Page 55 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

MDMR’s Marine Patrol Division is responsible for enforcing state and federal boating laws across Mississippi’s coastal waters. Their officers conduct routine vessel inspections, respond to boating emergencies, and offer educational outreach to help boaters make informed decisions before heading out.
Among the most important safety precautions is the use of life jackets. Mississippi law requires that each person on board have access to a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard- approved life jacket—and children under 12 must wear one at all times while on the water. Tragically, many boating fatalities occur because someone wasn’t wearing a life jacket. This simple piece of gear can mean the difference between life and death.
Boater education is another essential element of safety. Mississippi law mandates that anyone born after June 30, 1980, completes a Boater Education Course before operating a motorized vessel. The course, approved by
the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, covers core topics including navigation, emergency procedures, and the impact of alcohol on judgment and coordination.
Planning ahead is just as critical. Boaters should always check the weather forecast, file a float plan with someone onshore, and ensure their vessel is in working order. Emergency supplies such as flares, a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water should be onboard every trip.
Operating a boat under the
influence is illegal and dangerous. Alcohol contributes to a large number of boating accidents, and MDMR’s Marine Patrol actively enforces all BUI (boating under the influence) laws through routine sobriety checks.
Boaters also play a vital role in protecting the health of Mississippi’s marine environment. Under the Marine Litter Act of 1989, it is illegal to dump waste, garbage,
or debris from any vessel into
state waters. This includes plastics such as synthetic rope, fishing
nets, or garbage bags, as well as paper products, glass, and packing materials. All vessels—personal watercraft included—are required by law to carry a clearly marked, closed container for waste. Fines for illegal dumping range from $500
for a first offense to $10,000 for a second. In addition, vessels must display a marine litter sticker where passengers can clearly see it. These stickers are free and available at bait shops, Walmart, and Academy stores across South Mississippi.
Finally, responsible boating includes respecting wildlife and sensitive coastal habitats. Coastal Mississippi’s waterways are rich with biodiversity, from nesting shorebirds to manatees and fragile marsh grasses. Boaters should adhere to no-wake zones, reduce speed in wildlife areas, and avoid damaging sea grass beds or shorelines.
For more boating safety tips, regulations, and course information, visit the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website at www. dmr.ms.gov.
Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy everything Mississippi’s beautiful waters have to offer!
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
July 2025 | 55
MISSISSIPPI BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Boating Education Requirements
Any person born after June 30, 1980, must pass a Boating Education Course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and carry their Boating Education Certification Card to legally operate a vessel. Register for the FREE boating education class at mdwfp.com/law-enforcement/boater-education.
Boating Registration
You must have a Mississippi certificate number and validation decals properly affixed to your vessel to legally operate it on Mississippi waters. The owner has ten days from the date of acquisition to register their vessel.
Boating Under the Influence
The Alcohol Boating Safety Act makes it unlawful to operate a watercraft on the public waters of the State of Mississippi while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any other substance which has impaired the person’s ability to operate a watercraft.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
All operators of all boats are required to have at least one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard. Anyone 12 years of age and younger must wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device at all times while the vessel is underway. PFD specifics can be viewed on the Required Equipment.
Fire Extinguisher
Vessel must have a fire extinguisher if it has an enclosed gas compartment.
Sound Device
Vessel must have a sound device if operating on navigable waters.
For a comprehensive overview of Mississippi’s boating laws and requirements, please visit dmr.ms.gov/boating.
For boating emergencies, call Marine Patrol Dispatch
at 1-844-WE-R-MDMR
(937-6367).