SML Boat Laws

[mntneerfan]

Being new to SML I was wanting to know if there is anything I should know about night time boating. I am from WV. Do they allow any extra lighting on the front of the boat to allow you to see at night?
Do you have to keep your anchor light on when using your trolling motor along the bank?
Anything special I need to have?

[mwardncsu]

Nav and anchor lights have to be on when underway - I'd apply that to the trolling motor. If anchored up - the anchor light

There is a fair bit if nighttime boat traffic on SML so for your and our safety keep those nav lights on.

As to a bow light - not sure of the laws. CorneliaGale would - but use them sparinging for your own night vision's sake and of course keep them out of the direction of any other boats if you do use them.

Keep your GPS going, track the lighted markets and stay mid-channel and SML is very navigable at night. Just be careful.

[CorneliaGale]

Only the red and green and a white stern light are to be used when underway, docking lights only when docking, not for going down the lake as some do. Game Wardens told me they were stopping boats with the neon lights on them at night. Will try and find the link to navigation rules and post it later tonight. SML is under USCG control, so kids under 13 are required to wear a PFD when underway. Search lights are really a no no, but you see people using them, they are not legal per nav, rules.
Anchor light only when anchored in a channel where there is boat traffic, underway with trolling motor is the same as big motor,
Underway, not attached to dock or at anchor.
If you are moving, the lights have to be on.
Also make sure your white light is higher than any other thing on the boat so you can be seen, at least 3' above the deck.

[mntneerfan]

Thanks for info. Never ran SML at night but will keep my GPS on. At Lake Cumberland the nite Striper fisherman ran trolling motors dark along bank but lights on when underway and turned on anchor light when a boat was approaching. Some had extra bow lighting. Cumberland is very dark, no homes allowed on lake only a few large marinas. I just don' want to break any laws and always consider safety.

Does it get very foggy at night on SML.

[mwardncsu]

Fog certain times of year in sprig/fall - more so in early mornings than during night.

Of course it's snowing and sleeting at the lake right now when weather man was calling for rain, and it's April, so what do any of us know Just can't bring myself to put the cold weather gear back on and get out there.....

[CorneliaGale]

Does it get very foggy at night on SML.

Yes, very foggy seems like you can cut it with a knife at times. GPS is a great thing to have. learn the lake in daytime or take someone who knows the lake with you.

[CorneliaGale]

Here is a link to the navigation rules, they are a thrill to read and understand but if you operate a boat you need to know them.

www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent

enjoy
You can buy paper copies they aren't cheap, I have to have a copy on my boat.

[tommy1]

I have used a spot light up the lake in all the trash where 4 wheel drive was needed and seen a few others but always cut it off when i meet other boater as not to blind them... sorry guys!!!!

[CorneliaGale]

If anyone needs a copy of Federal Regulations let me know and I will try and get them to you, some of the marinas may have them.

[grasscutter]

Something else I haven't seen mention was the operators license...since he is out of state is he exempt? Or does wva have that also and it's good on va water???..... I haven't read up on it and dragging my feet on getting mine....will be 50 this year and I know my time is close to be required for me

[CorneliaGale]

Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement

In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law to establish a boating safety education compliance requirement. The requirement for boating safety education is phased-in over several years and applies to all Personal Watercraft (PWC)* operators and operators of boats with motors of 10hp and greater according to the following schedule:

PWC operators between the ages of 16 and 20 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2009, operators ages 14 or 15 may operate a PWC if they have successfully completed an approved boating education safety course;
PWC operators 35 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2010;
PWC operators 50 years of age or younger and motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2011;
All PWC operators, regardless of age, and motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2012;
Motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2013;
Motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2014;
Motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2015;
All motorboat operators, regardless of age, shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2016.

* Please note, a Personal Watercraft, PWC, more commonly known as a Ski-Doo® (Bombardier Recreational Products), Waverunner® (Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA), and JET SKI® (Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA), are defined as motorboats less than 16 feet in length that are powered by jet pumps, not propellers, where the persons stand, kneel, or sit on, rather than inside the boat.

If you have taken a NASBLA approved course, you are in compliance with this regulation! Look for the NASBLA logo on your course completion certificate or wallet card. If you have taken a boater safety course, but have misplaced your course completion certificate, DGIF may be able to issue a replacement card. Check our FAQ page to find out about obtaining a replacement card.

A person can also meet the education requirements by meeting one of the following requirements:

Passes an equivalency/challenge exam;
Possesses or once possessed a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard
Possesses a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government or possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card;
Possesses a temporary operator's certificate as indicated on new boat registration;
Possesses a rental or lease agreement and training documentation as issued by a motorboat rental or leasing business;
Operates the motorboat under onboard direct supervision of a person who meets the compliance requirement;
Operates a boat not registered in Virginia, temporarily using the waters of Virginia for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets any applicable boating safety education requirements of the state of residency;
Has assumed operation of the motorboat due to the illness or physical impairment of the initial operator, and is returning the motorboat to shore in order to provide assistance or care for the operator;
Is or once was registered as a commercial fisherman pursuant to the Code of Virginia or is under the onboard direct supervision of the commercial fisherman while operating the commercial fisherman's boat.

[CorneliaGale]

You are required to have the license by the age date and they are giving tickets, took my grandson to one of the classes last summer there was a man there who had gotten a ticket for not having a license, they told him to take the class before he went to court.

[leeb]

I would also advise to be aware at sunrise and sunset. If the sun is to your back oncoming boat traffic may not see you. Be aware and make the first move when the sun is to your back and treat that situation as you do not have the right of way just to be safe as possible.

[CorneliaGale]

Never take it for granted you have the right of way, some captains on the lake don't know the rules or they don't care about them. One of the rules is you do everything you can to prevent a accident. Always make sure the other boat knows which way you are going, make enough of a move so there is no mistake that you are changing direction. Also a good thing to remember there are no fishing vessels on the lake that have the right of way.