NHMP Safety press release

[Skip]

Original release can be read HERE in pdf format....


JOHN J. BARTHELMES EARL M. SWEENEY
COMMISSIONER OF SAFETY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
State of New Hampshire
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY
NEWS RELEASE
James H. Hayes Safety Building, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
For Immediate Release Contact: Sgt. Joshua Dirth
Friday, May 23, 2008 603-293-2037
MARINE PATROL: BOATERS NEED TO INSPECT SAFETY GEAR
GILFORD, N.H. – Boaters returning to Granite State lakes, ponds and rivers for the summer recreation season this Memorial Day weekend should inspect their safety gear and take other measures to ensure safety while on the water, according to the N.H. Marine Patrol.
There is a new safety requirement this year for anyone 12 years of age or younger. They must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times on the water. There is no grace period on this requirement and a summons will be issued to any boater not in compliance.
The Marine Patrol urges all boaters to take the following precautions before setting out:
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File a float plan: Let people know where you are going. If you have a copy of a chart showing your expected route, leave that with someone as well.
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Carry a cell phone or marine band radio so you will be able to call for help in an emergency.
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Test all safety equipment, including:
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Life jackets – check them for weak fabric, rips or other defects.
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Sound warning devices – make sure you have what the law requires. Try your horn to ensure that it works. Any craft 26 feet or longer must have a bell in addition to a horn.
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Fire extinguishers – Make sure you have enough on board and double check all of the gauges to ensure they are charged. Keep them within reach so they will be accessible during an emergency.
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Throwable life jacket (type IV) – if your boat is 16 feet or over, you have to have at least one. Ensure it is in serviceable condition and is not damaged.
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Lights – check them; make sure they all work.
(MORE)
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Ask the N.H. Marine Patrol to perform a courtesy inspection of your vessel. There is no charge. The Marine Patrol will ask you to produce all of the required safety equipment required by law for your size vessel. If there is a deficiency, the Marine Patrol will tell you what safety equipment is needed. If your boat is in compliance with all safety requirements you will be issued a courtesy inspection sticker.
Last season, the N.H. Marine Patrol investigated five boating fatalities and 57 accidents involving power boats, conducted 217 courtesy inspections and responded to 2,386 calls for service.
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[lfm]

Originally Posted by Skip

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There is a new safety requirement this year for anyone 12 years of age or younger. They must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times on the water. There is no grace period on this requirement and a summons will be issued to any boater not in compliance.

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I believe it is only when the vessel is underway.

TITLE XXII
NAVIGATION; HARBORS; COAST SURVEY
CHAPTER 270
SUPERVISION OF NAVIGATION; REGISTRATION OF BOATS AND MOTORS; COMMON CARRIERS BY WATER
Operation of Boats
Section 270:30-a
270:30-a Persons 12 Years of Age or Under. – No child 12 years of age or under shall operate, control, or be transported on the deck of a boat or vessel which is underway upon the public waters of the state unless said child is wearing a personal flotation device of a type approved by the United States Coast Guard; provided, however, boats, vessels and ships with continuous side rails enclosing the perimeter of the boat, vessel, or ship, 3 feet or more in height and enclosed between the deck and the top of the railing in a way that would reasonably prevent passage of a small child are exempted from the provisions of this section.
Source. 1985, 347:4, eff. Aug. 13, 1985. 2007, 176:1, eff. Aug. 17, 2007.