(f) Allowing a person to ride on the gunwales, transom, or on the deck over the bow of a vessel
propelled by machinery, operating in excess of 5 mph; provided, however, that the provisions
shall not apply under the following circumstances:
(1) When that porting of the vessel was designed and constructed for the carrying of
passengers safely at all speeds.
(2) When the vessel is being maneuvered for anchoring, mooring, or casting off moorings.
(g) Attaching a vessel to or interfering with a marker, navigating buoy or other navigational aid.
(h) Using trailers to launch or recover vessels, except at designated launching sites.
(i) Operating a vessel at a speed greater than that which will permit the operator to bring said
vessel to stop to avoid injury to persons or property that is unreasonable for the conditions
present. The operator of a vessel is responsible for its wake at all times and shall be responsible
for damages caused by it.
(j) Overloading a vessel beyond its safe carrying capacity rating as referenced on the vessel's
capacity plate, taking into consideration weather and other normal operating conditions.
Capacity plates state the boats maximum weight capacity, maximum person capacity, and for
outboard powered boats, the maximum horsepower.
(1) Capacity plates are required on all boats less than 20 feet in length constructed on or
after November 1, 1972.
(2) Exceptions to this requirement are sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats.
(k) Any violation of 17-14.03(a) will result in a mandatory civil fine of $100 per incident.
(l) Any violation of 17-14.03(b) will result in a mandatory civil fine of $500 per incident.
(m) Any violation of 17-13.03(c)-(j) will result in a mandatory civil fine of $100 per incident.
17-14.04 Required Equipment on Water-Going Vessel.
(a) It shall be unlawful to operate a water going vessel without proper equipment in accordance with
this section 17-14 below.
(b) Any violation of 17-14 will result in a mandatory civil fine of $100 per incident.
17-14.05 Personal Flotation Devices (P.F.D).
(a) P.F.D. requirements for vessels under 16 feet: All boats less than 16 feet in length and all
canoes and kayaks, must have 1 type I, II, III or IV P.F.D. of a suitable size for each person on
board, including any person being towed by a vessel.
(b) P.F.D. requirements for vessels 16 feet and over: All boats 16 feet or over in length must have
1 type I, II, or III (wearable) P.F.D. of a suitable size for each person on board; including
persons being towed by a vessel. Also, 1 type IV (throwable) P.F.D. must be aboard each boat.
Canoes and kayaks are not required to have a type IV P.F.D.
(c) P.F.D. Approval - Access Condition:
(1) All P.F.D.'s shall be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
(2) All P.F.D.'s shall be placed on vessels so as to be readily accessible in case of an
emergency. Examples of P.F.D's not readily accessible are those located in a locked
locker and those stored under an anchor, anchor line, blankets, or enclosed in the
manufacturer's plastic container.
(3) All P.F.D.'s shall be in good serviceable condition.
(4) Type IV P.F.D.'s shall be immediately available on vessels 16 feet or more in length.
(5) All P.F.D.'s shall be suitable size for each person on board.
17-14.06 Fire Extinguishers.
(a) All motor boats less than 25 feet in length shall be equipped with 1 U.S. Coast Guard approved
type B-1 fire extinguisher.
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Revised Spokane Law & Order Code, 5/14/2013