{"id":73,"date":"2024-01-03T15:24:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T15:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=73"},"modified":"2024-10-17T16:23:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T16:23:45","slug":"louisiana-boating-laws-and-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/louisiana-boating-laws-and-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Louisiana Boating Laws and Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When boating in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand the state’s rules and regulations for being on the water. Whether you enjoy a leisurely cruise on calm waters, time on your boat in your favorite fishing spot, or a fast-paced ride on your personal watercraft (PWC)<\/a>, Louisiana boating regulations apply.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So, what are the rules? Keep reading for an overview of the boating laws for Louisiana.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Who Needs a Boater Education ID Card in Louisiana?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In Louisiana, all boaters born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion (i.e., a boater card) to operate a motorboat with greater than ten horsepower.<\/p>\n

Young boaters can also operate a boat if accompanied by someone 18 years old or older and who has completed the course. The minimum age for Boater Education Certification in Louisiana is ten years old. Children younger than that age may take the course, but they are not eligible to be certified. They will have to retake the course to get certified when they are older.<\/p>\n

If you’re licensed as a captain by the USCG to operate a vessel, you are exempt from this requirement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Operating Personal Watercraft (PWC)<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Anyone born after January 1, 1984, needs to complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course before operating a motorboat or PWC powered by a motor with more than ten horsepower.<\/p>\n

However, if you haven’t completed a course, you can operate these boats if accompanied by someone older than 18 who has completed the course and has a boater card with them. Note: this provision does not apply to PWCs.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Hands<\/h4>\n

Louisiana Life Jacket Requirements<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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All children 16 years and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. The PFD must be the proper size and fastened while worn by the child.<\/p>\n

Everyone aboard a motorized boat less than 16 feet and propelled by a hand tiller outboard motor must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket while the boat is underway.<\/p>\n

Additionally, you must have an engine cut-off switch (kill switch)<\/a> attached to you if operating a motorboat less than 26 feet long with a hand tiller outboard motor greater than ten horsepower while the vessel is underway and the motor is running.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Boat Registration Requirements<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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All boats with motors, including electric trolling motors, operating on the waters of the state must be registered and numbered.<\/p>\n

Boat owners can get boat registration applications from the Lousiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries<\/a> (LDWF) website, most boat dealerships, and any of the Wildlife and Fisheries District Offices. You can also request one by mail at Wildlife and Fisheries, Boat Registration, P.O. Box 14796, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, or by phone at 225-765-2898.<\/p>\n

After completing the application, mail it with a money order or check to the address above. Then, allow six to eight weeks for processing.<\/p>\n

After receiving your application and required documentation, the LDWF will issue you a certificate of registration. This will include the number assigned to the boat, an expiration date three years from the date of issuance, and two decals for your boat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Keep your boat registration certificate on board the vessel at all times. Put it in a waterproof container in a safe place where it can be easily found.<\/p>\n

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Boat Registration Number and Decal Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where should you put the registration number on your boat?\u00a0Paint or attach your boat’s assigned number (and no other numbers) on each side of the forward half of the hull.<\/p>\n

The numbers and letters must be:<\/p>\n