§ 13-75. No wake zone.

(a)

There is hereby created a no wake zone in the Atchafalaya River and its tributaries, the boundaries of which shall be:

  On the North on the Atchafalaya River at its injunction with the Port Allen Alternate Water Route.

  On the South on the Atchafalaya River at mile marker 120.

  On the South in Bayou Shaffer at the power highlines.

  On the West at the west side of the Texaco Plant on the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.

  On the East at the Bayou Bouef locks system.

(b)

No person shall operate, cause to be operated or permit to be operated any watercraft or vessel in such a manner or at such speed as may or shall create a wake from such operation.

(c)

The term "wake" shall mean any vessel water turbulence in excess of one foot in height crest.

(d)

The section shall be enforced by the Sheriff of St. Mary Parish, and may be enforced by the police departments of the City of Morgan City and the Town of Berwick within their jurisdictional limits.

(e)

This section shall not be enforced during periods of high water declared and designated by the United States Coast Guard; and shall not apply in instances where vessels are in navigational distress and power is essential for the proper control of the vessel in navigation for its safety and the safety of others or the safety of structures. Wakes created by all recreational and commercial fishing vessels, 22 feet in length or smaller are exempt from this ordinance, This exemption shall not apply to oilfield, industrial or commercial vessels of similar length.

(f)

The person operating a vessel shall be found in violation hereof shall be fined not more than $500.00, or imprisoned in the parish jail for not more than 30 days, or both.

(Ord. No. 1260, §§ 1—6, 1-25-95)