Belvedere Municipal Code Ch. 11.08 Watercraft Operation

Sections:

• 11.08.010 Launching facilities.

• 11.08.020 Unsafe or dangerous mooring or anchorage prohibited.

• 11.08.030 Mooring limitations.

• 11.08.040 Obstruction of navigation—Unlawful acts designated.

• 11.08.050 Speed restrictions.

• 11.08.060 Safety of vessels—Storm warnings.

It is unlawful to launch or remove from Belvedere Waters any Vessel except at such locations as are designated for that purpose, or at such locations as are provided with launching facilities to do such work. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-3.)

It is unlawful to Anchor, or Moor, or fasten to any pier within Belvedere Waters as to be unsafe or dangerous to any other Vessel previously lying at Anchor, or Moored, or fastened to any pier. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-4.)

It is unlawful to make fast or tie any Vessel to a Mooring belonging to another Vessel without the owner’s permission, or to make fast or tie to a Vessel already occupying a Mooring without the owner’s permission, or to anchor so close to the Vessel occupying a Mooring that the other Vessel is endangered. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-6.)

It is a violation of this Chapter for any Vessel to prevent or obstruct the passage of other Vessels in any way including, but not limited to floating in or Anchoring a Vessel within Belvedere Waters so as to obstruct channels, or prevent the passing of other Vessels, or voluntarily or carelessly sink or cause a Vessel to be sunk in Belvedere Waters. It shall be the duty of the owner of any such Vessel to immediately mark it by a buoy during the day and by reasonably sufficient lighting at night, and to maintain such markings until the Vessel is removed. The owner of the Vessel shall immediately commence the removal of the Vessel and prosecute the removal diligently to completion. Any failure to immediately and diligently remove the Vessel shall be unlawful constitute an immediate hazard pursuant to this Chapter and Harbors and Navigation Code section 523 and the City immediately Impound the Vessel. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-5.)

A. No persons shall operate a Vessel, boat or other watercraft in Belvedere Waters at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for other Vessels, property and persons on such waters, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

B. No person shall operate a Vessel or boat or other watercraft in Belvedere Cove, described as that area of water within a boundary line extending from the southeasterly point of Belvedere Island to the southeasterly point of Corinthian Yacht Club breakwater, at a speed in excess of five nautical miles per hour. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 173 NS § 1, 1972; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-7.)

It shall be the duty of every owner or operator or other person in charge of a Vessel to apprise themselves of weather conditions and to heed storm warnings, and to take such steps as are necessary under the circumstances to insure the safety of such Vessels in the event of unusual tide and weather conditions. It shall also be the duty of every owner or person in charge of a Vessel to inspect at reasonable intervals the Moorings, bilges and appurtenances of such Vessels to preclude hazards common to Vessels and insure seaworthiness. (Ord. 2016-4 § 4, 2016; Ord. 158 NS, 1969; prior code § 23-16.)