§ 69-9-215. Liability of Owners or Operators
The owner of a vessel, other than a bona fide person engaged in the business of renting boats or a person engaged in the business of selling, repairing or manufacturing boats, that loans a boat to a consumer or potential consumer on a temporary basis, shall be liable for any injury or damage occasioned by […]
§ 69-9-216. Prohibited Acts
No person shall operate or interfere with the safe operation of any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard, tube, specialty recreational device or similar device in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Notwithstanding § 69-9-219 to the contrary, any person who […]
§ 69-9-217. Boating Under the Influence
It is unlawful for any person or persons to operate any vessel subject to registration or any commercial vessel as defined in this section on the public waters of the state while under the influence of any intoxicant, marijuana, narcotic drug, or drug producing stimulating effects on the central nervous system. For the purpose of […]
§ 69-9-218. Jet Boats That Carry Passengers for Hire
Jet boats that carry passengers for hire shall: Only operate during the hours between ten o’clock a.m. (10:00 a.m.) and five o’clock p.m. (5:00 p.m.) on Monday through Friday; Only operate during the hours between ten o’clock a.m. (10:00 a.m.) and seven o’clock p.m. (7:00 p.m.) on Saturday and Sunday; Not travel at a speed […]
§ 69-9-219. Penalties
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, except § 69-9-216(a) or § 69-9-217, including any rules and regulations adopted by the commission, commits a Class C misdemeanor. Any person who violates § 69-9-216(a) commits a Class A misdemeanor. Any person violating § 69-9-217(a) commits a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction […]
§ 69-9-204. Chapter Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: “Agency” means the wildlife resources agency; “Anchored” means held in place in the water by an anchor; “Boat” means any vessel: Manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; Leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use; or Engaged in the carrying of […]
§ 69-9-205. Duties of Executive Director
The executive director shall: Plan, and submit to the commission, programs for the education of the public in boating safety, for the assignment of identification numbers to motorboats, for the regulation of vessels subject to this chapter, and for the enforcement of this chapter including related cooperation with other agencies and commissions of this state […]
§ 69-9-206. Identification Numbers for Vessels — Exceptions
Every vessel propelled by sail or machinery, or both, upon the waters of Tennessee shall be numbered for identification in accordance with this chapter and the regulations of the commission except: A vessel that has a valid document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States, or any federal agency successor to the […]
§ 69-9-207. Issuance of Certificates of Number — Fees — Renewal
No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on the waters of Tennessee unless the vessel is numbered in accordance with this chapter. The owner of every vessel required to be numbered by this chapter shall file an application for a number with the agency on forms approved by the […]
§ 69-9-208. Who May Issue Certificates — Disposition of Fees
The agency will issue certificates of number directly or may authorize any official in the state, who is presently authorized to issue automobile license plates, to issue certificates of number. In conformity with this chapter and any rules and regulations that may be validly issued by the commission, the agency may assign to each issuing […]