Boatable Waters of Colorado – Colorado boaters have a lot to choose from when it comes to finding a place to launch their boats. Colorado’s Boatable Waters range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs. Water sports are a great way to have fun in the sun, whether you take to the water in your power boat, sailboat, or canoe. In order to keep water-based activities carefree and risks at a minimum, it’s important to keep basic safety practices in mind. The Colorado Boating Safety Program promotes safe vessel operation while enhancing boating experiences.
Colorado Boaters Education
Education Anyone operating a motorboat which includes personal watercraft (pwc or jet ski) in Colorado must be at least 16 years old. (CRS 33-13-107.1) Individuals who are 14 and 15 and have successfully completed a state approved boating safety course and must have proof of completion in their possession while operating a motorboat which includes a personal watercraft in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers Boating Safely in Colorado and recommends that everyone takes a course. These classes fulfill the requirements for youth operation, but are open to any safety conscious boater. https://www.register-ed.com/programs/colorado/132-ColoradoBoating-Safely-Course
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will accept other state boating safety course certificates as long as their state laws are not less restrictive. It is also important to note that no person shall permit or knowingly authorize a motorboat to be operated by a person under sixteen (16) years of age: except if he or she has met the boating safety and certificate requirements. (CRS 33-13-107.1(3))
Personal Watercraft Operation
A personal watercraft (PWC), popularly known as a jet ski, is a vessel 13 feet in length or less, propelled by machinery, that is designated to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel. PWC’s are subject to the same laws governing the operation of motorboats.
Life Jackets:
Every person on board a PWC and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket that is inherently buoyant, proper fitting and in good and serviceable condition.
Lanyard/Self-Circling Device:
The law requires anyone operating a PWC equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch to attach the lanyard to his or her person. Operating a PWC equipped with a self-circling device is prohibited if the device has been altered.
Nighttime Operation Prohibited:
The law prohibits the operation of a PWC between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, even if the PWC is equipped with proper navigational lights
Towing water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, innertubes or any similar devices (CPW Regulation #223)
When using a vessel to tow someone on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, innertubes or any similar devices there must be one other person in the boat – in addition to the operator – who can observe and is capable of relaying messages to the operator. The towing of water skiers, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, and similar devices from sunset to sunrise is prohibited by state law.
Life Jackets (CPW Regulation #212)
Colorado law provides that any person surfng or being towed on water skis, aquaplane, inner tube or similar device must wear a properly ftting United States Coast Guard Approved wearable personal flotation device. However a ski belt (preferably with at least two (2) straps and buckles or a water sports jacket or foam wetsuit jacket will be accepted if there is an extra wearable personal flotation device aboard for each person as required.
Towing Water-skiers
Water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, innertubes or any similar device must not be operated in a manner to endanger the safety of people or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier and towing a skier or navigating between a vessel and its tow are prohibited. Towing a skier does not give the vessel operator any special privileges. You must observe the rules of the road.
All motorized vessels in designated water ski areas shall travel in a counter-clockwise direction, except in picking up a downed skier the tow boat shall encircle the skier in such a manner as to keep him or her in view of the driver of the boat at all times. No person shall engage in water skiing, surfboarding, or similar activity one hundred fifty (150’) feet of any harbor, swimming beach, or mooring area or any areas which are designated by posting or otherwise as being closed to water skiing except in areas designated as a ski take-of or landing area. (CPW Regulation #223)
Weather
Before getting underway, check the latest local conditions such as weather, winds, flow levels, and hazards, including low-head dams. Detailed information can also be obtained by tuning to local radio stations or the National Weather Radio broadcasts on frequencies of 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550.
Fueling
Most fires happen after fueling. To prevent fires, follow these common sense rules.
- Don’t smoke or strike matches.
- Shut off motors. Turn off electrical equipment.
- Close all windows, doors and openings.
- Take portable tanks out of the boat and fill them on the dock.
- Keeping the filling nozzle in contact with the fill pipe tank.
- Wipe up any spilled gas with petroleum-absorbent pads. Discard the pads in a safe manner.
- Ventilate for at least 4 minutes. Make sure there is no odor of gasoline anywhere in the boat.
- Periodically check the system for fuel leaks.
- Visually check for leaks or fuel in the bilges
Boat Capacity (CPW Regulation #213)
Every single-hull vessel less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats, and the construction of which began after October 31, 1972 sold in Colorado, shall have a permanent writing affixed to the vessel.
The required capacity information must be permanently displayed on a label or plate which is legible and clearly visible to the operator when underway. Every vessel that is subject to United States Coast Guard manufacturing safety standards must permanently display certification label and plate. Please beware that it is unlawful for any person to remove or alter or tamper with the required capacity information or certification label of plate.
Boaters using vessels and personal watercraft without capacity plates should refer to the owner’s manual and state law. It is important to remember that when determining the maximum persons or pounds for your vessel it is whichever comes first.
Navigation and Rules of the Road
Federal Lateral System United States waterways are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The system uses a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers and light characteristics to show the side on which a buoy should be passed when proceeding in a given direction. The characteristics are determined by the buoy’s position with respect to the navigable channels as the channels are entered from lakeward.
The expression “red right returning” has long been used by seafarers as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open lake into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (lef) side. Conversely, when proceeding toward the lake or leaving port, red buoys are kept to the port side and green buoys to the starboard side. Red buoys are always even numbered, and green buoys are odd numbered. Red and white vertically striped buoys mark the center of the channel.
Inland Waterway Marking System
The waterway marking system in Colorado employs buoys and signs with distinctive standard shapes to show regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and orange borders. They signify speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas and general information.
Aids to navigation on state waters use red and green ATONs to mark channel limits, generally in pairs. Your boat should pass between the red buoy and its companion green buoy.
Mooring to Buoys
Tying up to or hanging on to any navigation buoy (except a mooring buoy) or beacon is prohibited.
Navigation Rules
The inland navigation rules, commonly called “Rules of the Road.” govern the operation of boats and specify light and sound signals on inland waters in order to prevent collisions.
Boater Responsibility
Nothing in the rules of the road shall exonerate the operator of a vessel from the consequences of neglecting to comply with inland rules of the road, or from neglecting any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seaman, or by the special circumstances of the case. Every boater should have a proper look-out which means at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
In interpreting and complying with the inland rules of the road, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from the rules of the road necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Navigation Signals
The law prescribes signals for vessels in sight of each other to indicate the intended course of a vessel when necessary for safe navigation.
- 1 Blast – Sounding one short blast (1 second) of the horn or whistle shows intention to direct course of vessel to starboard (right).
- 2 Blasts – Sounding two short blasts shows intention to direct course of vessel to port (left).
- 3 Blasts – Sounding three short blasts indicates the vessel’s engines are going astern (in reverse).
- 5 Blasts – Sounding fve or more short rapid blasts is a danger signal . used when the other vessel’s intentions are not understood or its indicated course is dangerous.
Prolonged blast Sounding a prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds) indicated restricted visibility
Sailboats and Manually Propelled Vessels Life jackets:
Vessels less than 16 feet in length and all paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, sailboards or non motorized rafts regardless of length, One wearable Coast Guard-approved life jacket of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the boating activity being engaged in must be carried for each person aboard. Life jackets must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer.
Sailboard operators may elect to wear, at their own risk, in lieu of carrying a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device, a wetsuit constructed of nylon-covered neoprene or similar material that covers the full torso of the wearer. The wetsuit shall be capable of providing flotation to the wearer, when at rest on the surface of the water. (CPW Regulation #212(6))
Vessels sixteen (16) feet and over, must have one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the boating activity being engaged in for each person aboard, plus at least one Type IV throwable flotation device. The throwable device must be kept where it is immediately available. Life jackets must be readily accessible and fit the intended wearer properly. Note: An inflatable life jacket must be worn to be considered readily accessible.
Navigation Lights:
All vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during times of restricted visibility. In inland and international waters, sailing vessels under sail alone shall exhibit navigation lights. The tricolored lantern and the all-round green and red lights should never be used together.
A sailing vessel of less than 22′ 9″ (7 meters) in length shall, if practicable, exhibit those lights prescribed or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision. A vessel under oars may display those lights prescribed for sailing vessels or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light, which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision.
Motorboats Less Than 16 Feet in Length (Class A)
Life jackets: One wearable Coast Guard-approved life jacket of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the boating activity being engaged in must be carried for each person on board. Life jackets must be readily accessible and ft the intended wearer properly.
Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must be carried when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length and of open construction. No portable extinguishers are required if an approved, fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. (CPW Regulation #211)
Backfire Flame Arrestor: A Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor is required for inboard gasoline motors that are not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale level.
Muffling System: An effective muffling system is required for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine. Unmodified outboards usually meet legal requirements.
Sound Signaling Devices (CPW Regulation #208) Every vessel, except hand-propelled vessels when on whitewater, must have on board a sound-producing device for signaling. Such a device may be operated by mouth, hand, or power and it must be able to produce the navigational signals under rules of the road.
Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be kept in serviceable condition and displayed between sunset and sunrise and at times of restricted visibility.
Motorboats 16 Feet to Less Than 26 Feet in Length (Class 1)
Life jackets: One wearable Coast Guard-approved life jacket of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the boating activity being engaged in must be carried for each person aboard. Life jackets must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer. In addition, the vessel must carry an approved Type IV throwable device, which should be immediately available.
Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must be carried when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length and of open construction. No portable extinguishers are required if an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces.
Backfire Flame Arrestor: A Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor is required for inboard gasoline motors that are not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale level.
Muffling System: An effective muffling system is required for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine. Unmodified outboards usually meet legal requirements
Sound Signaling Devices: Every vessel, except hand-propelled vessels when on whitewater, must have on board a sound producing device for signaling. Such a device may be operated by mouth, hand, or power and it must be able to produce the navigational signals under rules of the road.
Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be kept in serviceable condition and displayed between sunset and sunrise and at times of restricted visibility.
Helpful Definitions
“Peace Officer”
means a sheriff, undersheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, Colorado State Patrol officer, or marshal, a district attorney, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, or special deputy district attorney, an authorized investigator of a district attorney, an agent of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, a district wildlife manager or special district wildlife manager, or a parks and recreation officer or special parks and recreation officer.
“Personal Watercraft”
means a motorboat that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and 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. “Personal watercraft” includes a motorboat known as a “specialty prop-craft”, which is similar in appearance to a personal watercraft but powered by an outboard or motor driven propeller.
“Masthead light”
means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters (39’ 5”) in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. The vessel would also be exempt from numbering if it were subject to federal law.
“Motorboat”
means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion including “personal watercraft”.
“Operate”
means to navigate or otherwise use a vessel.
“Owner”
means a person who claims lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of legal title or an equitable interest which entitles him to such possession.
“Restricted visibility”
means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes.
“Safe Speed”
the following factors shall be among those taken into account by all vessels:
- The state of visibility;
- The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
- The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
- At night the presence of background light such as from shores lights or from back scatter of its own lights;
- The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards; (6) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.
“Sailboard”
means a sail propelled vessel with no freeboard and equipped with a swivel mounted mast, not secured to a hull by guys or stays.
“Sailboat”
means any vessel propelled by the effect of wind on a sail, including sailboards. Any vessel propelled by both sail and machinery of any sort shall be deemed a motorboat, when being so propelled.
“Sidelights”
means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. On a vessel, less than 20 meters (65’ 8”) in length the side lights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters (39’ 5”) in length the sidelights when combined in one lantern shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and af centerline of the vessel.
“Single-Chambered Air-Inflated Device”
means an air-inflated device that has only one air compartment, such as inner tubes and certain types of air mattresses and small inflatable rafts.
“Sternlight”
means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.
“Underway”
means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.
“Vessel”
means every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation of persons and property on the water, including all types of stand-up paddleboards. Does not include any single-chambered, air-inflated devices that are not paddleboards; or Seaplanes.
“Vessel not under command”
means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these regulations and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
“Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver”
means a vessel which from the nature of its work is restricted in its ability to maneuver as required by these regulations and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel; vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver include, but are not limited to: (1) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigation mark; (2) A vessel engaged in underwater operations; (3) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and its tow in their ability to deviate from their course.
“Vessel staging area”
means any parking lot, boat ramp, or other location that any vessel is transported to or from by a motor vehicle and where such vessel is placed into operation on or in the water. “Vessel staging area” does not include any location to which a vessel is transported primarily for the purpose of service, maintenance, repair or sale.
“Wake”
means a movement of the water created by a boat underway, great enough to disturb a boat.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Boating Regulations
are based upon Colorado’s Statutes mostly found in title 33 and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rules and Regulations, but uses layman’s terms rather than legal language in most instances. Not all provisions of law pertaining to boating are included here. To find exact state statutes and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rules and Regulations please refer to https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Regulations.aspx.