New York A04658 exempts law enforcement and fire department vessel operators from certain vessel regulations while responding to emergencies.

New York A04658 amends the navigation law to exempt operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from certain laws regulating vessels on the state's navigable waters when responding to emergencies. This exemption allows operators to disregard state and local laws governing vessel movement and turning, provided audible signals are sounded and the vessel is equipped with blue or red lights visible from 500 feet. The exemption does not relieve operators from the duty to operate vessels safely or protect them from consequences of reckless disregard for safety.

New York A04658 exempts law enforcement and fire department vessel operators from certain vessel regulations while responding to emergencies.

New York A04658 amends the navigation law to exempt operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from certain laws regulating vessels on the state's navigable waters when responding to emergencies. This exemption allows operators to disregard state and local laws governing vessel movement and turning, provided audible signals are sounded and the vessel is equipped with blue or red lights visible from 500 feet. The exemption does not relieve operators from the duty to operate vessels safely or protect them from consequences of reckless disregard for safety.