Boating regulations in both Virginia and North Carolina are extensive and there are links to each state's full regulatory guide below. Here is a quick glance at the regulations you are most likely to encounter.
Virginia law requires that eventually all boaters have proof of
taking a boating course. By July 1, 2011, that will apply to boat operators age 20 or younger. By 2012 it moves to those 30 and under. North Carolina's new law requires all boat operators (on a boat with 10 hp or more) under the age of 26 complete such a course by May 1, 2010.
There must be an approved life jacket for each person on board your boat. In both North Carolina and Virginia, a child under 13 must wear the life jacket (or be below deck in an enclosed cabin). That is also Federal law.
Virginia and North Carolina law states that boat operators with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 percent or more by weight, by volume, shall be presumed to be 'under the influence.'
There are a number of "No Wake" areas on Lake Gaston. They are marked by buoys. "No Wake" is defined as the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway. In addition, you must drive at "no wake" speed when within 50 feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps and people in the water. This definition does not prohibit the pulling of a skier with a rope of less than 50 feet.
Both North Carolina and Virginia authorities regularly patrol the lake and may stop boaters to see if they are sober, have the required life jackets, registration and -- at night -- if they have the proper lights and that they work.
There are additional requirements for operators of personal watercraft (ie. Jet Skies or PWC's). In Virginia, current law says PWC operators under the age of 20 must have completed a safe boating course. That moves to age 35 as of July 1st, 2010. The
new North Carolina law requires that all PWC (and Boat
Operators) under age 26 must have proof of taking a Boating Course by May 1, 2010. In both states, you must be at least 14 to operate a PWC. PWC's cannot be operated at night.
Both states require boats and PWC's to be registered and to have a registration number on the hull.
For more on Virginia's rules, visit this website. For North Carolina rules, this website.
