MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Marine Resources
By: Representative Holloway
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-21-81, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE ALL INDIVIDUALS ON BOARD CERTAIN VESSELS TO WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE WHILE SUCH VESSEL IS UNDERWAY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Gunner Palmer and Zeb Hughes Act."
SECTION 2. Section 59-21-81, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
59-21-81. (1) Every vessel
shall have on board a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each
person aboard such vessel, and every person * * * on board a
motorboat, sailboat, or vessel which measures less than twenty-six (26) feet in
length shall wear a type I, II, or III Coast Guard approved personal flotation
device while such motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is underway. For the purpose
of this section "underway" shall mean at all times except when a
motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is anchored, moored, or aground. Every vessel
shall have lights during the hours of darkness, which comply with all federal
regulations applicable to vessels of its classification. Such vessel shall not
be operated unless in a safe and seaworthy condition; the owner and operator
shall employ such safety devices as may be necessary for the safe operation of
such vessel, including an efficient natural or mechanical ventilating system
when necessary for safe operation. In addition to the requirements imposed by
this section, all vessels shall comply with all federal regulations applicable
to vessels of such classification.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, "personal watercraft" means a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft unless each person on board or being towed behind is wearing a type I, type II or type III, personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.