[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR27.32]

[Page 160-161]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
 CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE 
                          INTERIOR--(Continued)
 
PART 27_PROHIBITED ACTS--Table of Contents
 
             Subpart C_Disturbing Violations: With Vehicles
 
Sec. 27.32  Boats.

    (a) The use of boats in national wildlife refuges is prohibited 
except as may be authorized under and subject to the requirements set 
forth below.
    (b) When the use of boats is permitted on any national wildlife 
refuge, the public will be notified under the provisions of this 
subchapter C and the following operational requirements and limitations 
will apply:
    (1)(i) In addition to the regulations contained in this part, the 
U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, titles 33 and 46 CFR, are applicable on 
navigable waters of the United States.
    (ii) Unless specifically covered by the general and special 
regulations set forth in this chapter, the laws and regulations of the 
State within whose exterior boundaries a national wildlife refuge or 
portion thereof is located shall govern boating and the operation and 
use of boats. Such laws and regulations which are now or may hereafter 
be in effect are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in 
this part.
    (2) No operator or person in charge of any boat shall operate or 
knowingly permit any other person to operate a boat in a reckless or 
negligent manner, or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to 
endanger any person, property or wildlife.
    (3) No person shall operate or be in actual physical control of a 
boat while under the influence of intoxicating beverages or controlled 
substances.
    (4) No person shall operate a boat in a manner which will 
unreasonably interfere with other boats or with free and proper 
navigation of the waterways of the areas. Anchoring in heavily traveled 
channels or main thoroughfares shall constitute such interference

[[Page 161]]

if unreasonable in the prevailing circumstances.
    (5) No person shall operate a boat on refuge waters that has a 
marine head (toilet) unless it conforms to Environmental Protection 
Agency regulations regarding sewage discharge.
    (6) Every sailboat when underway from sunset to sunrise shall carry 
and exhibit a bright white light visible all around the horizon for a 
distance of two miles.
    (7) Leaving any boat unattended, outside of designated mooring or 
beaching areas, for a period in excess of 72 hours without written 
permission of the refuge manager is prohibited and any boat so left may 
be impounded by the refuge manager.
    (8) Government-owned docks, piers, and floats are not to be used for 
loading and unloading of boats, except in emergencies or unless 
specifically authorized by the refuge manager.