La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § XI-305

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 8, August 20, 2024

Section XI-305 - Marine Event Permits

A. The following regulations shall prescribe the permitting requirements for marine events on the navigable waterways within the jurisdiction of this state so as insure the safety of life. Through Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Coast Guard and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and authority vested in the commission, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has the responsibility to permit and regulate marine events on navigable waters over which the state has jurisdiction.

B. Definitions

Marine Event or Events-an organized event of limited duration held on the water, including but not limited to regattas, parades, fireworks displays, and boat races, which by its nature, circumstances or location, will introduce extra or unusual hazards to the safety of lives on the navigable waters within the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana.

a. Examples of conditions which are deemed to introduce extra or unusual hazards to the safety of life include but are not limited to:

i. an inherently hazardous competition;

ii. an event occurring in an area where there is a customary presence of pleasure craft;

iii. any obstruction of navigable channel which may reasonably be expected to result; and

iv. the expected accumulation of spectator craft.

C. An individual or organization planning to hold a marine event, shall submit an application to the LDWF.

1. The application shall be submitted 30 days prior to the proposed event.

2. The application shall include the following details:

a. name and address of sponsoring person or organization;

b. name, address, and telephone of person in charge of the event;

c. nature and purpose of the event;

d. information as to general public interest;

e. estimated number and types of watercraft participating in the event;

f. estimated number and types of spectator watercraft;

g. number of boats being furnished by sponsoring organizations to patrol event;

h. a time schedule and description of events; and

i. a section of a chart or scale drawing showing the boundaries of the event, various water courses, or areas to be utilized by participants, officials, and spectator craft.

D. The department's law enforcement division may issue regulations to promote safety of life on waters before, during, and after a marine event. The departments law enforcement division can limit, exclude or restrict movement of vessel traffic before, during, and after a marine event and may assign patrol boats, if safety requires, to enforce regulations and provide assistance work.

E. Violation of this Section is a Class 1 violation as provided in R.S. 56:31. The department is authorized to prohibit, suspend or terminate any marine event in order to protect life, public safety or for failure to secure a marine event permit.

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § XI-305

Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 34:887 (May 2008).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 34:851.24 and R.S. 34:851.27.