Recreational Boat Leasing on the Mississippi and Alabama Coasts: A Review of Boat Owners' Legal Responsibilities

摘要

Fishing and the fishing-related tourist industry are two of the most important economic activities on the Mississippi-Alabama Gulf Coast. There are charterboats specializing in bottom fishing or trolling in the coastal and offshore waters. Fishing camps rent small skiffs and other small boats for use in the estuaries, harbors and coastal rivers and creeks. Enterprising entrepreneurs rent small sailboats and jet skis right on the beaches. These small businesses are subject to a long list of federal and state rules and regulations designed to protect the health and safety of all users of the coastal waters. The purpose of this publication is to inform everyone involved in these businesses about the importance of maintaining safe boats and equipment and complying with all applicable rules and regulations.