2008 Minnesota Statutes

326B.94 BOATS; MASTERS.

Subdivision 1.Boat.

"Boat" means any vessel navigating inland waters of the state that is propelled by machinery or sails, is carrying passengers for hire, and is 21 feet or more in length.

Subd. 2.Number of passengers.

The department shall designate the number of passengers that each boat may safely carry, and no such boat shall carry a greater number than is allowed by the inspector's certificate.

Subd. 3.Annual permit.

The commissioner shall issue an annual permit to a boat for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire on the inland waters of the state provided the boat satisfies the inspection requirements of this section. A boat subject to inspection under this chapter shall be registered with the department and shall be inspected before a permit may be issued. No person shall operate a boat or cause a boat to be operated for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire on the inland waters of the state without a valid annual permit issued under this section.

Subd. 4.Examinations, licensing.

The commissioner shall develop and administer an examination for all masters of boats carrying passengers for hire on the inland waters of the state as to their qualifications and fitness. If found qualified and competent to perform their duties as a master of a boat carrying passengers for hire, they shall be issued a license authorizing them to act as such on the inland waters of the state. The license shall be renewed annually. Fees for the original issue and renewal of the license authorized under this section shall be pursuant to section 326B.986, subdivision 2.

Subd. 5.Rules.

(a) The department shall prescribe rules for the inspection of the hulls, machinery, boilers, steam connections, firefighting apparatus, lifesaving appliances, and lifesaving equipment of all power boats navigating the inland waters of the state, which shall conform to the requirements and specifications of the United States Coast Guard in similar cases as provided in Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, as applicable inland waters; these rules shall have the force of law.

(b) The commissioner shall make such rules for inspection and operation of boats subject to inspection under this chapter, the licensing of masters, and the navigation of any such boat as will require its operation without danger to life or property.

Subd. 6.Drugs, alcohol.

No master shall be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol when on duty.

History:

2007 c 140 art 9 s 26