306.124. Aids to navigation and regulatory markers defined--water patrol may mark waters, hearing, notice--markings, effect of--disaster, closing of certain waters--violation, penalty.

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

306.124. Aids to navigation and regulatory markers defined--water patrol may mark waters, hearing, notice--markings, effect of--disaster, closing of certain waters--violation, penalty.

Aids to navigation and regulatory markers defined--water patrol maymark waters, hearing, notice--markings, effect of--disaster,closing of certain waters--violation, penalty.

306.124. 1. (1) "Aids to navigation" means buoys, beacons or otherfixed objects in the water which are used to mark obstructions tonavigation or to direct navigation through safe channels.

(2) "Regulatory markers" means any anchored or fixed markers in or onthe water or signs on the shore or on bridges over the water other thanaids to navigation and shall include but not be limited to bathing markers,speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone markers, boat keep-outareas, and mooring buoys.

2. The Missouri state water patrol after a public hearing pursuant tonotice thereof published not less than ten days prior thereto in eachcounty to be affected may provide for the uniform marking of the waterareas in this state through the placement of aids to navigation andregulatory markers. The Missouri state water patrol shall establish amarking system compatible with the system of aids to navigation prescribedby the United States Coast Guard. No city, county, or person shall mark orobstruct the water of this state in any manner so as to endanger theoperation of watercraft or conflict with the marking system prescribed bythe state water patrol.

3. Whenever, due to any actual or imminent man-made or naturaldisaster, the navigation or use of any waters of this state presents anunreasonable danger to persons or property, the Missouri state water patrolmay, with the consent of the director of the department of public safety,close such waters.

4. The operation of any watercraft within prohibited areas that aremarked shall be prima facie evidence of negligent operation.

5. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft on thewaters of this state in a manner other than that prescribed or permitted byregulatory markers.

6. No person shall moor or fasten a watercraft to or willfullydamage, tamper, remove, obstruct, or interfere with any aid to navigationor regulatory marker established pursuant to sections 306.010 to 306.126.