Southeast Power Boating

Your Boat Laws

September 2nd, 2008 Posted in Laws

Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

There must be suitable PFDs for everyone on board any boat.

A suitable PFD must be worn in the following situations:
o By anyone on board an open boat that is under 7 meters in length.
o By anyone on deck on a boat that is under 7 meters length.
o By anyone under the age of 16 on board an open boat or on deck of any other type of boat.
o By anyone being towed in another boat or on any other device (skis, donuts etc.)
o By anyone on a personal watercraft (jet ski)

Except when
o Tied up alongside or made fast to an anchor, marina, pier or mooring.
o Immediately prior to, during and after swimming from a boat that is not moving through the water.
o Putting on, wearing or taking off diving equipment on a boat that is not moving through the water.

Age restrictions.

You have to be 12 years or older before you can drive any boat with an engine over 5Hp (3.7 Kw).
You have to be 16 years or older before you can drive a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a powerboat / motorboat that is capable of 17 knots or more.

Alcohol and Drugs.

While operating a pleasure craft, or being towed by or on board a vessel or object being towed by a pleasure craft, it is against the law to consume or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While on board a pleasure craft it is prohibited to consume alcohol or drugs in circumstances which,
Could affect the safety of others on board or others using Irish waters
Create a disturbance on board or be a nuisance to others using Irish waters.