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I just saw this truck on CMT that looks like a custom Dodge Ram convertible with a Chevy Corvetty rear end. The bed was converted into an engine compartment. Looked nothing like a boat but he drove down the road and straight into a lake and took off. Would he technically be illegal to drive his "truck" on the water without a boating license or would his license plates be good enough since it’s arguably enough a truck? Would he need enough life vests for all of his passengers?
Canadian law defines a vessel as "a watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water". This would make the truck a vessel when on the water, and as such, would be required to be licenced as a power boat, carry the necessary safety equipment, and for the operator to have a PCOC (boaters competency card). I’m sure this would be open to legal interpretation, maybe ask this again in the law and ethics section. Very interesting question!
#1 by seattlesailor2000 on September 29th, 2009
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it might vary by state, but in my opinion, unless exempt by state law, any floating vehicle operating on the water is subject to the rules and laws regarding boating in that state.
unless exempt, the operator(driver) requirement would be the same as it is for operating a similar size and class of boat. same for safety equipment on board, additionally if this is a custom amphibious vehicle, it may also need special inspection and licensing by state or the USCG to operate in the water.
hope this helps
References :
old salt and x small boat safety instructor.
#2 by antwon anyone on September 29th, 2009
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Canadian law defines a vessel as "a watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water". This would make the truck a vessel when on the water, and as such, would be required to be licenced as a power boat, carry the necessary safety equipment, and for the operator to have a PCOC (boaters competency card). I’m sure this would be open to legal interpretation, maybe ask this again in the law and ethics section. Very interesting question!
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#3 by Samantha on September 29th, 2009
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Hi, have you tried looking around in boat forums? this would help you
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http://www.theboatforum.co.uk
http://www.seaboats.net
#4 by Angel V on September 29th, 2009
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each state has its own boating laws so question of license is governed by state they are in. However, federal law dictates that if you are carrying passengers for hire a USCG captains license is required. And, fact that it’s a truck is irrelevant since the "rules of the road" which are "World wide rules of navigation" define a motor vessel as anything that floats and is self propelled upon navigational waters. And, yes by law he must have a life vest per each child onboard and one adult life jacket for each passenger. Note that any child onboard under age of 13 MUST by federal law be wearing a life jacket, upon entry to water.
References :
Am licensed captain
#5 by Captain Bill on September 29th, 2009
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It would have to be registered with the state as a motor vehicle and also a motor vessel. As a vessel it would also have to carry all safety equipment for a vessel. The operator or driver would need to have a boaters safety certificate if required by the state or government agency.
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#6 by tom on September 29th, 2009
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In the US, yes you would need life jackets when navigating on the water. The "boat’ would also need a state registration as a boat.
References :
Master mariner, + 35 years
#7 by jtexas on September 29th, 2009
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What if he added wings and flew it to Chicago…would the FAA just look the other way?
It’s a no-brainer. You said "arguably" a truck? No argument there. But on the water, it’s a watercraft. You can argue till you’re blue in the face.
It’s gonna need nav lights, too, if he wants to drive it after dark.
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