Boating at night legality

[sandman7925]

I just bought my first boat and im learning some things. According to LDWF no boat shall be operated between sunrise and sunset. How are people legally bow fishing at night or getting to their duck hunting areas before sunrise?
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/required-equipment-regulations

 

[Kcabear]

If I'm not mistaken its personal watercraft (PWC) such as jet skis that are prohibited in the dark. Boats are allowed but you need green and red navigation lights.


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[sandman7925]

I also can't tell if I'm req u red.to wear a life jacket or just keep it in the boat. Boat is 16'

 

[Kcabear]

If you have a tiller handle motor then everyone in the boat is required to wear one, if console then 16 and under required.


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[AK shooter]

I don't know where it said that but you can operate a boat at night. How big is it? If it's under a certain length the red and green light can be contained in one light.

 

[sandman7925]

If you have a tiller handle motor then everyone in the boat is required to wear one, if console then 16 and under required.


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Dammit!!!

 

[Kcabear]

Dammit!!!

I'm guessing that would be a yes on the tiller handle!


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[sandman7925]

I don't know where it said that but you can operate a boat at night. How big is it? If it's under a certain length the red and green light can be contained in one light.

It's 16'. I have red and green forward and aft navigation lights.

 

[sandman7925]

 

[Kcabear]

Nice setup.


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[AK shooter]

It's 16'. I have red and green forward and aft navigation lights.

If you have the lights and PFD'S and fire extinguisher good to go. A good hand held light comes in handy on dark nights.

 

[sandman7925]

Should've asked this question before I bought the cheapo jackets thinking I'd never actually put them on. Gonna have to get something more comfy now.

 

[3fifty7]

Green Red and "White tail light",no?

Different regs for lengths and configurations.
Some require you to wear them all the time some require they are in possession. Some require a throwable and fire extinguisher and sounding device.

 

[BOSS351]

Yes, PWC cannot operate at night because they have no lighting. A boat that has the correct lighting is good to go at night. Also, if your boat is a tiller you must have a safety shut off tether attached to your person in case you hit something and go overboard. It attaches to your tiller. Had to deal with this when I had my 14 ft. flatboat with a 25 and also had to wear a life jacket/PFD when moving. Have a 17.5 center console now so glad to not have to worry about those things now.

AND I agree that is a nice boat. Looks like a great redfish slaying machine!!

 

[AK shooter]

Green Red and "White tail light",no?

Different regs for lengths and configurations.
Some require you to wear them all the time some require they are in possession. Some require a throwable and fire extinguisher and sounding device.

No more throwables. Not all require a sounding device. I would wear a PFD all the time no matter the size.

 

[sandman7925]

Ok. If I'm fishing and just using the trolling motor do I need.to be wearing the jacket?

 

[AK shooter]

Ok. If I'm fishing and just using the trolling motor do I need.to be wearing the jacket?

No.

 

[BOSS351]

IIRC yes because you are under way..but it may depend on what the definition of "under power" is..very good question that is not mentioned in the fishing rules book.

 

[AK shooter]

IIRC yes because you are under way..but it may depend on what the definition of "under power" is..very good question that is not mentioned in the fishing rules book.

It means underway with engine not trolling motor.

 

[SpeedRacer]

I would recommend wearing one regardless of the law, I've personally known more than one person that has died while boating. Seasoned boaters, under regular everyday circumstances in familiar areas (one was also night fishing). All it takes is one wrong bump to end up in the water unconscious. For fishing a good choice is the low profile auto inflatable PFDs, you won't even know it's there.