§445 Equipment and marking of boats or scows

Summary

Boats or scows that carry dredgings, earth, sand, mud, cellar dirt, garbage, or other offensive material must have the boat’s name or number and the owner’s name painted in letters at least 14 inches high on both sides. Those markings must stay clearly readable, and no unmarked boat may be used to transport or dump such material. Putting the same names and numbers at least 14 inches high on both ends of the boat also meets the rule. Each boat must carry a lifeline or rope running the full length of the deck and rising at least 3 feet above it, attached to the coaming (the deck’s raised edge); a life preserver and a life buoy for every person on board; an anchor of at least 275 pounds with at least 100 feet of cable; and a list of all men employed on the boat that the owner or master keeps and lets others inspect. The lifeline rule does not apply if the deck outside the coaming or rail is 1 foot wide or less. Owners who fail to follow these rules can be fined up to $500.