards and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel for safe passage, you must contact the vessel or the USCG escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port operation areas, especially those that involve military, cruiseline, or petroleum facilities. Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc. Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel. Keep a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary, and report it to the closest authority. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

38 It’s the Law!

Obstructing Navigation

It is illegal to: Operate any vessel in such a way that it will interfere unnecessarily with the safe navigation of other vessels. ■■ Anchor a vessel in the traveled portion of a river or channel in a way that will prevent or interfere with any other vessel passing through the same area. ■■ Moor or attach a vessel to a buoy (other than a mooring buoy), beacon, light, or any other navigational aid placed on public waters by proper authorities. ■■ Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid. ■■ Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp, or access to any facility. ■■

Diver-Down Flags ■■ ■■

Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag to mark their diving area. Vessels must not operate within 200 feet of a displayed diver-down flag.

Divers Flag A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is required on Vermont waters.

Alfa Flag A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is required on federal and international waters.

Discharge of Trash ■■ ■■

It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters. You must store trash in a container while on board and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 39 ■■

If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard that is at least 4 x 9 inches and notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

■■

It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances. You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal. You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate. You must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard (1-800-424-8802) if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. You also must call Vermont Emergency Management (1-800-641-5005) and report the discharge. If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard made of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces or at the bilge pump control station, stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste ■■ ■■

■■

■■

It is illegal for a vessel to discharge sewage into the waters of Vermont. All vessels equipped with a marine toilet must have a wastewater holding system to prevent the discharge of waste products into surrounding waters. Any holding tank that is designed to allow discharge into the water (such as a those with a “Y” valve) must have the openings sealed shut. Also any discharge lines, pipes, or hoses must be disconnected and stored while the vessel is on Vermont waters. Residential use of vessels with overnight sleeping facilities is prohibited on waters that do not have sanitary waste pump-out facilities. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Specifically for PWCs PWC operators must obey laws that apply to other vessels as well as obey additional requirements that apply specifically to the operation of personal watercraft.

Requirements Specific to PWCs ■■

■■

■■ ■■

Everyone on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard– approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (life jacket). An operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch must attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or PFD. PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a PWC.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 41

Sharing Your PWC … Safely!

Sharing the fun of your personal watercraft (PWC) with friends is all part of the boating experience. Before you share your PWC, however, make sure that others you allow to operate it understand their responsibilities as an operator. They need to know that they have the same responsibilities as any other vessel operator, including obeying the navigation rules. In addition: Make sure that anyone you allow to operate your PWC meets the minimum age and education requirements for PWC operation in Vermont and the local waterway you are using. ■■ Show new operators how to start and reboard the PWC while on shore or in shallow water. ■■ Explain how to steer and control the PWC. Tell all new operators and remind experienced operators that power is required for steering control! ■■ Make sure that the operator understands how to use the ignition safety switch and attaches the lanyard to his or her person or PFD before starting the engine. ■■ Have anyone new to PWCs go out in an uncongested area first. Tell them to stay clear of other PWCs, boats, or persons in the water. ■■ Explain how to recognize a “slow, no wake” speed marker and what to do when approaching one. ■■

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Specifically for Skiing Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device have additional laws.

Requirements for Towing Skiers ■■

All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (life jacket). Ski belts are not approved personal flotation devices. Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or any other device must have a person who is at least 12 years old on board, in addition to the vessel operator, in a position to observe the towed person(s). If towing a skier with a personal watercraft, the PWC should be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the skier. A reasonable distance from other vessels, people, and property must be maintained so as not to endanger life or property. Unless necessary for landing or leaving shore, it is illegal to cause the towed device or person being towed to approach within 100 feet of: • A person swimming • A canoe, rowboat, or other small vessel with a person on board Some areas less than 200 feet from the shoreline may be designated for water-skiing. These areas may have special rules governing their use (see “Lake-Specific Rules Regulating the Use of Particular Public Waters”). VT 3717 ZW ■

■■

■■

■■

■■

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

It’s the Law! 43

Hand Signals for Skiers Knowing proper hand signals will help the skier(s) communicate with their boat operator or the observer.

Skier down—watch!

Skier OK

Stop

Slow down

Speed up

Turn left

Speed OK

Turn right

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Collected Management Rules for Vermont Lakes, Ponds, & Reservoirs Footnotes to Collected Management Rules

(1) The collected rules in this table reflect the general rules set out in Section 3 of Vermont Use of Public Water Rules for all lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that are public waters and are located wholly within the State of Vermont (i.e., these rules do not apply to Lake Champlain, Lake Mem- phremagog, Wallace Pond, and Connecticut River Reservoirs) as modified for individual bodies of water by lake-specific rules adopted under 10 V.S.A. §1424, except: (a) When in conflict with rules adopted by another agency with jurisdiction over the public waters or a particular use of the waters; or (b) When law enforcement, emergencies, or the performance of official duties by a governmental agency require otherwise. (2) Thirty contiguous acres outside the shoreland safety zone (i.e., more than 200 feet from any shore). (3) The rule prohibits the use of internal combustion motors to power vessels on those lakes, ponds, or reservoirs indicated. (4) The rule establishes a 5 m.p.h. maximum speed limit for vessels powered by motor on those lakes, ponds, or reservoirs indicated. The notation “N/A” means no numeric speed limit is established; however, the prohibition in existing law against careless and negligent operation (23 V.S.A. §3311(a)) still applies. (5) The seasonal prohibition on the use by aircraft does not apply on those lakes, ponds, or reservoirs where such use is specifically au- thorized under 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, now or in the future (see 10 V.S.A. §1424(d)). (6) See “Lake-Specific Rules,” pages 52-62. (7) Restrictions adopted by authorities other than the Water Resources Board may also apply, such as restrictions on recreational uses established by the state or a local board of health to protect public water supplies. (8) Despite having less than 30 contiguous acres outside of the shore- line safety zone, high-speed boating is a normal use on this body of water. (9) Despite having a surface area greater than 75 acres and at least 30 contiguous acres outside of the shoreline safety zone (see V.S.A. §3.2(a)), high-speed boating is not a normal use on this body of water and therefore a maximum speed limit of 5 m.p.h. is established for vessels being propelled by motor.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Collected Management Rules for Vermont Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs (1) Inter

Na me

n Ma Aq al Co xim ua Pe Use tic mbu um rso s N t na By A Othe uis Sp ion Su l W irc r ee an rfa M dL ce ate raft Res oto ce im Sp rcr Are Pro trict it ( eci rs All a i aI f Lo t 4) o es All hibite ons A nA M. (to cati ow (AN wed cre d( pp P.H wn on e ( ly S 5 3 s d ) ) . ) ) 

Lake Abenaki Thetford Adams Reservoir Woodford Amherst Lake Plymouth Arrowhead Mtn. Lake Milton/Georgia Athens Pond Athens Austin Pond Hubbardton Barton Baker Pond Baker Pond Brookfield Bald Hill Pond Westmore Ball Mtn. Reservoir Jamaica Bean Pond Lyndon/Wheelock Sutton Bean Pond Beaver Pond Holland Weathersfield Beaver Pond Beebe Pond Hubbardton Berlin Berlin Pond Woodford Big Pond (Woddford Lake) Billings Marsh Pond West Haven Black Pond Hubbardton Black Pond Plymouth Bliss Pond Calais Blueberry Lake Warren (Warren Lake) Lake Bomoseen Castleton/ Hubbardton Bourn Pond Sunderland Branch Pond Sunderland Brownington Pond Brownington Derby Bruce Pond Sheffield Buck Lake Woodbury Burbee Pond Windham Pittsford Burr Pond Burr Pond Sudbury Lake Carmi Franklin Caspian Lake Greensboro Monkton Cedar Lake (Monkton Pond) Center Pond Newark Chandler Pond Wheelock Charleston Pond Charleston (Lubber Lake) Chipman Lake Tinmouth (Tinmouth Pond) Chittenden Reservoir Chittenden Clyde Pond Derby Cobb Pond Derby Coggman Pond West Haven Coits Pond Cabot

44 21 81 760 E 21 28 E 51 35 108 76 24 30 40 E 49 111 E 293 E 31

N N Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y N N N Y N Y

56 20 E 20 46 48

N N N Y N

2415 E, W, Z Y

5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N N/A N N N N/A Y(6) N Y(6) 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N N/A N N N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y N 5 mph N Y Y(6) 5 mph(7) N Y Y(7) 5 mph N Y N 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A

N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N

Y N N

48 34 139 E 27 39 50 20 85 E 1402 E 789 123 E

N N Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y

5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A(6) N/A N/A(6) N/A

N N N N N N N N Y N N

Y N Y N N N Y N Y N Y N Y N N Y(6) N N N Y(6) N N

79 68 40

Y N N

N/A 5 mph 5 mph

N N N

N Y Y

N N N

79

Y

N/A

N

N

N

Y N N N N

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph

N N N N N

N Y(6) Y N Y N Y N Y N

E

702 186 E 27 20 E,W 40

Aquatic Nuisance Species –­ E = Eurasian Watermilfoil, W = Water Chestnut, Z = Zebra Mussels

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Collected Management Rules Cont. I

Na me

nte Ma Aq rnal C ua xim U Pe tic omb um rso se B ust N u y Othe na Su Sp ion isa l rfa ee Wa Aircra r Re nc Mo ce dL e s t t e o S Are rcr ft Pr trict im rs A pe it ( oh ion aft aI L llow ibit s A 4) n A cies A (to ocati l l M (AN e e ow p cre wn on .P.H ed d (5) ply S) d (3) s )  .

Colby Pond Plymouth 20 Y 5 mph N Y N Colchester Pond Colchester 186 N N/A(6) N Y Y(6) Jamaica 41 N 5 mph N Y N Cole Pond Coles Pond Walden 99 Y N/A N N N Sherburne 27 Y 5 mph N Y N Colton Pond Cranberry Woodbury 28 N 5 mph N Y N Meadow Pond Sharon 20 N 5 mph N Y N Crescent Lake Crystal Lake Barton 763 Y N/A Y N N Curtis Pond Calais 72 Y N/A(6) N Y Y(6) Cutler Pond Highgate 25 N 5 mph N Y N Danby 71 Y 5 mph N Y N Danby Pond Daniels Pond Glover 66 Y 5 mph N Y N Danyow Pond Ferrisburg 192 Y 5 mph N Y N Deer Park Pond Halifax 22 N 5 mph N Y N Dennis Pond Brunswick 49 N 5 mph N Y N Lake Derby Derby 207 E Y N/A N N N Hartford 56 N 5 mph N Y N Deweys Mill Pond Lake Dunmore Salisbury/Leicester 1037 E, Z Y N/A Y N N East Long Pond Woodbury 188 Y N/A N N N Charleston 550 Y N/A Y N N Echo Lake Echo Lake Hubbardton/Sudbury 54 Y 5 mph(6) N Y N (Keeler Pond) Echo Lake Plymouth 104 Y N/A N N N Lake Eden Eden 194 Y N/A N N N Elfin Lake Wallingford 16 N 5 mph(6) N N N Lake Elligo Craftsbury/ 174 E Y N/A N N N (Elligo Pond) Greensboro Lake Elmore Elmore 219 Y N/A Y(6) N Y(6) Emerald Lake Dorset 28 N 5 mph N Y N Ewell Pond Peacham 51 Y 5 mph N Y N Fairfield Pond Fairfield 446 E Y N/A Y N N Fairfield Swamp Pond Swanton/St 152 Y 5 mph N Y N Albans/Fairfield Lake Fairlee Thetford/Fairlee/W. 457 E Y N/A N N N Fairlee Fern Lake Leicester 69 Y 5 mph(6) N Y N Flagg Pond Wheelock 111 N 5 mph N Y N Forest Lake Averill 62 Y 5 mph N Y N Forest Lake Calais/Woodbury 133 Y N/A N N N (Nelson Pond) Peacham 61 Y 5 mph N Y N Fosters Pond 195 Y 5 mph N N N Gail Meadows Pond Winhall Londonderry Gates Pond Whitingham 30 N 5 mph N Y N Gillett Pond Richmond 30 N 5 mph N Y N Glen Lake Castleton/Benson/ 206 E Y 5 mph(6) N N N Fair Haven Great Averill Pond Norton 828 Y N/A Y N N Great Hosmer Pond Craftsbury Albany 149 Y N/A(8) N Y N Aquatic Nuisance Species –­ E = Eurasian Watermilfoil, W = Water Chestnut, Z = Zebra Mussels

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Collected Management Rules Cont.

Na me

Inte rn Ma Aq xim ua al Co Pe Use tic mb um rso na By A Othe Sp Su Nuisa ustio lW r i e rfa n ed ate rcraf Res ce nce S Mo Lim rcr t Pr tric tor Are pe i s a o t c ft A hib tion aI (4) L n A ies ( Allow llow ite s Ap M. (to ocati AN ed cre P wn on . ed d (5) ply H. S) (3) s ) 

Green River Reservoir Hyde Park/Eden Greenwood Lake Woodbury Lake Groton Groton (Groton Pond) Grout Pond Stratton Half Moon Pond Hubbardton Half Moon Pond Fletcher Halfway Pond Norton Halls Lake Newbury Stamford Lake Hancock (Sucker Pond) Hardwick Lake Hardwick Hardwood Pond Elmore Harriman Pond Newbury Harriman Reservoir Whitingham Harvey’s Lake Barnet Haystack Pond (7) Wilmington High Pond Sudbury Sudbury Hinkum Pond Holland Holland Pond Horse Pond Greensboro Hortonia, Lake Hubbardton (Horton Pond) Sudbury Howe Pond (7) Readsboro Huff (Hough) Pond Sudbury Indian Brook Reservoir Essex Inman Pond(7) Fair Haven Lake Iroquois Hinesburg Williston Island Pond Brighton Jacksonville Pond Whitingham Jobs Pond Westmore Cabot/Danville Joes Pond Keiser Pond Peacham/Danville Kenny Pond Newfane Killington Kent Pond Kettle Pond Groton/Peacham/ Marshfield Knapp Brook Pond #1 Reading Cavendish Knapp Brook Pond #2 Reading Cavendish Lakota Lake Barnard Lake Lamoille Morristown Lamson Pond Brookfield Lefferts Pond Chittenden Levi Pond Groton Lewis Pond Lewis Lily Pond Londonderry Lily Pond Poultney Lily Pond Vernon Little Pond Franklin Little Lake Wells

653 96 422

N Y Y

5 mph N/A(8) N/A

N N Y

Y N N Y(6) N N

84 23 21 22 85 E 51

N N Y N Y N

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph

N N N N N N

Y N Y N Y N Y N N Y(6) Y N

92 44 20 2046 351 27 20 60 325 32 479 E, Z

N N N Y Y N N N Y Y Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A N/A 5 mph(7) 5 mph(7) 5 mph N/A 5 mph N/A

N N N Y Y N N N Y N Y

Y N Y N Y N N N N N Y Y(7) Y N Y N N N Y N N N

52 16 50 E 85 243 E

N N N N Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph(7) N/A

N N N N N

Y Y(7) Y N Y Y Y Y(7) N N

626 20 39 396 33 26 99 E 109

Y N Y Y Y N Y Y

N/A 5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph

Y N N Y N N N N

N Y Y N Y Y N N

25 35 20 148 24 80 22 68 21 21 E 41 95 E 177

Y Y N Y N N N Y N Y N N Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A

N N N N N N N N N Y(6) N N Y(6)

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

N N N N N N N N

Y N Y N Y N N N Y N Y N Y N Y N Y N Y Y(6) Y N Y N N Y(6)

Collected Management Rules Cont.

Na me

In Ma Aq terna ua xim U Pe tic l Com rso se B um Ot N b na uis ust Su Sp l W y Airc her R an i rfa o e n e ate raf es ce d ce M Lim Sp rcr t Pr tric o Are ec tors ti aft o it ( aI L 4) All hibit ons A n A ies ( Allo ow M ed (to ocati w A c .P.H NS ed res wn on e (5) pply d ) (3) . ) 

Little Averill Pond Averill 467 Y N/A Y N N Little Elmore Pond Elmore 24 N 5 mph N Y N Little Hosmer Pond Craftsbury 180 Y 5 mph N N Y(6) Eden 97 E N 5 mph N Y N Long Pond (Belvidere Pond) Long Pond Greensboro 100 N 5 mph N Y N Milton 47 N 5 mph N Y N Long Pond Long Pond Sheffield 38 N 5 mph N Y N Westmore 90 Y 5 mph(9) N N N Long Pond Love’s Marsh Castleton 62 E N 5 mph N Y N Lowell Lake Londonderry 109 N 5 mph N Y N Lower Pond Hinesburg 58 E Y 5 mph N Y N (Lake Sunset) 57 Y 5 mph N Y N Lower Symes Pond Ryegate Lyford Pond Walden 33 Y 5 mph N Y N Lake Madeleine Sandgate 20 Y 5 mph N Y N Maidstone Lake Maidstone 745 Y N/A Y N N Lake Mansfield Stowe 35 N 5 mph N Y N Marshfield 69 Y 5 mph N Y N Marshfield Pond Martin Pond Williamstown 28 N 5 mph N Y N Martins Pond Peacham 82 Y N/A N N N May Pond Barton 85 N 5 mph N Y N McAllister Pond Lowell 25 N 5 mph N Y N McConnell Pond Brighton 87 N 5 mph N Y N McIntosh Pond Royalton 23 Y 5 mph N Y N Fletcher 81 E Y N/A(8) N Y N Metcalf Pond Mile Pond Ferdinand 26 N 5 mph N Y N Concord 205 Y N/A N N N Miles Pond Mill Pond Benson 39 N 5 mph N Y N (Parson’s Mill Pond) Mill Pond Windsor 77 E N 5 mph N Y N (Kennedy’s Pond) Strafford 64 Y 5 mph N Y N Miller Pond Milton Pond Milton 24 N 5 mph(7) N Y Y(7) Minards Pond Rockingham 46 N 5 mph(7) N Y Y(7) Mirror Lake Calais 85 Y 10/5 N N Y(6) (No. 10 Pond) mph(6) Lake Mitchell Sharon 28 N 5 mph N Y N Molly’s Pond Cabot 38 N 5 mph N Y N Molly’s Falls Reservoir Cabot 397 Y N/A Y N N Lake Morey Fairlee 547 E Y N/A N N N Mud Pond Craftsbury 35 N 5 mph N Y N Mud Pond Granby 55 N 5 mph N Y N Mud Pond Leicester 23 N 5 mph N Y N Mud Pond (North) Morgan 35 N 5 mph N Y N Mud Pond Peacham 34 N 5 mph N Y N Mud Pond Thetford 20 N 5 mph N Y N (Forscythe Pond) Mud Creek Pond Alburg 333 N 5 mph N Y N Mudd Pond Hubbardton 20 N 5 mph N Y N Aquatic Nuisance Species –­ E = Eurasian Watermilfoil, W = Water Chestnut, Z = Zebra Mussels

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Collected Management Rules Cont.

Int Aq ernal Ma ua xim Pe tic Com rso Use B um Ot b na Su Nuisa ustio Sp l W y Airc her R rfa n e n ed ate ra ce e ce M o Sp Lim rcr ft P stric Are eci tors aft roh tion it ( aI Allo Lo e A i 4 n s llow bite s Ap )M Na Ac (to cati me res (ANS wed .P.H wn on ed d (5 ply ) (3) ) )  . N.E. Developers Pond Wells 27 Y 5 mph N Y Neal Pond Lunenburg 185 Y N/A N N Newark Pond Newark 153 Y N/A N N Nichols Pond Woodbury 171 Y 5 mph(9) N N Mt. Holly 171 Y 5 mph N Y(6) Lake Ninevah Norford Lake Thetford 21 N 5 mph N Y North Pond Brookfield 24 N 5 mph N Y Whitingham 20 N 5 mph N Y North Pond North Brook Reservoir Vergennes E North Hartland Hartland/Hartford 108 Y N/A(8) N Y Reservoir North Montpelier Pond East Montpelier Calais 42 E Y 5 mph N Y North Springfield Springfield 290 Y 5 mph N N Weathersfield Norton Pond Norton 667 Y N/A N Y Warrens Grove Ferdinand 22 Y 5 mph N Y Notch Pond Noyes Pond Groton 39 N 5 mph N Y (Seyon Pond) Nulhegan Pond Brighton 37 N 5 mph N Y Fair Haven 131 N 5 mph N Y Old Marsh Pond Osmore Pond Peacham 48 N 5 mph N Y Oxbow Pond Swanton 27 N 5 mph N Y Lake Paran Bennington 40 E,W N N/A(6) N Y Shaftsbury Lake Parker Glover 250 Y N/A N N (Parker Pond) Parson’s Mill Pond Benson E,W Patch Pond Rutland 20 N 5 mph N Y Paul Stream Pond Brunswick 20 N 5 mph N Y Peacham Pond Peacham 340 Y N/A Y N Pelkey’s Swamp Benson W Charleston 173 Y N/A N N Pensioner Pond Perch Pond Benson 24 N 5 mph N Y Groton 69 Y 5 mph N Y Pigeon Pond Pine Pond Castleton 40 N 5 mph N Y Hartford 50 N 5 mph N Y Lake Pinneo Pleasant Valley Brattleboro 25 N 5 mph(7) N Y Reservoir (7) Lake Raponda Wilmington 121 Y N/A N N Reading Pond Reading 22 N 5 mph N Y Plymouth Rescue Lake Ludlow 229 E Y N/A N N Reservoir Pond Ludlow 32 Y 5 mph N Y (Lake Pauline) Richmond Pond Richmond 24 N 5 mph N Y Richville Pond Shoreham 129 E Y 5 mph N Y Ricker Pond Groton 95 Y N/A N N Roach Pond Hubbardton 20 N 5 mph N Y Rood Pond Williamstown 23 Y 5 mph N Y Brookfield

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

N N N N N N N N N N Y N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Y(7) N N N N N N N N N

Collected Management Rules Cont.

Int ern Ma Aq al C o ua xim Pe tic mbu rso Use B um Ot s N tio na uis Sp Su nM l W y Airc her R an e rfa ed ce ate raf es oto ce Lim Sp rcr t P tric Are ec rs A aft roh tion it ( aI L 4) i All n A ies ( llowe M ow bited s Ap (to ocati A c d .P.H NS res wn on ed ( (5) ply 3 ) ) . ) 

Na me

Round Pond Round Pond Lake Runnemede (Evart’s Pond) Sabin Pond (Woodbury Lake) Sadawga Pond Lake Salem (Salem Pond) Schofield Pond Searsburg Reservoir Seymour Lake Shadow Lake Shadow Lake Shaftsbury Lake Shelburne Pond Sherman Reservoir Shippee Pond Silver Lake Silver Lake Silver Lake Sodom Pond Somerset Reservoir South Pond South Pond South America Pond South Stream Pond Spectacle Pond Spring Lake (ShrewsburyPond) Spruce Pond St. Albans Reservoir (North)(7) St. Albans Reservoir (South)(7) Lake St. Catherine Stannard Pond Star Lake Stevens Pond Stiles Pond(7) Stoughton Pond Stratton Pond Sugar Hill Reservoir Sugar Hollow Pond Sunrise Lake Sunset Lake

Milton Newbury Windsor

22 30 E 62

N N N

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph

N N N

Y Y Y

N N N

Calais/Woodbury

142

Y

N/A

N

N

N

Whitingham Derby

194 764

Y Y

N/A N/A

N Y

N N

N N

29 25 1763

N N Y

5 mph 5 mph N/A

N N Y

N Y N

N N N

128 210 27 452 E 117

Y Y N Y Y

N/A N/A 5 mph N/A N/A

N N N Y N

N N Y N N

N N N N N

24 84 27

N Y N

5 mph N/A 5 mph

N N N

Y N N Y(6) Y N(6)

101 21

N N

5 mph 5 mph

N N

Y Y

Y 10 mph(6)

N

N Y(6)

103 68 29 54 103 66

Y N N Y Y N

N/A 5 mph(7) 5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph

N N N N N N

N N Y Y(7) Y N Y N N N Y Y(6)

Orwell Fairfax

25 35

N N

5 mph 5 mph(7)

N N

Y Y

N Y(7)

Fairfax

27

N

5 mph(7)

N

Y

Y(7)

883 E 25 63 E 26 135 56 46 63 21 57 E 202 E

Y N Y N N Y N Y N Y Y

N/A 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph(7) 5 mph N/A(6) 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A

Y N N N N N N N N N N

N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Y(6) N N N Y(7) Y(6) Y(6) N N N Y(6)

Hyde Park Searsburg Morgan Charleston Concord Glover Shaftsbury Shelburne Readsboro Whitingham Whitingham Barnard Georgia Fairfax(7) Leicester East Montpelier Calais Somerset Stratton Eden Marlboro Ferdinand Pownal Brighton Shrewsbury

Wells/Poultney Stannard Mt. Holly Maidstone Waterford Weathersfield Stratton Goshen Brandon/Pittsford Benson/Orwell Benson/Orwell

1568

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

N N

Collected Management Rules Cont.

Na me

Int ern Ma Aq al C o ua xim Pe tic mbu um rso Use B O s N t tio na uis Sp Su nM l W y Air her R an e rfa e ate cra es ce dL o ce Sp tors rcr ft P tric i Are m ec ti aft r it ( A aI L 4) All ohibi ons A n A ies ( llowe M. ow ted p (to ocati AN cre d( P wn on e . S (5) ply 3 H d s ) ) . ) 

Sunset Lake Brookfield 25 Marlboro 96 Sunset Lake(7) Sweet Pond Guilford 20 Thompsons Pond Pownal 28 Thurman W. Dix Orange 123 Reservoir(7) Tickle-naked Pond Ryegate 54 Tildy’s Pond Glover 33 (Clark Pond) Ludlow/Mt. Holly 29 Tiny Pond Toad Pond Charleston 22 Townsend Reservoir Townsend 108 Hardwick 21 Turtle Pond Turtle Pond Holland 27 Upper Symes Pond Ryegate 20 Valley Lake Woodbury 88 (Dog Pond) Wallingford Pond Wallingford 87 Wantastiquet Pond Weston 44 Wapanacki Lake Wolcott 22 Warden Pond Barnet 46 Waterbury Reservoir Waterbury/Stowe 839 Weatherhead Guilford 33 Hollow Pond West Hill Pond Cabot 46 West Mountain Pond Maidstone 60 Wheeler Pond Brunswick 66 Lake Wiloughby Westmore 1712 E Winona Lake Bristol 248 E (Bristol Lake) Wolcott 74 Wolcott Pond Woodward Reservoir Plymouth 106 Worcester Pond Worcester 35 Wrightsville Reservoir Middlesex/ E. 150 Montpelier/ Montpelier Zack Woods Pond Hyde Park Wolcott 23 172,800 E, W, Z Lake Champlain Several (VT) Lake Memphremagog Newport 5,966 E Derby/Coventry (VT) Wallace Pond Canaan 107 (VT) Connecticut River Several N/A Reservoirs Batten Kill Arlington N/A

N N N N N

5 mph 5 mph(7) 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph(7)

N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y

N Y(7) N N Y(7)

Y Y

5 mph 5 mph

N N

Y Y

N N

Y N Y N N N Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A(8)

N N N N N N N

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N N N N N Y(6)

N N N Y Y Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A 5 mph

N N N N Y N

Y N Y N Y N Y N N Y(6) Y N

N N Y Y Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A N/A

N N N N N

Y Y Y N N

Y Y N Y

5 mph 5 mph 5 mph N/A(6)

N N N Y

Y N N N Y N N Y(6)

N Y

5 mph N/A

N Y

Y N

N N

Y

N/A

Y

N

N

Y

N/A

Y

N

N

Y

N/A

Y

N

N

N

N/A

N N N N N

N/A N/A Y(6)

Aquatic Nuisance Species –­ E = Eurasian Watermilfoil, W = Water Chestnut, Z = Zebra Mussels

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Lake-Specific Rules Regulating the Use of Particular Public Waters 10 V.S.A. §1424 Adams Reservoir, Town of Woodford

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1987 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Arrowhead Mountain Lake, Towns of Milton and Georgia Adopted Effective January 2, 1996

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour within the northeastern arm of the lake.

■■ Personal watercraft are prohibited from operating within the north-

eastern arm of the lake, except for a corridor within 200 feet of the shoreline between the public fishing access and the main body of the lake.

Batten Kill, Town of Arlington Adopted Effective February 22, 1999

■■ The following rule pertains to that section of the Batten Kill in the

Town of Arlington between the Water Street Bridge on Vermont Route 313 and continuing downstream to the Vermont/New York border. For purposes of these rules, this section of the river shall be known as the “regulated section.” ■■ The use of all motors, including electric motors to power vessels, in the regulated section is prohibited.

Beebe Pond, Town of Hubbardton

Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 2, 1973 Amended Effective January 1, 1985

■■ Water-skiing is prohibited. ■■ Vessels powered by motors exceeding 10 horsepower are

prohibited.

■■ A person operating a vessel powered by motor shall not exceed a

speed limit of five miles per hour.

Black Pond, Town of Hubbardton

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1986 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Burr Pond, Town of Sudbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective September 28, 1972 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ No vessel powered by motor shall be operated anywhere on Burr Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

53

Pond in excess of five miles per hour between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. local time. ■■ Any motorboat launched at the public Fish and Game access is to be utilized solely for the purpose of fishing on Burr Pond and shall be limited to a speed of five miles per hour regardless of when or where operated on Burr Pond.

Caspian Lake, Town of Greensboro

Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective November 30, 2002

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of 40 miles per

hour between one half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset. ■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise. ■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited. ■■ Ski slalom courses must comply with the following. • Construction -- Length of the course measured on the surface of the water shall be no more than 600 feet. -- There shall be no more than 16 buoys providing for no more than four slalom turns. -- The buoys may be attached to an underlying framework located at least five feet below the surface of the lake. • Location -- There may be no more than one course on the lake at any one time. -- The location each year must be at least 1,000 feet from the prior year’s location measured from the closest buoy of each such location. -- The course must run as nearly parallel as possible to the nearest shore. -- All buoys must be at least 800 feet from shore.

• Use

-- Sanctioned or public competition or exhibitions are prohibited. -- Use by personal watercraft or any vessel powered by motor other than a motorboat towing a water-skier is prohibited. -- Boats shall turn away from the nearest shore upon entrance to and exit from the course.

Chittenden Reservoir, Town of Chittenden Adopted Effective November 30, 2002

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

54 ■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited. ■■ Water-skiing is prohibited.

Colchester Pond, Town of Colchester

Initial Rules Adopted Effective March 8, 1993 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor is prohibited. ■■ Except in an emergency situation or as authorized by the Vermont

Transportation Board in accordance with 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, aircraft are prohibited from landing or taking off.

Cole Pond, Town of Jamaica

Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited effective January 1, 1993.

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

Curtis Pond, Town of Calais Adopted February 14, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour north of the narrows.

Echo Lake (Keeler Pond), Towns of Sudbury and Hubbardton Initial Rules Adopted Effective November 29, 1982 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor at speeds exceeding five

miles per hour or in such a manner as to cause a disturbing wake is prohibited.

Elfin Lake, Town of Wallingford

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1988 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Lake Elmore, Town of Elmore

Adopted Effective February 28, 1997

■■ The provisions of Section 3.3(a)(1) not withstanding, the use of

personnel watercraft is allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Emerald Lake, Town of Dorset

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1987 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Lake Fairlee, Towns of Fairlee, West Fairlee, and Thetford Adopted Effective February 22, 1999

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

55 ■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited.

Fern Lake, Town of Leicester

Initial Rules Adopted Effective November 17, 1980 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor at speeds exceeding five

miles per hour or in such a manner as to cause a disturbing wake is prohibited. ■■ Except in an emergency situation or as authorized by the Vermont Transportation Board in accordance with 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, aircraft are prohibited from landing or taking off.

Gale Meadows Pond, Towns of Winhall and Londonderry Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

Glen Lake, Towns of Castleton, Fair Haven, and Benson Initial Rules Adopted Effective April 1, 1978 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

Greenwood Lake, Town of Woodbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995 Amended Effective February 28, 1997

■■ Unless otherwise prohibited by law, vessels powered by motor shall

travel in a counterclockwise direction when towing water-skier(s).

■■ Unless otherwise prohibited by law, water-skiing shall be limited

to the following days and times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 7:00 p.m.

Grout Pond, Town of Stratton

Initial Rules Adopted Effective August 15, 1974 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Half Moon Pond, Town of Hubbardton Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1987 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Halls Lake, Town of Newbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995 ■■ Water-skiing is restricted to the hours from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

56

Huff (Hough) Pond, Town of Sudbury Initial Rules Adopted Effective August 7, 1984 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Indian Brook Reservoir, Town of Essex Initial Rules Adopted Effective April 20, 1989 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

■■ Except in an emergency situation or as authorized by the Vermont

Transportation Board in accordance with 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, aircraft are prohibited from landing or taking off from Indian Brook Reservoir.

Lake Lamoille, Town of Morristown

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour outside the northeastern arm of the lake.

Lewis Pond, Town of Lewis

Initial Rules Adopted Effective March 8, 1993 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ No person shall operate a vessel powered by motor at any time at a

speed in excess of five miles per hour.

Lily Pond, Town of Poultney See Lake St. Catherine rules.

Little Lake, Town of Wells See Lake St. Catherine rules.

Little Hosmer Pond, Town of Craftsbury Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 2, 1973 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motors exceeding 10 horsepower are prohibited

on Little Hosmer Pond.

■■ No person shall operate a vessel powered by motor at any time at a

speed in excess of five miles per hour on Little Hosmer Pond.

Long Pond, Town of Greensboro

Initial Rules Adopted Effective September 16, 1975 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Lowell Lake, Town of Londonderry

Initial Rules Adopted Effective April 13, 1988 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

57

May Pond, Town of Barton

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1988 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Mill Pond, Town of Windsor

Initial Rules Adopted Effective March 9, 1989 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels and vehicles powered by an internal

combustion motor, except snowmobiles on a designated trail, is prohibited.

Mirror Lake, Town of Calais

Initial Rules Adopted Effective December 17, 1978 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour within the two bay areas south of Hall Point.

■■ For the remainder of the lake, vessels powered by motor shall not

exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour.

Lake Morey, Town of Fairlee

Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995 Amended Effective February 22, 1999

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of 40 miles per

hour.

■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited.

Lake Ninevah, Town of Mt. Holly

Initial Rules Adopted Effective April 20, 1989 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

■■ Except in an emergency situation or as authorized by the Vermont

Transportation Board in accordance with 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, aircraft are prohibited from landing or taking off from Lake Ninevah.

North Springfield, Towns of Weathersfield and Springfield Initial Rules Adopted Effective May 25, 1972 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour on North Springfeld.

Norton Pond, Town of Norton

Adopted Effective November 30, 2002

■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

58

Lake Paran, Towns of Bennington and Shaftsbury Initial Rules Adopted Effective July 14,1980 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor is prohibited.

Perch Pond, Town of Benson

Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 18, 1974 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Shaftsbury Lake, Town of Shaftsbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1987 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

Silver Lake, Town of Barnard

Initial Rules Adopted Effective May 19, 1972 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time, a

maximum of four persons at one time may operate motorboats for purposes of the water-skiing on Silver Lake, provided that: • The use of the lake for water-skiing shall not be conducted to the exclusion of other normal uses and … • Each person operating a motorboat engaged in water-skiing shall proceed only in a counterclockwise direction.

Somerset Reservoir, Towns of Somerset and Stratton Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 4, 1995 Amended Effective January 2, 1996

■■ The use of personal watercraft (jet skis) is prohibited. ■■ Water-skiing is prohibited. ■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion

motors at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour is prohibited except as provided for in the rule below. ■■ The prohibition established by the rule above shall not apply to vessels operated on behalf of New England Power Company in conjunction with their operation of the reservoir.

Spring Lake, Town of Shrewsbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective May 31, 1974 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by an internal combustion motor

is prohibited.

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

■■ Except in an emergency situation or as authorized by the Vermont Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

59

Transportation Board in accordance with 5 V.S.A. Chapter 9, aircraft are prohibited from landing or taking off.

Lake St. Catherine, Towns of Wells and Poultney Initial Rules Adopted Effective November 17, 1980 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Water-skiing is prohibited in the following waters:

■■

■■

■■

■■

• All portions of Lily Pond and the channel connecting Lily Pond and Lake St. Catherine • All portions of the channel connecting Little Lake (also known as Little Pond) and Lake St. Catherine The operation of vessels powered by motor at speeds exceeding five miles per hour or in such a manner as to cause a disturbing wake is prohibited in the following waters: • All portions of Lily Pond and the channel connecting Lily Pond and Lake St. Catherine • All portions of the channel connecting Little Lake (also known as Little Pond) and Lake St. Catherine • Forest House Bay - defined for purposes of this rule as those waters south and southwest of a straight line between the southerly corner of Camp 102 and the northeasterly corner of Camp 110A • Hall’s Bay - defined for purposes of this rule as those waters north and northeast of a straight line between the southerly corner of Camp 224 and the northerly corner of Camp 207 • Horseshoe Bay - defined for purposes of this rule as those waters west of a straight line between the easterly corner of Camp 38 and northerly corner of Camp 46A • Oxbow Bay - defined for purposes of this rule as those waters west of a straight line between the northerly corner of Camp 21 and the northerly corner of Camp 36 With regard to Forest House Bay, Hall’s Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and Oxbow Bay, it is permissible for a boat to start and return to its own dock at speeds in excess of five miles per hour for purposes of water-skiing. In starting, the boat must head directly out of the safety zone. In returning, the boat must go directly to its dock at the lowest speed necessary to sustain the skier. For purposes of this regulation only, the term “channel” as used in the rules above shall mean those waters within and contiguous to Lake St. Catherine which are less than 400 feet in width and which serve to connect that lake with Lily Pond or Little Lake (also known as Little Pond). The provisions of Section 3.3(a)(1) not withstanding, the use of personal watercraft at speeds not exceeding five miles per hour is allowed on Little Lake and Lily Pond for purposes of obtaining access to, and returning from, Lake St. Catherine.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

60

Stoughton Pond, Town of Weathersfield Initial Rules Adopted Effective May 25, 1972 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour on Stoughton Pond.

Stratton Pond, Town of Stratton

Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 7, 1974 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor is prohibited. ■■ No docks or floats, whether permanent or temporary, are

permitted on the pond.

Sunrise Lake, Towns of Benson and Orwell Initial Rules Adopted Effective February 1, 1992 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour.

Sunset Lake, Towns of Benson and Orwell Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 18, 1974 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Water-skiing on Sunset Lake is restricted to the hours from 10:00

a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

■■ No more than one water-skier shall be pulled by a vessel at any time.

Valley Lake, Town of Woodbury

Initial Rules Adopted Effective October 2, 1973 Amended Effective January 1, 1995

■■ Water-skiing on Valley Lake is restricted to the hours from 10:00

a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Waterbury Reservoir, Towns of Waterbury and Stowe Initial Rules Adopted Effective June 2, 1989 Amended Effective January 1, 1995 Amended Effective February 28, 1997

■■ Except as provided for below, vessels powered by motor shall not

exceed a speed of five miles per hour or create a disturbing wake in the following portions of Waterbury Reservoir: • That portion of the eastern arm of the Waterbury Reservoir easterly of a line 200 feet west of the end of the peninsula separating the two bays • That portion of the northern arm of the Waterbury Reservoir northerly of the point of land on the western shoreline located approximately 5,500 feet southerly of the mouth of Cotton Brook ■■ The five miles per hour no disturbing wake zones provided for above shall be clearly marked by buoys. ■■ The speed limit and wake provisions shall not apply to either: Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

61

• Participants in events authorized under 23 V.S.A. §3316(a), for a maximum of five events per calendar year for a maximum of two days for each such event or … • A single vessel using water-ski slalom course number #1 (as identified below). ■■ Unless otherwise regulated by law, only two water-ski slalom courses may be located in the Reservoir, as follows: • One slalom course marked as course #1, located southerly of the mouth of Cotton Brook within that portion of the northern arm of the Reservoir described above • One slalom course located at either of the following locations by the person(s) or organization designated by the Board as provided for below: -- South of the Little River State Park in the southern arm of Waterbury Reservoir, marked as Course #2 or … -- West of the Blush Hill boat access in the eastern arm of the Waterbury Reservoir, marked as Alternate Course #2. ■■ The water-ski slalom courses shall be installed, maintained, and utilized in accordance with the following requirements. • Each course shall be installed following recognized National Design Standards, shall consist of not more than 26 buoys and include underwater alignment and anchoring devices, and shall be configured to occupy not more than 2.0 acres of the Reservoir’s surface area. • Each course shall be available for use by any member of the general public. • Each course shall be installed and maintained by a person(s) or organization designated by the Board who shall file with the Commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (Commissioner) by April 1 of each year a certificate of insurance, including proof of liability insurance protecting the State of Vermont to a degree equal to or greater than that provided to the Commissioner by the American Water Ski Association and Green Mountain Water Skiers in May 1996. • Except as may be provided for above, water-ski slalom course #1 shall be subject to the following requirements. -- Only one vessel at a time shall be allowed to use the course. -- The course shall be lowered to the bottom of the Reservoir each time that the course is not in active use. While on the water surface, the course shall not be left unattended. • The granting of approval by the Board does not relieve the designee from responsibility to comply with any other applicable requirements of federal, state, or local law. • The Board may revoke any designation for failure to comply with the above requirements. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

62

Woodward Reservoir, Town of Plymouth

Initial Rules Adopted Effective September 28, 1972 Amended Effective February 14, 1995

■■ Vessels powered by motor shall not exceed a speed of five miles per

hour anywhere on Woodward Reservoir.

Wrightsville Reservoir, Towns of East Montpelier and Middlesex and City of Montpelier Initial Rules Adopted Effective January 1, 1985 Amended Effective January 2, 1996

■■ The operation of vessels powered by motor at speeds exceeding two

miles per hour or in such a manner as to cause a disturbing wake is prohibited northerly of the narrows that is immediately to the north of the roadside park boat launch ramp. ■■ The provisions of Section 3.3(a)(1) not withstanding, the use of personal watercraft is allowed southerly of the narrows referred to above.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species An increasing number of non-native aquatic plants and animals are invading Vermont waters (see next page). When moved into new waters, these species rapidly multiply, causing significant economic and ecological damage. Do your part to help prevent the spread of nuisance species. ■■ Inspect your vessel, trailer, and equipment (motor, anchors, centerboards, rollers, axles, etc.); and remove any plants and animals you see before leaving the area. ■■ Discard unused bait in the trash, or leave it with someone fishing in the same body of water. ■■ Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge, and transom wells while on land and before leaving the area. ■■ Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment with tap water (preferably hot) or at a car wash. ■■ Dry vessel and equipment in the sun for at least 5 days. ■■ Learn how to identify aquatic nuisance species. ■■ Report sightings of aquatic nuisance species to: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality Division 802-241-3777 www.vtwaterquality.org Notice: • The transport of all aquatic plants and aquatic plant parts, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, or other specified aquatic nuisance species to or from any Vermont surface water is illegal in Vermont (under Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 50, §1454 regarding the transport of aquatic plants and aquatic nuisance species). The law defines an aquatic plant as “a plant that naturally grows in water, saturated soils, or seasonally saturated soils, including algae and submerged, floating-leafed, floating, or emergent plants.” • Effective July 1, 2010, any person who violates this law may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

64

Types of Aquatic Nuisance Species! Introducing non-native species into Vermont waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, harming the environment. Below are some common nuisance species. Eurasian Watermilfoil A prolific aquatic plant found in Lake Champlain and many inland lakes in Vermont. It interferes with boating and displaces native plants. It is spread easily when plant fragments are caught and moved via boat trailers, propellers, anchors, or wet wells. Plant fragments can initiate new plants and become well established. Zebra Mussel A tiny D-shaped mollusk, well established in Lake Champlain. It can clog water intake pipes, damage vessel engines, obscure historic shipwrecks, and alter native species populations. Adult zebra mussels can attach to and be moved on vessel hulls, engines, and other equipment. Microscopic larvae can get trapped and moved in water of vessel engines, bilges, bait buckets, and live wells. Water Chestnut A prolific annual plant found in southern Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen, and a few inland lakes. It interferes with boating, hunting, and fishing and displaces native plants. It is spread by seeds or rosettes caught in vessels and equipment. Alewife A small bait fish recently found in Lake St. Catherine. The alewife may displace smelt and other native forage fish. It can be introduced to new bodies of water if accidentally or intentionally caught and used for bait or if dumped from bait buckets or live wells.

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

at >

Vermont Required Equipment Checklist PWC

Boat Less Than 16 Ft.

Boat 16 Ft. To Less Than 26 Ft.

✓1

✓1

✓1

Certificate of Registration On Board

✓

✓

✓

Validation Decals Displayed

✓ ✓2

✓ ✓2

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓2 ✓ ✓

Boating Safety Education Certificate

PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V PFD: Type IV Type B-I Fire Extinguisher Ignition Safety Switch Backfire Flame Arrestor Ventilation System Muffler Horn, Whistle, or Bell

✓3 ✓ ✓ ✓

Daytime Visual Distress Signals Nighttime Visual Distress Signals

5

Navigation Lights

5

✓4 ✓

✓5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓4 ✓4 ✓

1. Applicable if operator is born after January 1, 1974. See page 24 for more information. 2. Those on a PWC must wear a personal flotation device (life jacket) at all times. Those under the age of 12 must wear a PFD while underway on an open deck. See page 26 for more information. 3. Required on all powerboats (except outboards). 4. Required when boating on federally controlled waters. 5. Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because they are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

Vermont State Police Headquarters: 103 South Main Street Waterbury, VT 05671 802-244-8727

Regional Offices Bradford 1594 Waits River Road Bradford, VT 05033 802-222-4680

Royalton 2011 VT Route 107 Bethel, VT 05032 802-234-9933

Brattleboro 464 Marlboro Road Brattleboro, VT 05301 802-254-2382

Rutland 124 State Place Rutland, VT 05701 802-773-9101

Derby 35 Crawford Rd. P.O. Box 410 Derby, VT 05829 802-334-8881

St. Albans P.O. Box 809 St. Albans, VT 05478 802-524-5993

Middlesex 1080 US Route 2 Middlesex, VT 05602 802-229-9191

St. Johnsbury 1068 U.S. Route 5, Suite #1 St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-3111

New Haven Shaftsbury P.O.Box 83 P.O. Box 215 New Haven, VT 05472 Shaftsbury, VT 05262 802-388-4919 802-442-5421 Rockingham 1987 Rockingham Rd. Chester, VT 05143 802-875-2112

Vermont State Police Marine Division

2777 St. George Road Williston, VT 05495 Sgt. J. R. Underhill Boating Law Administrator Cpl. K. F. Mays Field Coordinator Jere R. Johnson Education Coordinator Website: www.vsp.vermont.gov

Williston 2777 St. George Road Williston, VT 05495 802-878-7111

Get your free safety inspection from the Vermont State Police

Upon successful completion of a safety inspection, the boat owner is awarded a safety inspection decal that signifies compliance with Vermont’s boating equipment requirements. Affix this decal on the port (left) front half of the vessel.

MARINE 2008

2013

INSPECTION

Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com