Legal Definitions - Navigation - State statutes

The term "Navigation - State statutes" refers to the body of laws enacted by individual states that govern activities on their navigable waters. These statutes cover a wide range of topics, including the registration and operation of watercraft, safety equipment requirements, environmental protection of waterways, and the management of state-owned ports, docks, and harbors. While federal law addresses broader maritime issues, state navigation statutes provide detailed regulations tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of each state's lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.

Here are some examples illustrating how "Navigation - State statutes" apply:

• Boating Safety Regulations: Imagine a family enjoying a weekend on a large lake within a particular state. The state's navigation statutes might require that all children under the age of 13 wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on any vessel operating on state waters. If a park ranger observes an 8-year-old child on the boat without a life jacket, the boat operator could be cited for violating a state navigation statute designed to ensure safety.

  This example illustrates how state statutes dictate specific safety measures for recreational boating, reflecting the state's authority over activities on its inland waterways.

• Environmental Protection of Waterways: Consider a commercial tour boat operating on a scenic river that flows entirely within one state. The state's navigation statutes might include strict prohibitions against discharging any sewage, gray water, or solid waste directly into the river. If the tour boat's crew is found to be illegally dumping waste, they would be in violation of these state environmental navigation laws.

  This demonstrates how state navigation statutes extend to protecting the ecological health of state waters by regulating pollution from vessels.

• Vessel Registration and Licensing: Suppose an individual purchases a new personal watercraft (like a jet ski) and plans to use it on a state reservoir. Before launching, the state's navigation statutes would likely require the owner to register the vessel with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, obtain a unique registration number, and display it prominently on the watercraft. Additionally, the statutes might require the operator to possess a state-issued boating safety education certificate.

  This example highlights how state statutes manage the identification and qualification of vessels and operators within their jurisdiction, ensuring accountability and promoting safe operation.