06-05-2009, 11:46 PM
Are the rangers pretty good about giving out fines for that type of stuff? I usually take pictures or video when it looks like I'm about to get buzzed by a moron going full speed within 150 feet and or his waterskiers.
When you call them in, do they require "proof" such as a picture, or can you simply get the registration # and description of the moron and give them a call?
Looking at the boating laws for UT...
73-18-12. Operation in willful or wanton disregard for safety -- Penalty.
(1) A person may not operate any nonmotorized vessel, or manipulate any water skis or any
device towed by a motorboat in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
(2) A violation of Subsection (1) is a class B misdemeanor.
And...
73-18-15.1. Vessel navigation and steering laws.
(1) The operator of a vessel shall maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times to
avoid the risk of collision.
(2) When the operators of two motorboats approach each other where there is risk of collision,
each operator shall alter course to the right and pass on the left side of the other.
(3) When the operators of two motorboats are crossing paths and are at risk of a collision, the
operator of the vessel which has the other vessel on its right side shall keep out of the way and
yield right-of-way if necessary.
(4) The operator of any vessel overtaking any other vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel
being overtaken.
(5) The operator of a vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a:
(a) Vessel not under command;
(b) Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver;
© Vessel engaged in fishing; and
(d) Sailing vessel.
(6) If the operator of one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other vessel operator shall
maintain his course and speed unless it becomes apparent the other vessel is not taking the
appropriate action.
(7) In narrow channels an operator of a vessel underway shall keep to the right of the middle of
the channel.
(8) The operator of a vessel shall proceed at a safe speed at all times so that he can take
proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the
prevailing circumstances or conditions.
(9)(a) When the operators of two sailboats are approaching one another so as to involve risk of
collision, one of the operators shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
(i) When each has the wind on a different side, the operator of the vessel which has the wind
on the left side shall keep out of the way of the other;
(ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the operator of the vessel which is to the
windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward; and
(iii) If the operator of a vessel with the wind on the left side sees a vessel to windward and
cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the left or on the
right side, the operator shall keep out of way of the other vessel.
(b) For purposes of this Subsection (9), the windward side shall be the side opposite that on
which the mainsail is carried.
(10) The operator of any vessel may not exceed a wakeless speed when:
(a) Within 150 feet of:
(i) another vessel;
(ii) a person in or floating on the water;
(iii) a water skier being towed by another boat;
(iv) a water skier that had been towed behind the operator’s vessel unless the skier is still
surfing or riding in an upright stance on the wake created by the vessel;
(v) a water skier that had been towed behind another vessel and the skier is still surfing or;
(vi) A shore fisherman;
(vii) A launching ramp;
(viii) A dock; or
(ix) A designated swimming area; or
(b) In an area designated as a wakeless speed area.
(11) The operator of a motorboat is responsible for any damage or injury caused by the
wake produced by the operator’s motorboat.
...(16) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
I just want to get out and fish, and not worry about my safety, whether my lines will get cut by a prop, and hopefully enjoy some peace. Unfortunately, I see crap like as described above in the "what not to do" section about every time I go out.
[signature]
When you call them in, do they require "proof" such as a picture, or can you simply get the registration # and description of the moron and give them a call?
Looking at the boating laws for UT...
73-18-12. Operation in willful or wanton disregard for safety -- Penalty.
(1) A person may not operate any nonmotorized vessel, or manipulate any water skis or any
device towed by a motorboat in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
(2) A violation of Subsection (1) is a class B misdemeanor.
And...
73-18-15.1. Vessel navigation and steering laws.
(1) The operator of a vessel shall maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing at all times to
avoid the risk of collision.
(2) When the operators of two motorboats approach each other where there is risk of collision,
each operator shall alter course to the right and pass on the left side of the other.
(3) When the operators of two motorboats are crossing paths and are at risk of a collision, the
operator of the vessel which has the other vessel on its right side shall keep out of the way and
yield right-of-way if necessary.
(4) The operator of any vessel overtaking any other vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel
being overtaken.
(5) The operator of a vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a:
(a) Vessel not under command;
(b) Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver;
© Vessel engaged in fishing; and
(d) Sailing vessel.
(6) If the operator of one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other vessel operator shall
maintain his course and speed unless it becomes apparent the other vessel is not taking the
appropriate action.
(7) In narrow channels an operator of a vessel underway shall keep to the right of the middle of
the channel.
(8) The operator of a vessel shall proceed at a safe speed at all times so that he can take
proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the
prevailing circumstances or conditions.
(9)(a) When the operators of two sailboats are approaching one another so as to involve risk of
collision, one of the operators shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
(i) When each has the wind on a different side, the operator of the vessel which has the wind
on the left side shall keep out of the way of the other;
(ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the operator of the vessel which is to the
windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward; and
(iii) If the operator of a vessel with the wind on the left side sees a vessel to windward and
cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the left or on the
right side, the operator shall keep out of way of the other vessel.
(b) For purposes of this Subsection (9), the windward side shall be the side opposite that on
which the mainsail is carried.
(10) The operator of any vessel may not exceed a wakeless speed when:
(a) Within 150 feet of:
(i) another vessel;
(ii) a person in or floating on the water;
(iii) a water skier being towed by another boat;
(iv) a water skier that had been towed behind the operator’s vessel unless the skier is still
surfing or riding in an upright stance on the wake created by the vessel;
(v) a water skier that had been towed behind another vessel and the skier is still surfing or;
(vi) A shore fisherman;
(vii) A launching ramp;
(viii) A dock; or
(ix) A designated swimming area; or
(b) In an area designated as a wakeless speed area.
(11) The operator of a motorboat is responsible for any damage or injury caused by the
wake produced by the operator’s motorboat.
...(16) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
I just want to get out and fish, and not worry about my safety, whether my lines will get cut by a prop, and hopefully enjoy some peace. Unfortunately, I see crap like as described above in the "what not to do" section about every time I go out.
[signature]