Floatation devices; require all individuals to wear while certain vessels are underway.
The passage of HB 1144 influences state laws relating to boating by tightening existing safety regulations. The requirement for PFDs applies not only to motorboats and sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length but extends also to personal watercraft. The bill is designed to prevent tragedies that could occur from falls overboard or capsizing, particularly among young passengers, thereby enhancing overall public safety on waterways across the state. Compliance with both state and federal regulations regarding vessel safety is also emphasized in this legislation, ensuring that local boating laws align with broader safety standards.
House Bill 1144, also known as the Gunner Palmer and Zeb Hughes Act, amends Section 59-21-81 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to mandate that all individuals aboard certain vessels must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when the vessel is underway. This measure defines 'underway' as sailing or operating under power, but it excludes situations when a vessel is anchored, moored, or aground. The legislation aims to enhance safety measures concerning boating activities, particularly focusing on ensuring that children under the age of 12 are properly equipped with life vests. By doing so, it seeks to reduce the risks associated with water accidents and to promote safer maritime practices among boaters.
While the bill generally aims to bolster safety, there may be concerns regarding its enforcement and the potential implications for boaters who may not comply. Some stakeholders could argue that mandatory regulations may place undue burdens on casual boaters and may face resistance from some boating communities. The act may prompt discussions on the balance between individual freedoms and ensuring public safety, particularly regarding compliance costs and requirements for careful and functional safety gear on recreational vessels.