Bill Text: MS SB2193 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Boating safety; require persons aboard vessels underway to wear a personal flotation device.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2012-03-06 - Died In Committee [SB2193 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-SB2193-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
By: Senator(s) Hudson
Senate Bill 2193
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-21-81, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PERSONS ABOARD VESSELS UNDERWAY TO WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 59-21-81, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
59-21-81. (1) (a) Every vessel shall have on board a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person aboard such vessel, and every person * * * on board a motorboat, sailboat, or vessel which measures less than twenty-six (26) feet in length shall wear a * * * Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while such motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is underway.
(b) The requirement that a person must wear a personal flotation device does not apply to a vessel only powered by an electric trolling motor or by hand.
For the purpose of this subsection, "underway" shall mean at all times except when a motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is anchored, moored, or aground. Every vessel shall have lights during the hours of darkness, which comply with all federal regulations applicable to vessels of its classification. Such vessel shall not be operated unless in a safe and seaworthy condition; the owner and operator shall employ such safety devices as may be necessary for the safe operation of such vessel, including an efficient natural or mechanical ventilating system when necessary for safe operation. In addition to the requirements imposed by this section, all vessels shall comply with all federal regulations applicable to vessels of such classification.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, "personal watercraft" means a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft unless each person on board or being towed behind is wearing a * * * personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2012.
