California Boating Law

TITLE 14

6565.2

DEPARTMENT OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS

(v) ‘‘Underway’’ means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground. (w) ‘‘Length’’ and ‘‘breadth’’ of a vessel mean her length overall and greatest breadth. (x) Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other. (y) ‘‘Restricted visibility’’ means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes. NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 652 and 655.3, Harbors and Navigation Code. Reference: Sections 650, 652 and 655.3, Harbors and Navigation Code. 6564. Personal Flotation Devices. Pursuant to Section 652, Harbors and Navigation Code, a vessel being operated on the waters of this State shall carry personal flotation equipment as prescribed in Sections 6565 to 6566, inclusive. NOTE: Authority cited: Section 652, Harbors and Navigation Code. Reference: Section 652, Harbors and Navigation Code. 6565. Personal Flotation Devices for Boats. In accord with Federal regulations (33 CFR Part 175), a boat or recreational boat shall be equipped with personal flotation devices as set forth in sections 6565.2 through 6565.9. NOTE: Authority cited: Section 652, Harbors and Navigation Code. Reference: Section 652, Harbors and Navigation Code. 6565.2. Definitions. As used in sections 6565.2 through 6565.8: (a) ‘‘Boat’’ means any vessel manufactured or used primarily for non- commercial use; leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use; or engaged in the carrying of six or fewer passengers. (b) ‘‘Recreational boat’’ means any vessel manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use. It does not include a vessel engaged in the carrying of six or fewer passengers. (c) ‘‘Vessel’’ includes every description of watercraft other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. (d) ‘‘Use’’ means operate, navigate, or employ. (e) ‘‘Passenger’’ means every person carried on board a vessel other than: (1) The owner or his representative; (2) The operator; (3) Bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who have contributed no consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services; or

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