Navigation Penalties in California

Division 2, Chapter 2 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code provides penalties related to navigation in waters of the state. Section 250 provides that, when steam vessels meet, each is required to turn to the right, so as to pass without interference.

Section 251 states that, when a passenger is to be landed from a steam vessel by means of a small boat, he or she cannot be permitted to get into it until it is completely afloat and wholly disengaged from the steam vessel.

Section 252 specifies that no line used for the purpose of landing or receiving passengers may be attached in any way to the machinery of any steam vessel.

Section 253 says that, during the landing and receiving of a passenger, and the going and returning of the small boat for the purpose, the engine must be stopped, and may not be put in motion, with specified exceptions.

Section 254 requires every small boat to keep a good and suitable pair of oars.

Section 255 prohibits a steam vessel going in the same direction as a steam vessel ahead of it from approaching or passing within the distance of ten yards.

Section 256 requires that, when any steam vessel is running in the night-time, the master cause to be shown two conspicuous lights, one exposed near the bow and the other near the stern.

Section 257 provides that every person in charge of a steam vessel who violates any of the provisions of the preceding seven sections incurs a penalty of $250 for each offense.

Section 258 specifies that the person in charge of any vessel at anchor in the night-time in any of the harbors or ports within the jurisdiction of this state, who fails to cause a conspicuous light to be shown in the rigging at least twenty feet above the deck, and another light to be shown from the taffrail, incurs a penalty of $50 for every violation.

Section 259 states that neither the master nor the owner of any vesel can recover damages for injuries to the vessel or to himself resulting from a collision growing out of a failure to comply with the provisions of the preceding six sections.

Section 261 requires every steam vessel navigating any waters of this State and carrying passengers to be equipped with boats as specified.

Section 262 says that every master or owner of any vessel not provided with boats as required by this chapter incurs a penalty of not more than 4250.

Section 263 requires every person in charge of a steam vessel navigating any of the waters of this State which is used for the conveyance of passengers, and every person in charge of the boiler or other apparatus for the generation of steam who, for the purpose of increasing speed or excelling any other vessel in speed, permits to be created an undue or an unsafe quantity of steam, incurs a penalty of $500.

Section 264 prohibits a captain or other person in charge from expelling such an undue quantity of steam as to burst or break the boiler, or any apparatus or machinery connected with the boiler. Violation is a felony.

Section 265 makes the owners of every steam vessel responsible for the good conduct of the master or other person in charge employed by them, and they are jointly and severally liable as sureties for any penalty established by this chapter.

Section 266 provides that the penalties established by this chapter may be recovered by the district attorney of any county bordering on the water where the offense was committed or the penalty incurred, and when recovered are to be equally divided between the county unapportioned elementary school fund and the indigent-sick fund of the county.

Section 268 authorizes counties and cities to adopt restrictions concerning the navigation and operation of vessels and water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices, and may grant permits to bona fide yacht clubs, water ski clubs, or civic organizations to conduct vessel or water ski races.