Galveston Topics: Question for Marine Police

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	Name:	Marine Police -
	Subject:	Question for Marine Police
	Date:	6/10/2008 9:56:15 PM

There is no law against standing up and driving a boat per se. However, there is a law that requires a kill switch (if required) to be attached to the driver. There is also a law that prohibits obstructing the view of the operator. Also, careless operation covers activities that would increase the likelihood of falling overboard like sitting above the gunwale, sitting outside the railing of a pontoon boat, etc.

From glancing at the threads it would appear that one or more of those rules could be applied to some of the situations mentioned. For example, standing in the center of the boat and driving would indicate that no kill switch lanyard is attached to the operator and that the driver is not in complete control of the boat because of his distance from the throttle.

Many boat accidents, injuries, and fatalities involve people falling overboard. Here on Lake Martin one of the accidents we've worked this year involved a person falling from a boat and being injured. I don't know how many accidents with injuries and/or fatalities I've worked or have knowledge of that involved a kill switch lanyard not being attached. So, from an enforcement perspective, there are reasons to watch for activities that would indicate no kill switch is attached or that would increase the chances of falling overboard.

I hope that answers your question.