NAUTICAL CHARTS
Nautical charts are one of the most important tools used by boaters for
planning trips and safely navigating waterways. They show the nature and
shape of the coast, depth of water, general configuration and character of the
bottom and prominent landmarks, port facilities, aids to navigation, marine
hazards, and other pertinent information.
The date of a nautical chart is important. Only current charts should be used for
navigation. Free chart updating information can be obtained from “Local Notice to
Mariners” published by the U.S. Coast Guard and available from: Fifth Coast Guard
District, Federal Building, 431 Crawford St., Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. It can be
reached at 703-313-5900. Charts are available in most marine stores.
REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC BOATING ACTIVITIES
These regulations govern the use of personal watercraft on all waters of the state:
1. A person must be at least 16 years old to operate a personal watercraft.
2. Personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise or
during times of limited visibility.
3. Anyone on board a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard
approved for personal watercraft use.
4. All personal watercraft must be equipped with a self-circling device or
a lanyard cut-off switch. The cut-off switch lanyard must be attached to
the operator, or the operator’s clothing or life jacket. Self-circling devices
and cut off switches may not be altered and must be functioning.
5. A personal watercraft may not be used to tow a person on water skis,
aquaplanes or other similar devices unless:
a. It has the capacity to carry three people, which includes the driver,
a rear-facing observer and the skier; and
b. It is specifically designed by the manufacturer for skiing.
6. On all waters of the state, except in a crossing or overtaking situation as
described in the Federal Rules of the Road, a personal watercraft may not be
operated at a speed in excess of 6 knots within 100 feet of any shore, wharf,
pier, bridge abutment, another personal watercraft or people in the water.
7. On Maryland waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a personal watercraft may
not be operated within 300 feet of people in the water or surf fishermen.
8. On Maryland waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a personal watercraft may
not be operated at a speed in excess of 6 knots within 300 feet of any
wharf, pier, jetty, swimmers, or surf anglers.
9. A personal watercraft may not be operated in a negligent manner. (i.e.,
splashing, playing “chicken”, intentionally throwing off a passenger, etc.).
10. All personal watercraft operated and registered in Maryland must have a
Department of Natural Resources-approved regulations sticker properly
affixed.
11. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a personal
watercraft in excess of idle speed in any waters of the state less than 18
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