Boat Capacity Decal?

[dubob]

[quote imoutahere2]I would then take these two numbers (total maximum number of people and total maximum weight limit number) and place them on a 3 x 5 index card with the formulas listed. I would keep this with your registration certificate that is required to be on your boat at all times.

I hope that this information will assist you and thank you for your interest in the Utah State Parks Boating Program. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.[/quote][size 4][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I applaud the fact that a state employee has actually tried to help a customer with what appears on the surface to be logical solution to an unfortunate circumstance (a missing capacity tag). And my sincerest hope is that following her advice will allow you to further enjoy the use of your watercraft. But just so you don’t get blind sided by an enforcement officer, you should be aware that her advice is not in compliance with the law. Here is the rest of the information concerning the label requirements.[/#800000][/font][/size]
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[quote utahboatinglaws][font "Times New Roman"]73-18-8.1. Capacity and certification label.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"](1) Each vessel manufactured after November 1, 1972, which is less than 20 feet in length, except a sailboat, canoe, kayak, inflatable vessel, or homemade motorboat must have a United States Coast Guard capacity and certification label permanently affixed to the vessel and clearly visible to the operator when boarding or operating the vessel. The capacity and certification information[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"]may be combined together and displayed on one label.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"](2) No person shall operate, or give permission for the operation of, any vessel on the waters of this state if it is loaded or powered in excess of the maximum capacity information on the United States Coast Guard capacity label.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"](3) No person shall alter, deface, or remove any United States Coast Guard capacity or certification information label affixed to a vessel.[/font]
[font "Times New Roman"](4) No person shall operate, or give permission for the operation of, a vessel on the waters of this state if the required United States Coast Guard capacity or certification information label has been altered, defaced, or removed.[/font] [/quote][size 4][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Please note the highlighted words. A real hard line officer COULD prevent the use of a boat that did not “. . . have a United States Coast Guard capacity and certification label permanently affixed to the vessel and clearly visible to the operator when boarding or operating the vessel.” He could also issue a citation to any person found operating a boat “. . . if the required United States Coast Guard capacity or certification information label has been altered, defaced, or removed.”[/#800000][/font][/size]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 4]I am NOT trying to discourage you from using your boat. I just want you to be aware that there is a risk, however small, that you could run into that officer who is having a bad day or just loves following the letter of the law to the maximum. I suspect that most of them will understand your situation and agree that you are doing your very best to comply with the law to the best of your ability. But Snidely Whiplash is out there and you could come face to face with him. I hope the fishing gods on you every day and it never happens; but it could.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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