Missouri Boating Laws
Life jackets must be available for every person on board
a watercraft. Children under the age of seven must wear a
life jacket at all times while on board a watercraft. All
persons must wear a life jacket when on a Personal Watercraft.
Navigation Lights are required on all boats underway between
sunset and sunrise.
Proper ventilation is required of every vessel.
Fire extinguishers are required equipment on all motorized
watercraft carrying or using flammable or toxic fluid such
as gasoline or propane.
Registration is required of all motorized watercraft regardless
of horsepower; all sailboats over twelve feet in length are
required to be registered.
The operator of any boat being used for towing a person on
water skis, inner tube or similar device must have another
person on board the vessel, seated in a position so as to
observe the progress of the person or persons being towed
unless the vessel is equipped with a ski mirror, approved
by the Missouri State Water Patrol, mounted so that the progress
of the skier can be observed by the operator. (Check with
the Water Patrol for other regulations related to towing a
person behind a boat.) An orange or red ski flag must be displayed
any time people are in the water and not in the act of being
towed by the boat.
Riding on the bow, gunwales, railing, top of seat, back and
decking over the back of a motorboat is prohibited.
The minimum age for operating any watercraft in the State
of Missouri is 14 years.
All marker buoys, such as No Wake buoys, apply to all motorized
vessels, including all personal watercraft.
Operating a boat while intoxicated is a federal offense,
subject to a $1,000.00 fine. In Missouri, it can cost up to
$500.00 and 6 months in jail.
Check with local authorities if you have any questions about
requirements for your watercraft.
Safety on the Water
The Lake of the Ozarks is a growing resort area with a myriad
of activities that promise to make every family member's vacation
a happy memory.
For those who plan on spending time on the water, here are
some courtesy and safety tips that will ensure everyone a
great time:
1. Be aware of those around you.
Drive on the right side of the channel or cove.
Look before you turn.
All boats have the responsibility to take whatever
action necessary to avoid a collision or accident.
2. Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while water skiing
and while operating a personal watercraft. Small children
or non-swimmers should wear life jackets at all times anywhere
near or on the water.
3. Turn your lights on 30 minutes before sunset.
4. Operate your boat at a safe & prudent speed.
5. Newer boats have a safety cut off switch. Use it.
6. Upon refueling, check your engine compartment for spillage.
Use your blower to expel fumes.
7. Get a voluntary inspection of your boat. The Water Patrol
and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides this free of charge.
8. Take a boating safety course. (Available through the Water
Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron,
and online at www.boated.com.) Remember, experience is not
always the best teacher.
9. Consideration should be given to equipping your boat with
a marine radio or cellular phone.
10. Don't drink and drive. A designated driver is as important
on the water as on the land.
For more information, call:
Missouri State Water Patrol
PO Box 1368
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1368
573 -751-3333
Be aware, informed, safe and have a wonderful vacation at central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
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