Anyone know the precise MD Chesapeake Bay rules for Bow Riding? I pulled up the DNR regs and they state: "Riding on the bow, gunwales, transom or seat backs where there is a danger of falling overboard". Do bow rails prevent someone from falling overboard? Sounds a bit vague to me.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Bow Riding
- Thread starter RFH
- Start date
boathandler
Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2006
- RO Number
- 22438
- Messages
- 201
quote:
Originally posted by RFH
I asked that question of Julie Brown at Md. DNR in Annapolis (410-260-3280), and her reply was:
"I chatted with an Officer and technically we do not have anything in writing to describe bowriding. The way the Officers enforce it is thru the negligent operations law (an act which endangers a persons life, etc., etc.)"
Pretty vague, but there you are.
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2004
- RO Number
- 12673
- Messages
- 239
My opinion is that bow rails can help but I wouldn't say prevent. Many are so low that you'd propel right over them. Mine are high enough that I can slip between them. They'd work better on a center console than a cuddy since your center of gravity would be much different.
I think the law is vague on purpose. For example, I've passed police boats in Baltimore harbor while going 6kts or less and sitting on the bow prepping to dock. Never been stopped. On the other hand my buddy was stopped under similar circumstance because his legs were hanging over the side.
I think the law is vague on purpose. For example, I've passed police boats in Baltimore harbor while going 6kts or less and sitting on the bow prepping to dock. Never been stopped. On the other hand my buddy was stopped under similar circumstance because his legs were hanging over the side.
Bliss,
That is what I have heard, but can't find any rules or regs that say that. I'm on Middle River and have quite a long run to the Bay at 6mph. Wife and friends like to sit on the front of the boat until we get to the planing area. So, based on the readings above, unless a bodypart is hanging over the rail, and I'm not doing anything negligent, I should be allowed to do that.
What makes you state your position? Did you hear it from an officer or read it somewhere or just hear about it? Not trying to be antagonistic, just trying to understand the legal facts.
Thanks!
That is what I have heard, but can't find any rules or regs that say that. I'm on Middle River and have quite a long run to the Bay at 6mph. Wife and friends like to sit on the front of the boat until we get to the planing area. So, based on the readings above, unless a bodypart is hanging over the rail, and I'm not doing anything negligent, I should be allowed to do that.
What makes you state your position? Did you hear it from an officer or read it somewhere or just hear about it? Not trying to be antagonistic, just trying to understand the legal facts.
Thanks!
Bob,
this is all you are going to get in writing:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/recreationvessels.pdf
very vague and you already listed it above. What I stated is what somebody posted on one of this boards as per LEO. However they differ in knowledge from area to area. The Bay is big. The problem with vague rules/laws is that they can ticket you and YOU have to fight it later in court.
As for going through a no-wake zone "bow riding" should not constitute reckless behavior as it is no different from your first mate getting the lines and fenders ready which is perfectly legal at no-wake speed (given no extremties are dangly down ; )). However, a young eager LEO, barely educated in local maritime law in the Inner Harbor may ticket you anyway and then you can fight it ... you get the picture. Same with the pfd requirements for 7 and under in MD, as of now is only required while under way on boats 21 foot and shorter, that is the law. Argue that with a LEO without pulling out this guide.
this is all you are going to get in writing:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/recreationvessels.pdf
very vague and you already listed it above. What I stated is what somebody posted on one of this boards as per LEO. However they differ in knowledge from area to area. The Bay is big. The problem with vague rules/laws is that they can ticket you and YOU have to fight it later in court.
As for going through a no-wake zone "bow riding" should not constitute reckless behavior as it is no different from your first mate getting the lines and fenders ready which is perfectly legal at no-wake speed (given no extremties are dangly down ; )). However, a young eager LEO, barely educated in local maritime law in the Inner Harbor may ticket you anyway and then you can fight it ... you get the picture. Same with the pfd requirements for 7 and under in MD, as of now is only required while under way on boats 21 foot and shorter, that is the law. Argue that with a LEO without pulling out this guide.