Boating Safety Act

Division 3, Chapter 5, Article 1.5 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code deals with the Anthony Farr and Stacy Beckett Boating Safety Act of 2004. Section 680 names the act allows it to be cited as Anthony and Stacy’s Law.

Section 681 provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the motorized vessel, or while an individual is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder of the vessel.

In addition, this section defines the following terms: “teak surfing,” “platform dragging,” “bodysurfing,” and “vessel.” A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100.

Section 682 provides that all state-sponsored boating safety courses and all boating safety courses that require state approval by the Department of Boating and Waterways must incorporate information about the dangers of being overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning at the stern of a motorized vessel and other specified information.

Section 683 states that, when a new or used motorized vessel is sold in California, the two carbon monoxide poisoning warning stickers developed by the Department of Boating and Waterways are required to be placed on the motorized vessel. The location of the stickers is specified. Also, for a motorized vessel sold by a dealer, the dealer must ensure that both warning stickers have been affixed prior to the completion of the transaction.

Section 684 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to insert the Department of Boating and Waterways’ informational brochure and warning stickers about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and boats into the registration renewal materials mailed by the Department of Motor Vehicles to vessel owners for two consecutive two-year registration cycles.

Section 685 allows the Department of Boating and Waterways to use funds in the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to administer this chapter and to reimburse the Department of Motor Vehicles for its costs to administer this chapter.