[Adopted 6-19-2018 by L.L. No.
19-2018]
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that motorized
boats have propellers that are dangerous to persons who come into
close proximity with them. This Legislature also finds and determines
that vessels used for instructional purposes pose a high risk for
injuries, as inexperienced individuals are learning how to safely
engage in the operation of boating equipment while navigating waterways.
This Legislature further finds and determines that propeller guards
should be used on boats used for instructional purposes to ensure
the safety of students and to protect against accidental injury. Therefore,
the purpose of this article is to require that instructional vessels
install and maintain propeller guards when operating in Suffolk County
waterways.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any vessel utilized to teach minors about marine navigation
and safety in a formal setting, such as an instructional course conducted
by a marina, yacht club or boating organization.
Any person under the age of 18.
A mechanical device designed to move a vessel, consisting
of a revolving shaft with two or more angled blades attached to it.
A cage or encasement that surrounds the propeller of a motorized
boat.
As defined in § 2 of the New York Navigation Law.
The owner of any instructional vessel which is registered in
Suffolk County and/or operates in the waters of Suffolk County, and
which is equipped with a propeller, shall install and maintain a propeller
guard on such vessel.
A violation of this article shall constitute a violation. The
first conviction for such offense shall be subject to a fine of $250
to $500, with convictions for all subsequent offenses subject to a
fine of $750 to $1,500 per offense.
This article shall apply to all actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this article.
This article shall take effect on the 90th day immediately subsequent
to filing in the Office of the Secretary of State.
