Effective 28 Aug 2008

306.124. Aids to navigation and regulatory markers defined — water patrol may mark waters, hearing, notice — markings, effect of — disaster, closing of certain waters — violation, penalty. — 1. (1) "Aids to navigation" means buoys, beacons or other fixed objects in the water which are used to mark obstructions to navigation or to direct navigation through safe channels.

(2) "Regulatory markers" means any anchored or fixed markers in or on the water or signs on the shore or on bridges over the water other than aids to navigation and shall include but not be limited to bathing markers, speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone markers, boat keep-out areas, and mooring buoys.

2. The water patrol division after a public hearing pursuant to notice thereof published not less than ten days prior thereto in each county to be affected may provide for the uniform marking of the water areas in this state through the placement of aids to navigation and regulatory markers. The water patrol division shall establish a marking system compatible with the system of aids to navigation prescribed by the United States Coast Guard. No city, county, or person shall mark or obstruct the water of this state in any manner so as to endanger the operation of watercraft or conflict with the marking system prescribed by the water patrol division.

3. Whenever, due to any actual or imminent man-made or natural disaster, the navigation or use of any waters of this state presents an unreasonable danger to persons or property, the water patrol division may, with the consent of the director of the department of public safety, close such waters.

4. The operation of any watercraft within prohibited areas that are marked shall be prima facie evidence of negligent operation.

5. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft on the waters of this state in a manner other than that prescribed or permitted by regulatory markers.

6. No person shall moor or fasten a watercraft to or willfully damage, tamper, remove, obstruct, or interfere with any aid to navigation or regulatory marker established pursuant to sections 306.010 to 306.126.

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(L. 1969 S.B. 194 § 3, A.L. 1985 H.B. 280, et al., A.L. 1989 S.B. 135, A.L. 2002 S.B. 712, A.L. 2008 H.B. 1715)