ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

House: NREW DP 8-0-2-0

HB2619: watercraft; boating; regulations

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

House Engrossed

Overview

Requires that all motorized watercrafts be equipped with a functioning sound-producing device that can be heard for one-half nautical mile and that a person operating a power-driven watercraft use an engine cutoff switch link at or above displacement speed, subject to certain exceptions.

History

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is responsible for creating rules and regulations pertaining to boating and water sports, conforming equipment requirements with federal navigation laws and administering a state law enforcement and boating safety program. The commission's regulations may not conflict with those prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard (A.R.S. § 5-311). These regulations are enforced by state, county and city peace officers (A.R.S. § 5-391).

The Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of recreational watercraft to begin installing an engine cut-off switch with a link that shuts off the watercraft's engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Consequently, the act requires that an individual operating a watercraft use the link while operating at or above displacement speed, which is the speed at which the wave produced by a vessel's bow is equal to the length of the line where the hull of the ship meets the water. This rule does not apply if the main helm of the watercraft is within an enclosed cabin or the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch (46 U.S.C. § 4312). This use requirement became effective on April 1, 2021.

Sound-signaling devices are used on watercraft during periods of reduced visibility to signal intentions or position on the water. They may be fitted on the watercraft and can be useful when meeting head-on, at a crossing or in an overtaking. Further, sound-signaling devices are important in emergency situations. Watercraft over 12 meters in length that are operated on the inland waters of the United States are federally required to be provided with a whistle, bell or gong depending on their size. Smaller watercraft are not required to carry a specific sound-signaling device, but should have the means to create an efficient sound signal (33 C.F.R. § 83.33). Audibility requirements are also dependent on watercraft size. All watercraft less than 20 meters in length must have a sound signaling device with an audible range of at least one-half nautical mile (33 C.F.R. § 86.01).

Provisions

1. Requires all power-driven watercraft to be equipped with a functioning sound-producing device capable of producing sound audible for one-half nautical mile. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires a person operating a power-driven watercraft to use an engine cutoff switch link while operating the watercraft at or above displacement speed, unless:

a) the watercraft has a main helm installed within an enclosed cabin;

b) the watercraft does not have an engine cutoff switch and is not required to have one;

c) the watercraft is being operated off federal navigable waterways; or

d) the watercraft is a commercial motorized watercraft. (Sec.1)

3. Defines power-driven watercraft. (Sec. 1)

4. Removes the requirement that a person who operates a personal watercraft equipped with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch attach the lanyard to the person's body, clothing or personal flotation device. (Sec. 2)

5. Authorizes peace officers in towns to enforce boating and watercraft laws and regulations. (Sec. 3)

6. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2 and 3)

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10. HB 2619

11. Initials PAB/AH Page 0 House Engrossed

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