Question about boating laws.

[workorfish]

Sounds like this guide thinks highly of himself and not his clients. Every guide I have fished with had client safety at the top. But then again it has been years ago - the old school guides. You can look up the GW's for the county in question on line, get their contact numbers and have a chat with one of them about the repeat offender.

[boltmaster]

i know several guides that brag about how many times they have been "WARNED" by the GW about not having running or anchor lights on and they just laugh it off. must be nice.... i darn near got a ticket once for not having my 360 anchor light on while still tied to a brightly lit ramp.

[TroutAle87]

Originally Posted by sharkchum

Doesn't the law say that you must have a light that can be viewed 360 around your boat when your anchored in the dark?

The answer this question is NO.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Navagation Rules or Rules of the road; Rule 30

“A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 30. “

Originally Posted by sharkchum

I know his lights work , but he keeps them off so all the pot lickers don't see him, but its very dangerous

Well again, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules or Rules of the road; Rule 23

“A power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots,” exhibit an all round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights; masthead light or all-round white light.”
*Note: This is describing a vessel UNDERWAY. A vessel at ANCHOR according to the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules or Rules of the road is not considered UNDERWAY.

To sum up the above, the guide you “almost ran over “ did nothing wrong. He was not required to show lights while he was anchored. You should be thanking him for turning them on so you could see him. If you wanted to report anyone, you should report yourself. Now, I’m not saying this to anger you but while operating your boat in the dark you should operate her at safe speeds to give yousef enough time to avoid an accident.

Safe Speeds is covered in the “Rules of the Road” too under Rule 6 which is below;

"Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:

a) By all vessels:
(i) the state of visibility;
(ii) the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
(iii) the maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv) at night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights;
(v) the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(vi) the draft in relation to the available depth of water. (b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
(i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
(iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
(vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.

I think that pretty much sums it up. If this has happened to you “6-7 times in the past year” you should really watch your speed at night (which you need to do anyways). Also, if you are able to identify that this is the “same guide” as you stated, you should be able to see his boat well enough in the dark to slow down. This guide was doing everything correct with his lights according to the “Rules of the Road.”

[bigblock455]

Originally Posted by TroutAle87

when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 30.

Seems like "where other vessels normally navigate" could be interpreted to mean all of the main parts of Galveston Bay? Since the OP did not divulge location that I saw we are speculating here. I do believe that most all of the Galveston Bay complex is normally navigated by boats so it seems lights should be displayed whether anchored or not?

[sharkchum]

Are the U.S Coast Guard rules the same as T.P.W.D. rules the same?If they are different which one do you follow in Texas waters?I don't know if hes breaking any laws or not.My main concern was just the safety issue.I have nothing against guides,I have respect for them and for what they do.They have my dream job.I just hate to see someone get in a accident that could be avoided by simply flipping a switch. Safety tip for the week,If you leave Moses lake flood gate,heading to Mosquito Island in the dark bring a spot light so you can see the boats that don't have there lights on.

[justletmein]

Originally Posted by bigblock455

Seems like "where other vessels normally navigate" could be interpreted to mean all of the main parts of Galveston Bay? Since the OP did not divulge location that I saw we are speculating here. I do believe that most all of the Galveston Bay complex is normally navigated by boats so it seems lights should be displayed whether anchored or not?

Also says less than 7 meters, if it's a 24' boat then it doesn't apply.

[spike404]

“A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 30. “

If the boat is 23' or more, or if he is where "other vessels normally navigate", he would be required to have a light. At least, that is how I read it.

7 meters = 22.97 feet

[Trouthunter]

Where you using a Q-Beam while you were running in the dark? It didn't pick the boat up farther out than 100 feet?

And there is a reason they call it an "anchor light".

TH

[GuyFromHuntsville]

From Texas Parks & Wildlife Water Safety Digest

LIGHTS REQUIRED

All vessels including motorboats, canoes, paddle craft, kayaks, punts, rowboats,
rubber rafts, or other vessels when not at dock must have and exhibit
at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight visible all around the horizon from

sunset to sunrise in all weather and during restricted visibility.

[Tailshot]

Originally Posted by GuyFromHuntsville

From Texas Parks & Wildlife Water Safety Digest

LIGHTS REQUIRED
All vessels including motorboats, canoes, paddle craft, kayaks, punts, rowboats,
rubber rafts, or other vessels when not at dock must have and exhibit
at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight visible all around the horizon from

sunset to sunrise in all weather and during restricted visibility.

TPWD...I think they control who gets a guide license don't they? Wouldn't a guide want to follow their rules? Unless they think they're above the rules.