Regulations and Safety

Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam.

Boating Equipment - Cost Guard Approved

"Coast Guard approved equipment" is equipment which has been approved by the Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard and has been determined to be in compliance with U. S. Coast Guard specifications and regulations relating to the material, construction and performance of such equipment.

Personal Flotation Devices

Person Overboard Procedures

• Toss a life-saving device even if the person can swim. A life ring is the preferred device. It can be thrown farther and is easier to hang on to. However, use whatever device is nearest. Time is essential.
• Slow the boat, keeping the person in view. Other persons onboard should act as lookouts. At night, direct the best possible lights on the victim.
• Try to approach the person from downwind or into the waves. Always use common sense and good judgment. Consider ethe xisting condition and ability of the victim and what other help is available. If someone aboard is capable, have the person put on a life-saving device with a line attached to the boat and enter the water to assist the person.
• Always stop the motor when someone is going over the side, or coming aboard.
• Assist the person in boarding the boat. It is difficult to climb into a boat from the water. The person may be hurt or cold and may require help.

Vessel Distress Signaling

Sound Signaling Devices

Vessels less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) are not specifically required to carry a whistle, horn or bell but they must have some means of making an "efficient sound signal."Vessels over 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) are required to carry a bell and a powered whistle or horn.

Visual Signaling 

Visual distress signals are not required for boaters using Tennessee waters. They are desirable to have on any boat but are only required for boats using coastal waters and the Great Lakes. Boaters using those waters should obtain the exact requirements based on the length of their boat and whether they will be operating at night.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers must be carried on all motorboats which have any of the following conditions:

Boats are 26 feet or longer, transport passengers for hire, and have one or more of the following:

• Inboard engines
• Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Double bottoms are not sealed to the hull or are not filled with flotation material
• Closed living spaces
• Closed storage compartments where combustible or flammable material is placed

Permanently installed fuel tanks. These are defined as:

Tanks which require the removal of screws or bolts to remove them from the boat.
Tanks that when filled cannot be easily or readily handled by one person on board.
Each fire extinguisher is classified by letter and Roman numeral according to the type of fire it will extinguish, and the size of the extinguisher.

The "letter" indicates the Type of fire:

• A - Fires of ordinary combustible materials
• B - Gasoline, oil and grease fires
• C - Electrical fires

Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand portable, of either B-I or B-II classification for gasoline, oil, and grease fires.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers without gauges or indicating devices must be weighed and tagged every six months.

Check extinguishers regularly to be sure that gauges are free and showing fully charged and nozzle is clear.

Number of Fire Extinguishers Needed:

• Vessels under 26 feet in length: If the boat meets any of the conditions which require an extinguisher, then a minimum of one B-I extinguisher must be on board.
• Vessels 26 feet to under 40 feet in length: one B-II or two B-I extinguishers are required.
• Vessels 40 feet to under 65 feet in length: Three B-I or one B-II and one B-I extinguisher are required.

A permanently installed fire extinguisher in an engine compartment may be substituted for one B-I extinguisher on any class of vessel.

Read labels on fire extinguishers; the extinguisher must say U. S. Coast Guard approved or U. L. listed for marine use.

Vessel Ventilation

Vessels with closed gasoline engine compartments must be ventilated. Boats built after July 31, 1980, must be ventilated by a powered exhaust blower system. Boats built before that date must have at least one intake and one exhaust duct fitted with cowls for the removal of explosive fumes. The intake duct should be vented from outside the boat to midway of the compartment or to a level below the carburetor air intake. The exhaust duct should be vented from the lower portion of the engine compartment to the outside of the boat.

Vessels with enclosed fuel tank compartments must be ventilated like the description above. An exception is made if the boat meets the following requirements:

• Built after July 31, 1978.
• Electrical components within the compartment are ignition-proofed.
• The tank is vented to the outside of the boat.

Marine Sanitation Device Lawas

Marine sanitation device laws apply to boats with installed heads (commodes). Sanitation devices are classified by type. Types I & II treat sewage and then discharge it into the water. A Type III is a holding tank that retains the waste until it is pumped out at a marina or other facility. The following is a summary of the M.S.D. laws:

• Discharging untreated sewage into public water is prohibited. It is illegal to use a vessel that is capable of discharging untreated sewage.
• Public waters are classified as either discharge (capable of accepting treated sewage) or no discharge (waste must be retained in a holding tank until properly removed).
• Discharge into public waters is restricted to a Type I or II U.S. Coast Guard-approved marine sanitation device on those waters classified as discharge.
• Marinas and docks operating on public water must provide a sewage removal service.

Marine Pollution Placebards Law

Federal law requires that all vessels 26 feet and over must display one or more pollution placards (signs) in a prominent location so that it can be read by the crew and passengers.

The placard must:

• Be at least 9" wide x 4" high.
• State that discharge of plastic or garbage mixed with plastic into any water is prohibited.
• State that discharge of all garbage is prohibited in the navigable waters of the United States and, in all other waters, within three nautical miles of the nearest land.

Vessel Safety Hazards

Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas. Exhaust leaks, the leading because of death by carbon monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. New areas of concern are the rear deck platform with the generator or engines running and teak surfing or dragging behind a slow-moving boat. Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide. 

Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time that a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil, burns. Sources on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Cold or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines. 

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and mixes evenly with the air. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness - are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can lead to death.

All carbon monoxide poisonings are preventable!

Avoid Death Zones

• Swimming near or under the back deck or swim platform. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines, and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. Stay away from these exhaust vent areas and do not swim in these areas when the motor or generator is operating.
• On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas.
• Never enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where the exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this "death chamber" for it to be fatal.
• Teak surfing, dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft can be fatal.

Did You Know?

• Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area - even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
• Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
• Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open area. A tailwind can also increase accumulation.
• The "station wagon effect," or back drafting can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when operating the boat at a high bow angle, with improper or heave loading or if there is an opening which draws in the exhaust. This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used and the boat is underway.

What to Do

• Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early poisoning signs are.
• If your boat has rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer for possible recall or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
• Assign an adult to watch when anyone is swimming or playing in the water.
• Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.
• Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds will help dissipate the exhaust.
• Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat stress. If someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Test the operation of each detector before each trip.

Propeller Safety

Protect those toes, feet, legs, and lives. Be aware of your boat's "danger zone." Swim platforms, ladders, and slides are all located in the rear of the boat where the propeller is lurking right under the water. Use caution when swimming, loading, or jumping off the rear of boats. Turn the engine off when people are swimming near the boat. On larger boats, have someone to visually check the stern area for persons in the water before placing engines in reverse.

Electricity and Boats

All power cords used on boats should be rated suitable for Marine Use, or UL-Marine listed. Never use ordinary "outdoor-use" extension cords to provide electrical shore power to the boats. Never leave a shore power cord on the dock with only the plug end connected. A live cord end is dangerous, especially if it accidentally falls into the water. When AC current leaks out of the AC system and reaches any grounded item on the boat that is in contact with the water then this leakage current will spread out on the water and anyone swimming in the field will be subject to electrical shock.

Boat Lighting

All boats operating between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility are required to display the appropriate lights.   Boats are considered underway and must show all the appropriate lights unless they are anchored, moored, or aground.   Anchored vessels must show the appropriate anchor lights.

LED Lighting on Boats (pdf)

Law Enforcement Lights Not Allowed (pdf)

Vessel Lighting Placement (pdf)

• Power Driven Vessels Boats built before December 25, 1981, and less than 20 meters (65 ft. 6 in.) shall exhibit navigation lights as displayed in either figure 1, 2 or 3.
• Boats built after December 25, 1981, and less than 12 meters (39 ft. 4 in.)in length may use figure 1, 2 or 3.
• Boats built after December 25, 1981, 12 meters (39 ft. 4 in.) or more in length but less than 20 meters (65 ft. 6 in.) must use figure 1 or 2. 
• If the lighting display in figure 1 is used, the aft masthead light must be higher than the forward one; if figure 2 is selected, a vessel less than 12 meters (39 ft. 4 in.) must have the masthead light 1 meter (3 ft. 3 in.) higher than the colored lights.
• If the vessel is using figure 2 and is 12 meters (39 ft. 4 in.) or more in length but less than 20 meters (65 ft. 6 in.) then the masthead light must be 2.5 meters (8 ft. 2 in.) higher than the gunwale.
• Sailing Vessels & Vessels Under sail alone, shall exhibit the lights shown on figure 4, 5 or 6.
• A vessel under oars or a sailing vessel of less than 7 meters (22 ft. 10 in.) shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in figure 4, 5 or 6.
• However, if she does not, she must have ready at hand an electric light or lighted lantern showing a white light as seen in figure 7 which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collisions.
• During daylight operation, vessels 12 meters (39 ft. 4 in.) and over using sail and machinery must display the shape of a black cone pointing down.

Lights Required While Anchored

An anchor light is an all-round white light, visible for 2 miles, which is exhibited in the forepart of the vessel or where it can best be seen.

Power driven and sailing vessels less than 7 meters (23 feet) must display an anchor light when anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage where other vessels normally navigate. 

Power driven and sailing vessels 7-20 meters (23 to 65.6 feet) are required to show an anchor light except when in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary of Transportation or other authority. 

A sailing vessel under machinery power and sails is considered a power-driven vessel.

Clean Vessel Act Program

In 1992, Congress passed the Clean Vessel Act to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges into U.S. waters. The Grant Program established by the Act is for the funding of the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout stations, dump stations, and pumpout vessels to service pleasure craft. As part of its commitment to provide clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational boating in Tennessee, TWRA serves as the State Grant coordinator. The Department will also provide boater education programs to promote public awareness about boat sewage and its proper disposal.

The Clean Vessel Act grant funds are available to both the public and private sectors. This includes all local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities that are open to the general public.

For more information regarding the Tennessee Clean Vessel Act Program or Marine Sanitation Laws within Tennessee, please call (866) 416-4488 or e-mail cvaoftennessee@yahoo.com.

Tips for Fueling up

• Stop smoking and extinguish all fires.
• Close all vents, doors, hatches.
• Ground the nozzle to tank opening.
• Portable tanks should be filled outside of boat.
• Ventilate engine compartment before starting.

What The Grant Covers

The Grant will reimburse recipients for up to 75% of the installed cost of pumpout and dump stations. This includes the cost of new equipment, or the renovation of existing equipment, as well as necessary pumps, piping, lift stations, on-site holding tanks, pier or dock modifications, signs, permits and other miscellaneous equipment needed for a complete and efficient station.

The Grant will not pay for the construction or renovation of onshore restroom facilities, or sewage treatment plants, including septic tanks, leach fields, private and municipal treatment plants.

What The Cost Will Be For You

As a grant recipient, you are responsible for at least 25% of the installed costs of the pumpout and dump station facilities provided for under the grant program. This 25% match can be cash, the fair market value of any labor or materials provided, or a combination thereof.

Can You Be Reimbursed For A Pumpout You've Already Installed?

No. Costs incurred prior to the effective date of a grant agreement are not allowable.

Your Responsibilities Under The Grant Program

• All recreational vessels must have access to the pumpout and dump stations funded under this grant program. The grant recipient shall guarantee that the facilities will be operated, maintained, and be accessible to all recreation vessels for the full period of their useful life.
• A sign depicting the national pumpout symbol shall be installed so as to be clearly visible to boaters.
• An informational sign shall be installed at pumpout and dump stations. The sign information should specify fees, restrictions, hours of operation, operating instructions, and a contact name and telephone number to call if the facility is inoperable. The sign shall also acknowledge that the facility was constructed or improved with funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Can You Charge For Use Of The Pumpout Or Dump Station?

Yes. While the State encourages the free use of facilities constructed under this program, a maximum user fee of $5 can be charged. However, during the grant application evaluation process, a higher priority will be given to applicants who propose free use or a lower than a maximum user fee.