BOATING LAWS __ PA 303
Boats that are propelled by Motor (can be electric), regardless of size or length, must be registered Sailboats 12 ft. and over must be registered.
There MUST be one (1) USCG personal floating device (PFD) on board for each person. If your boat is under 16 ft. you may have the USCG approved cushion. Boats 16 ft. and over must have the USCG orange type or wearable.
Must have a throwable device (ring buoy or cushion for boats 16 ft. and over). Remember, again it must be USCG approved.
Must have USCG approved or U.L. approved fire extinguisher for all boats that are of closed or semi-closed construction.
Must be seated at all times (can’t ride back of seat, side or front end of boat).
WATER SKIING: Need an observer (must be competent) plus 170 degree angle ski mirror when pulling skis, water sled, surfboard, etc. Can ski legally one hour after sunset. MUST tow COUNTERCLOCKWISE around the lake.
FOOT RULE: Unless going slow no wake speed or picking up or dropping off skiers, etc., you must stay 100 feet away (both skier and boat) from the following:
a. Anchored fishing boat
b. Dock or raft
c. Buoyed swimming area
d. Boat that is moored
e. Must not come inside 100 ft. from diver’s flag
Boat and ski accidents must be reported especially if someone is injured (or) if damage exceeds $200.
Lights on for boats from sunset to sunrise.
Must have a horn, or similar device on all boats 16 feet and over.
Additional Loch Erin Boat Rules
All NO WAKE areas are to be strictly observed
No Personal water craft are to enter the water ski slalom course at any time. Violators will be turned in to the local authorities.
No large boats or pontoons are to run through the ski course. Maximum boat width for ski course is 96".
DO NOT pull water toys through the ski course that are attached directly to a boat or jet-ski. i.e. inner tubes, ski bobs, floating rafts, etc.
LOCH ERIN
PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
JET SKI RULES
Personal watercraft, known as the jet ski, are vessels powered by an inboard engine and as such must conform to all equipment and operating requirements, as any other motorboat of the same size.
1. Each person operating, riding on or being towed behind must wear a USCG approved Type I, Type II, or Type III personal floatation device.
2. When personal watercraft are equipped with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch, the lanyard must be attached as directed, to the operator’s person, clothing or personal flotation device.
3. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
4. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb, or property, including weaving through congested traffic, jumping the wakes of another vessel unreasonably or unnecessarily close to the other vessel, or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed, and swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision constitute reckless operation of a vessel.
5. Carrying more persons than the vessel is designed to carry is prima facie evidence of reckless operation.
6 A person shall not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel other than a personal watercraft, that is moving at greater than a slow-no wake speed.
7. Personal watercraft shall not be operated by anyone under 12 years of age.
8. Direct adult supervision or a boating safety certificate is required for personal watercraft operators 12 to 16 years of age.
9. Owners or the person in charge shall not authorize or knowingly permit the watercraft to be operated in violation of number 7 and 8.
10. Performers engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition held in compliance with this act are exempted.