If approached by
a law enforcement or fire rescue vessel using its
lights and audible signal, a vessel operator is
required to:
(1) Immediately
slow to a speed just sufficient to maintain steerage
only
(2) Alter course
within its ability to not inhibit or interfere with
the law enforcement or fire rescue vessel; and
(3) Unless
otherwise directed by an officer onboard such
vessels, proceed at a reduced speed until beyond the
area of operation of the law enforcement, or fire
rescue vessel.
If someone
willfully or negligently obstructs or retards a law
enforcement or fire rescue vessel answering an
emergency call or pursuing a fleeing law violator,
the offender shall be fined up to $200 or imprisoned
for up to seven days, or both.
If a vessel
operator passes within 200 feet of a stationary law
enforcement vessel using its lights and audible
signal or a fire rescue vessel using its lights, the
vessel operator is required to slow the operator’s
vessel to “slow-no-wake” speed until it is more than
200 feet away from the law enforcement or fire
rescue vessel.
If someone fails to slow as required, the offender
shall be subject to a fine of $50 to $200.
