Is Teak surfing or Platform Dragging Legal?
It is a violation of California law to operate a vessel’s motor or generator while a person is: (1) teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the vessel, or (2) while someone is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step or swim ladder, except for a very brief period of time when a person is assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law enforcement or emergency rescue activity.
Teak surfing or platform dragging means holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of the transom of a motorized vessel for any amount of time while the vessel is underway at any speed. The law requires that a set of carbon monoxide warning stickers be placed on the transom and helm of all new and used motorized boats sold in California.
The Department of Motor Vehicles sends the set with all new vessel registrations. For a pamphlet on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and a set of warning decals, visit www.dbw.ca.gov, call (888) 326-2822, or write to Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815.
