reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-26. Anchoring So as to Interfere With Traffic

Sec. 26. A person may not anchor a boat in the traveled part of a river or channel so as to:
(1) prevent;
(2) impede; or
(3) interfere with;
the safe passage of another boat through the river or channel.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-38.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-27. Boat Races

Sec. 27. A person may not participate or compete in a boat race unless:
(1) the race is over a fixed and marked course; and
(2) a permit for the race has been issued by the department under this article.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-39.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-28. Permitting Unlawful Operation

Sec. 28. A person who is:
(1) the owner of a boat;
(2) in possession of a boat; or
(3) entitled to the possession of a boat, whether by reason of legal title, lease, license, rental arrangement, lease with option to purchase, contract of conditional sale, or otherwise;
may not authorize or knowingly permit a person to operate the boat upon public water in violation of this article.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-40.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-29. Unauthorized Possession or Operation

Sec. 29. A person may not:
(1) take possession of;
(2) assume control of; or
(3) operate upon public water;
a boat of which any other person is entitled to the possession, whether by reason of legal title, lease, license, rental arrangement, lease with option to purchase, contract of conditional sale, or otherwise, without the prior express consent of the other person.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-41.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-30. Abandoned Watercraft

Sec. 30. (a) A person may not abandon a watercraft at any time on Indiana water. A watercraft found unattended in a sunken, beached, or drifting condition is considered to have been abandoned by the owner. In the interest of public safety, such a watercraft may be removed and impounded for safekeeping and disposal in accordance with the following:
(1) Abandoned watercraft may be impounded by any law enforcement officer of the department when located on public water.
(2) The owner of an impounded watercraft, if determined and located, shall be notified. The owner may redeem the boat by payment of the storage fee, if any, plus any expenses incurred by the department in the removal of the watercraft.
(3) If the owner of an impounded watercraft cannot be found, the impounded watercraft shall be held at a place of safekeeping for at least ninety (90) days.
(4) A watercraft unclaimed by the owner at the expiration of the period prescribed by subdivision (3) shall be destroyed or sold at public auction.
(5) All money received from the sale at public auction of a watercraft under subdivision (4) shall be deposited in the fish and wildlife fund.
(b) The department and the department's employees are not liable for any damages caused by an abandoned watercraft or incurred to the watercraft during or after the removal of the watercraft from public water.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-64.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 3. Watercraft Operation › 14-15-3-31. Violations

Sec. 31. (a) A person who violates section 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates section 6 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-59 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.195-2014, SEC.5.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 4. Watercraft Accidents › 14-15-4-1. Duties of Operators

Sec. 1. (a) Subject to subsection (b), the operator of a boat involved in an accident or a collision resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a boat or other property, shall do the following:
(1) If the action described in this subdivision can be done without endangering a person, stop the boat immediately and as close as possible to the scene of the accident.
(2) If the action described in this subdivision can be done without endangering a person, return to the scene of the accident and remain there until the operator has complied with this section.
(3) Give:
(A) the operator's name and address;
(B) a full identification of the boat operated; and
(C) the name and address of the owner;
to the operator of each other boat and each person injured.
(4) Upon request, exhibit the operator's license to the operator of each other boat and each person injured.
(5) Notify emergency services as soon as possible, and provide reasonable assistance to each person injured, including carrying or arranging for carrying each injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if:
(A) it is apparent that treatment is necessary; or
(B) the injured person so requests.
(b) An operator described in subsection (a) shall make a reasonable and good faith effort to perform the actions described in subsection (a). However, an operator is not required to perform an act that would endanger a person.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-42.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.142-2020, SEC.17.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 4. Watercraft Accidents › 14-15-4-2. Notice; Reports

Sec. 2. (a) The operator of a boat involved in an accident or a collision resulting in:
(1) injury to or death of a person; or
(2) damage to a boat or other property to an apparent extent of at least seven hundred fifty dollars ($750);
shall provide the information required under subsection (b).
(b) An operator of a boat subject to subsection (a) shall do the following:
(1) Give notice of the accident to:
(A) the office of the sheriff of the county;
(B) the nearest state police post; or
(C) the central dispatch center for the law enforcement division of the department;
immediately and by the quickest means of communication.
(2) Mail to the department a written report of the accident or collision within twenty-four (24) hours of the accident or collision.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-43.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.210-2001, SEC.3; P.L.111-2016, SEC.11.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 4. Watercraft Accidents › 14-15-4-3. Duties of Other Occupants

Sec. 3. (a) If the operator of a boat is physically incapable of performing a duty imposed by sections 1 and 2 of this chapter, each other occupant of the boat shall perform the duty or see that the duty is performed.
(b) If a person to whom the operator of a boat is required to furnish information under section 1 of this chapter is physically incapable of receiving the information, the operator shall furnish the information to another occupant of the same boat.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-44.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 4. Watercraft Accidents › 14-15-4-4. Violations

Sec. 4. A person who knowingly or intentionally violates section 1, 2, or 3 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor. However, the offense is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the accident or collision results in an injury to a person;
(2) a Level 6 felony if:
(A) the accident or collision results in serious bodily injury to a person; or
(B) within the five (5) years preceding the commission of the offense, the person had a previous conviction of any of the offenses listed in IC 9-30-10-4(a), IC 35-46-9-6, or IC 14-15-8-8 (before its repeal); or
(3) a Level 5 felony if the accident or collision results in the death of a person.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-59 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.97-2002, SEC.1; P.L.40-2012, SEC.13; P.L.158-2013, SEC.199; P.L.195-2014, SEC.6.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 5. Race and Event Permits › 14-15-5-1. Permit Requirement

Sec. 1. A person may not sponsor, conduct, or hold a boat race or water ski event upon public water, including ice, unless a permit for a boat race or water ski event has been issued by the department. A person who has been issued a permit may not violate or fail to comply with a condition upon which the permit has been issued.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-45.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 5. Race and Event Permits › 14-15-5-2. Investigations; Issuance of Permit

Sec. 2. Before issuing a permit for a motorboat race or water ski event, the department shall investigate as necessary. If the department finds that a motorboat race or water ski event can be conducted and held with safety and without undue interference with the lawful use of public water by other persons, the department shall issue the permit with the conditions the department finds necessary to accomplish these objectives. The department shall:
(1) state the conditions in; or
(2) attach the conditions to;
the permit.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-46.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 5. Race and Event Permits › 14-15-5-3. Violations

Sec. 3. A person who violates section 1 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-59 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.195-2014, SEC.7.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-0.2. Application of Certain Amendments to Prior Law

Sec. 0.2. The amendments made to IC 14-1-1-48 (before its repeal, now codified at section 2 of this chapter) apply to boating years beginning after December 31, 1989.
As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.294.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-1. Certificate of Inspection and Registration; Requirement

Sec. 1. (a) A person may not operate a boat upon public water to carry passengers for hire unless the following conditions are met:
(1) The department or an organization approved under section 2.5 of this chapter has inspected and registered the boat.
(2) A certificate of inspection and registration issued by the department is affixed to the boat in a prominent place within the clear view of the passengers.
(b) A certificate of inspection and registration expires one (1) calendar year after the date on which the watercraft was inspected. However, the department may extend the expiration date for not more than thirty (30) days if conditions exist that would prevent the inspection of the watercraft before the first anniversary of the previous inspection.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-47.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.136-1997, SEC.4; P.L.164-2020, SEC.48.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-2. Certificate of Inspection and Registration; Issuance

Sec. 2. (a) Before issuing a certificate of inspection and registration for a passenger boat, the department shall have the boat, including all motors, machinery, and equipment, thoroughly and carefully inspected by a competent person.
(b) If the department finds that:
(1) the boat, including motors, machinery, and equipment, is:
(A) of a suitable design and construction for the service in which the boat is or is to be employed; and
(B) in a good, safe, and sound operating condition and state of repair that warrants the belief that the boat can be operated with safety in the service;
(2) the boat, including motors, machinery, and equipment, is in compliance with this article and the rules adopted under this article; and
(3) property tax under IC 6-1.1 is not owed on the boat, as evidenced by the tax receipt for payment from the appropriate county treasurer;
the department shall register the boat and issue a certificate.
(c) If the department does not find the conditions in subsection (b), the department shall immediately notify the owner of the boat why the boat fails to meet the requirements.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-48(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-2.5. Requirements; Inspections and Surveys

Sec. 2.5. (a) Each boat that carries passengers upon public water for hire must have:
(1) a dry dock inspection; or
(2) an underwater survey;
of the exterior portion of the boat that is below the waterline at least one (1) time every sixty (60) months. However, an underwater survey may only be used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter one (1) time every one hundred twenty (120) months.
(b) If the owner of the boat elects to have an underwater survey, the owner must hire and pay for the underwater survey, which must be conducted by an inspector from a certified organization that is approved under subsection (c).
(c) The commission shall maintain a list of certified organizations that are approved to conduct underwater surveys under this chapter.
As added by P.L.164-2020, SEC.49.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-3. Fees

Sec. 3. (a) The department shall charge and collect a fee for the following:
(1) Each annual dockside inspection.
(2) Each dry dock inspection.
(b) The following fees shall be charged:
(1) All watercraft, except sailboats, carrying not more than six (6) passengers for hire on navigable water of Indiana:
(A) Dockside inspection............. $ 50
(B) Dry dock inspection............. $ 75
(2) All watercraft, except sailboats, carrying not more than six (6) passengers for hire on inland water of Indiana:
(A) Dockside inspection............. $ 30
(B) Dry dock inspection............. $ 30
(3) All watercraft, except sailboats, carrying more than six (6) passengers for hire on inland water of Indiana:
(A) Dockside inspection............. $ 75
(B) Dry dock inspection............. $100
(4) All watercraft propelled primarily by sail that carry passengers for hire on navigable or inland water of Indiana:
(A) Dockside inspection............. $ 50
(B) Dry dock inspection............. $ 75
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-48(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.164-2020, SEC.50.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-4. Inspections; Taking or Suspension of Certificate

Sec. 4. (a) The department may:
(1) periodically; and
(2) with or without notice;
inspect a registered passenger boat.
(b) If the department finds from the inspection that the boat would not be entitled to registration if registration were sought at that time, the department shall immediately notify the owner of the boat the reason the boat fails to meet the requirements. The department may:
(1) take possession of a certificate of inspection and registration issued for the boat; and
(2) suspend the operation of the certificate of inspection and registration;
pending the correction of the deficiencies.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-49.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-5. Operation During Suspension of Certificate Prohibited

Sec. 5. The owner of a passenger boat whose registration has been suspended under section 4 of this chapter may not use the boat or permit the boat to be used to carry passengers for hire until:
(1) the deficiencies have been corrected; and
(2) the certificate of inspection and registration has been issued or restored.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-50.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-6. Contents of Certificate

Sec. 6. Each certificate of inspection and registration must certify that the inspection has been made and must set forth, among other things, the following:
(1) The date of inspection.
(2) A description of the boat, including motors, machinery and equipment.
(3) The age of the boat.
(4) The maximum weight, including both passengers and property, that may safely be carried on the boat.
(5) The method of the boat's inspection and the name of the person and organization that performed the inspection.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-51.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.164-2020, SEC.51.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-7. Display of Maximum Weight

Sec. 7. A person may not operate a passenger boat unless there is painted on the outside of the boat, both to starboard and to port and in a conspicuous place, the maximum weight, including passengers and property, that may safely be carried on the boat, as set forth in the certificate.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-52.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-8. Operation in Excess of Maximum Weight Prohibited

Sec. 8. A person may not operate a passenger boat with persons or property on board in excess of the maximum weight, including passengers and property, that may safely be carried on the boat, as set forth in the certificate.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-53.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-9. Procedure Upon Sale of Boat

Sec. 9. (a) Upon the sale of a passenger boat, the purchaser shall within ten (10) days do the following at the same time:
(1) Give notice in writing to the department of the sale and the date of the sale.
(2) Surrender the certificate to the department for cancellation.
(b) The department shall, upon receipt, issue a new certificate of inspection and registration to the purchaser. The department shall charge and collect a fee of five dollars ($5) for issuing the certificate.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-54.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 6. Passenger Boats › 14-15-6-10. Violations

Sec. 10. A person who violates section 1, 5, 7, 8, or 9 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-59 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.195-2014, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-1. Duties of Department

Sec. 1. The department shall do the following:
(1) Prescribe the form of accident reports, permits, and certificates required by this article and the form of applications for permits and certificates.
(2) Carry on a campaign of education with respect to safety in the operation of watercraft and in the use and enjoyment of public waters and with respect to Indiana laws relating to public waters.
(3) Carry out and enforce this article and in connection with these duties provide and maintain conservation officers and patrol boats upon public waters.
(4) Locate, establish, and place, and authorize the location, establishment, and placing by others on behalf of the department, buoys, beacons, lights, markers, stakes, flags, and other aids to the safe operation of watercraft upon public waters. Each safety device must be approved by the United States Coast Guard and recommended by the United States Coast Guard as a uniform waterway marking system.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-55(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-2. Reciprocal Agreements With Foreign Nations or States

Sec. 2. The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with foreign nations and other states in areas concerning the operation and inspection of boats carrying passengers for hire from foreign nations and other states that operate in Indiana water.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-55(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-3. Adoption of Rules; Violations

Sec. 3. (a) The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this article concerning the following:
(1) Applications for and the issuance of permits and certificates required by this article.
(2) The conduct of watercraft races.
(3) Standards of safety for boats used to carry passengers for hire, the determination of the maximum weight that may safely be carried on boats, and the inspection of boats.
(4) The safe operation of watercraft upon public water where unusual conditions or hazards exist, such as any of the following:
(A) An obstruction in or along public water.
(B) Watercraft traffic congestion.
(C) A beach, boat launch, marina, dam, spillway, or other recreational facility on or adjacent to public water.
(5) The placement, location, and maintenance of the following structures upon public water:
(A) Buoys.
(B) Markers.
(C) Flags.
(D) Devices that are used for the purposes of swimming or extending the use of water skis, water sleds, or aquaplanes.
(6) The establishment of zones where the use of watercraft may be limited or prohibited for the following purposes:
(A) Fish, wildlife, or botanical resource management.
(B) The protection of users.
(7) The regulation of watercraft engaged in group or organized activities or tournaments.
(b) In a rule adopted under subsection (a)(4) or (a)(6), the department may establish a zone where:
(1) the operation of all or some types of watercraft is prohibited;
(2) particular activities are restricted or prohibited; or
(3) a limitation is placed on the speed at which a watercraft may be operated.
(c) A person who violates this section commits a Class C infraction.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-56.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.38-2000, SEC.4; P.L.111-2016, SEC.12.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-4. Hearings on Rules

Sec. 4. In adopting rules under IC 4-22-2, a required hearing with respect to a rule adopted under section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of this chapter shall be held in the affected locality. A notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the hearing is to be held.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-57.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-5. Rules Regarding Waters Under Concurrent Jurisdiction

Sec. 5. The department may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that vary from equipment and operational standards specified in this article with respect to water over which Indiana has concurrent jurisdiction with the United States or another state.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-7(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 7. Powers and Duties of Department › 14-15-7-6. Repealed

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-59 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Repealed by P.L.195-2014, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 8. Repealed

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citations:
14-15-8-1formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-2formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-3formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-4formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-5formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-6formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-7formerly 14-1-5-1 part14-15-8-8formerly14-1-5-2; 14-1-5-3; 14-1-5-414-15-8-9formerly 14-1-5-514-15-8-10formerly 14-1-5-614-15-8-11formerly 14-1-5-714-15-8-12formerly 14-1-5-814-15-8-13formerly 14-1-5-914-15-8-14formerly 14-1-5-1014-15-8-15formerly 14-1-5-1114-15-8-16formerly 14-1-5-1214-15-8-17formerly 14-1-5-13.]
Repealed by P.L.40-2012, SEC.14.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-1. "Diver" Defined

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "diver" means an individual who is:
(1) wholly or partially submerged in any water of Indiana; and
(2) equipped with:
(A) a face mask and snorkel; or
(B) an underwater breathing apparatus.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-1.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-2. "Divers Down Flag" Defined

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "divers down flag" means a flag that:
(1) is at least twelve (12) inches wide by twelve (12) inches high;
(2) is square or rectangular, approximately four (4) units high by five (5) units long; and
(3) has a white diagonal stripe on a red background that begins at the top staff side of the flag and extends diagonally to the opposite lower corner.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-2.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-3. "Underwater Breathing Apparatus" Defined

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "underwater breathing apparatus" means an apparatus, whether:
(1) self contained; or
(2) connected to a distant source of air or other gas;
that enables an individual wholly or partially submerged in water to obtain or reuse air or any other gas for breathing without returning to the surface of the water.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-3.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-4. Display of Divers Down Flag

Sec. 4. (a) A diver shall prominently display a divers down flag in the area in which the diving occurs, except when diving in an area customarily used for swimming only.
(b) The divers down flag:
(1) must be free flying; and
(2) shall be lowered when all divers are aboard or ashore.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-5.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-5. Operation of Watercraft Within 150 Feet of Divers Down Flag; Objects in Water Within 100 Feet of Divers Down Flag; Supporting Watercraft

Sec. 5. (a) A person may not operate a watercraft within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a divers down flag unless the watercraft is directly involved in supporting the diver who is displaying the flag.
(b) A person may not put an object in the water within one hundred (100) feet of a divers down flag unless the object is used in supporting a diver who is displaying the flag.
(c) A watercraft that is involved in supporting the diver who is displaying the divers down flag shall remain within one hundred (100) feet of the flag.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-6.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-6. Diving Within 150 Feet of Anchored Watercraft

Sec. 6. A diver may not dive or display a divers down flag within one hundred fifty (150) feet of an anchored watercraft unless the watercraft is directly involved in supporting the diver.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-7.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-7. Surfacing Within 100 Feet of Divers Down Flag

Sec. 7. (a) Except during an emergency, a diver shall surface within one hundred (100) feet of the divers down flag displayed for the diver.
(b) If:
(1) a diver surfaces at a distance greater than one hundred (100) feet from the divers down flag displayed for the diver; and
(2) the diver is injured by a watercraft while surfacing;
the operator of the watercraft is not liable for the injury to the diver unless the operator was negligent in the operation of the watercraft.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-8.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 9. Divers › 14-15-9-8. Violations

Sec. 8. A person who violates section 4, 5, 6, or 7(a) of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-7-9.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.195-2014, SEC.10.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 10. Enforcement › 14-15-10-1. Enforcement Powers of Law Enforcement Officers

Sec. 1. Indiana law enforcement officers shall enforce the following:
(1) This article.
(2) Rules adopted by the department under this article.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-60(a).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 10. Enforcement › 14-15-10-2. Enforcement Powers of Attorney General and Prosecuting Attorneys

Sec. 2. The attorney general and prosecuting attorneys have concurrent power to approve, file, and prosecute an affidavit charging a violation of the following:
(1) This article.
(2) The rules adopted under this article.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-60(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 10. Enforcement › 14-15-10-3. Juveniles Tried as Adults

Sec. 3. A person at least sixteen (16) years of age and less than eighteen (18) years of age who violates this article may be prosecuted and tried in a court having jurisdiction over adults who violate this article.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-63.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-1. "Bureau"

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "bureau" refers to the bureau of motor vehicles established by IC 9-14-7-1.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.198-2016, SEC.638.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-2. "Department"

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "department" refers to the department of natural resources created by IC 14-9-1-1.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-3. "Driver's License"

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "driver's license" means:
(1) an Indiana driver's license; or
(2) a license to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Indiana.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-4. "Indiana Driver's License"

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "Indiana driver's license" means:
(1) a driver's license issued under IC 9-24-3;
(2) a chauffeur's license (before the expiration of IC 9-24-4 on July 1, 2024); or
(3) a public passenger chauffeur's license (before the expiration of IC 9-24-5 on July 1, 2022);
that is issued to an individual by the bureau of motor vehicles under IC 9-24.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.125-2012, SEC.401; P.L.111-2021, SEC.92.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-6. "Motorboat"

Sec. 6. (a) As used in this chapter, "motorboat" means a watercraft that is:
(1) equipped with an internal combustion, a steam, or an electrical motor or engine that is inboard or outboard; or
(2) propelled by any mechanical means.
(b) The term includes a personal watercraft.
(c) The term includes a sailboat that is equipped with a motor or an engine described in subsection (a)(1) when in operation, whether or not the sails are hoisted.
(d) The term does not include a boat that is propelled by only one (1) motor or engine if the motor or engine is rated at not more than ten (10) horsepower.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-7. "Personal Watercraft"

Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "personal watercraft" has the meaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-202.5.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-9. Motorboat Operating Authority

Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), an individual may not operate a motorboat on public waters unless the individual holds a valid driver's license.
(b) An individual who is at least fifteen (15) years of age and who does not hold a valid driver's license may operate a motorboat on public waters if the individual:
(1) has been issued an identification card by the bureau under IC 9-24-16 or a photo exempt identification card under IC 9-24-16.5; and
(2) has successfully completed a boating education course approved by the department for the purposes of this chapter.
(c) An individual who:
(1) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(2) does not hold:
(A) a valid driver's license; or
(B) a driver's license that is suspended or revoked;
may operate a motorboat on public waters if the individual is issued an identification card by the bureau under IC 9-24-16 before January 1, 1996.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.197-2015, SEC.15.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-10. Knowing or Intentional Violations

Sec. 10. (a) Except as provided in section 11 of this chapter, an individual who knowingly or intentionally operates a motorboat on public waters in violation of section 9 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
(b) In a proceeding to enforce this section, the burden is on the defendant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time of the alleged offense, the defendant held a valid driver's license or identification card.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-11. Operation of Motorboat While License Is Suspended or Revoked

Sec. 11. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a person who operates a motorboat upon public waters while the person's Indiana driver's license is suspended or revoked commits a Class A infraction. However, if:
(1) a person knowingly or intentionally violates this subsection; and
(2) less than ten (10) years have elapsed between the date a judgment was entered against the person for a prior unrelated violation of this subsection, IC 9-1-4-52 (repealed July 1, 1991), IC 9-24-18-5 (repealed July 1, 2000), or IC 9-24-19 and the date the violation described in subdivision (1) was committed;
the person commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) If:
(1) a person operates a motorboat upon public waters while the person's Indiana driver's license is suspended or revoked; and
(2) the person's suspension or revocation was a result of the person's conviction of an offense (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-215);
the person commits a Class A misdemeanor. However, notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-2, a person who violates this subsection shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of not less than sixty (60) days and not more than one (1) year. Notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-1, the court may not suspend any part of the sentence except that part of the sentence exceeding sixty (60) days.
(c) In addition to any other penalty imposed for a conviction under this section, the court may recommend that the person's privileges to operate a motorboat upon public waters be suspended for a fixed period of not more than two (2) years.
(d) The bureau, upon receiving a record of conviction of a person on a charge of operating a motorboat while the person's driver's license was suspended, shall extend the period of suspension in accordance with the recommendation of the court that entered the conviction.
(e) In a prosecution under this section, the burden is on the defendant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that, at the time of the alleged offense, the defendant held a valid Indiana driver's license.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.32-2000, SEC.8; P.L.114-2012, SEC.36; P.L.217-2014, SEC.181.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-12. Unlawful Authorization to Operate Motorboat

Sec. 12. (a) A person may not authorize or knowingly permit a motorboat that is:
(1) owned by the person; or
(2) under the person's control;
to be driven by a person whose operation of the motorboat violates this chapter.
(b) A person who violates this section commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-13. Rules

Sec. 13. (a) The bureau of motor vehicles and the natural resources commission established by IC 14-10-1-1 shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to administer this chapter.
(b) The bureau of motor vehicles shall adopt rules concerning the following matters:
(1) The suspension of a motorboat operator's license under section 14 of this chapter.
(2) The assessment of points under section 17 of this chapter against a person who commits a misdemeanor by operating a motorboat.
(c) The natural resources commission shall adopt rules concerning the following matters:
(1) The duties of the department under this chapter.
(2) The information that a boating education course must offer in order to be approved by the department for purposes of this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-14. Suspension or Revocation of Driver's License by Court; Notification to Bureau

Sec. 14. (a) A court may suspend or revoke the driver's license of a person upon the conviction of the person of a crime based on a violation of IC 14-15-3, IC 14-15-8 (before its repeal), IC 35-46-9, or IC 14-15-12.
(b) In suspending or revoking a driver's license under this section, the court shall notify the bureau of the driver's license suspension or revocation, and the bureau shall follow the procedure set forth in IC 9-30-4.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.40-2012, SEC.15; P.L.217-2014, SEC.182.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-15. Suspension or Revocation of Driver's License on Recommendation of Court

Sec. 15. (a) A court in which an individual is convicted of a crime based on a violation of IC 14-15-3, IC 35-46-9, IC 14-15-8 (before its repeal), or IC 14-15-12 relating to the operation of a motorboat shall forward a certified abstract of the record of the conviction to the bureau.
(b) If, in the opinion of the court, an individual referred to in subsection (a) should be deprived of the privilege of operating a vehicle or motorboat, the court shall recommend the suspension of the Indiana driver's license issued to the individual for a fixed period. The period of the suspension shall be established by the court but may not exceed one (1) year.
(c) Upon receiving the recommendation of the court under subsection (b), the bureau shall suspend the individual's license for the period recommended by the court.
(d) A certified abstract forwarded to the bureau under subsection (a):
(1) must be in the form prescribed by the bureau; and
(2) shall be accepted by an administrative agency or a court as prima facie evidence of the conviction and all other action stated in the abstract.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.40-2012, SEC.16.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-16. Boating Education Course

Sec. 16. (a) If a person's Indiana driver's license is suspended under section 15 of this chapter, the court that recommends the suspension of the person's driver's license may require the person, as a prerequisite to the ending of the suspension, to successfully complete a boating education course approved by the department for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) A court that makes the ending of the suspension of a person's Indiana driver's license conditional upon the person's completion of the boating education course under subsection (a) may also order the refunding to the person of part or all of the fine paid by the person upon conviction of the crime for which the person's license was suspended, upon the person's completion of the boating education course.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 11. Requirements for Motorboat Operators › 14-15-11-17. Assessment of Points for Motorboat Violations

Sec. 17. (a) For purposes of the point system for Indiana traffic convictions operated by the bureau under 140 IAC 1-4.5, the bureau shall assess points against a person who commits a crime by operating a motorboat in violation of:
(1) IC 14-15-3;
(2) IC 35-46-9 (or IC 14-15-8 before its repeal); or
(3) IC 14-15-12.
(b) The bureau shall assess points against a person under this section for each crime referred to in subsection (a) that is committed by the person.
(c) The point study committee appointed by the commissioner under 140 IAC 1-4.5-3, in consultation with the department, shall determine the number of points assessed under subsection (a) for each type of criminal violation of IC 14-15-3, IC 14-15-8 (before its repeal), IC 35-46-9, or IC 14-15-12 based on the evaluation by the committee of the danger to human life, human physical safety, and property posed by the violation.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.40-2012, SEC.17.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-2. "Person" Defined

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "person" has the meaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-202(a).
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-3. "Personal Watercraft" Defined

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "personal watercraft" has the meaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-202.5.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-4. "Public Waters" Defined

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "public waters" has the meaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-226.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-5. Additional Requirements and Prohibitions

Sec. 5. The requirements and prohibitions set forth in this chapter concerning personal watercraft are in addition to the requirements and prohibitions set forth in IC 14-15-3, IC 35-46-9, and IC 14-15-8 (before its repeal).
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.40-2012, SEC.18.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-7. Restrictions on Water Activities

Sec. 7. A personal watercraft shall not be used on public waters to tow individuals engaged in waterskiing, aquaplaning, or similar activities, unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is at least nine (9) feet long;
(2) the personal watercraft is designed to seat at least three (3) individuals;
(3) an individual other than the operator of the personal watercraft is aboard the personal watercraft, acting as an observer; and
(4) the total number of persons on the watercraft and being towed is not more than the capacity of the watercraft.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.28-1998, SEC.1; P.L.289-2013, SEC.3.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-8. Personal Flotation Devices

Sec. 8. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on public waters unless every individual:
(1) operating;
(2) riding on; or
(3) being towed by;
the personal watercraft is wearing a personal flotation device that meets the requirements for designation by the United States Coast Guard as a wearable personal flotation device, if applicable.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.38-2000, SEC.5; P.L.24-2001, SEC.2; P.L.111-2016, SEC.13.
2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 15. Regulation of Water Recreation › Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft › 14-15-12-9. Self-Circling Capability

Sec. 9. A personal watercraft that does not have self-circling capability shall not be operated on public waters unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch; and
(2) the lanyard is attached to the person, clothing, or personal flotation device of the operator.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.