Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.
Summary
This bill would add a new section to the Navigation Law creating an exemption for operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels when they are engaged in emergency operations on the navigable waters of New York. During such emergency responses, these operators would be allowed to disregard state and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances that govern vessel movement or turning.
The exemption is not unconditional. It applies only when the vessel is using audible warning signals and is equipped with a visible blue or red light meeting the bill’s specified visibility requirements. The bill also makes clear that operators remain responsible for using due regard for the safety of others and are not shielded from liability for reckless disregard of safety.
Impact
The bill would amend the Navigation Law by adding a new section 39-c, creating a limited statutory privilege for law enforcement and fire department vessels responding to emergencies on navigable waters. It would preempt conflicting state and local navigation rules in those circumstances, while preserving safety obligations and potential liability for reckless conduct. The practical effect would be to give emergency marine responders clearer legal authority to maneuver quickly during urgent incidents.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided material, so no formal debate or recorded sentiment is available. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a targeted public-safety bill intended to help emergency responders operate more effectively on the water. The structure of the bill suggests a generally supportive policy rationale centered on emergency response and operational flexibility.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the scope of the exemption from state and local vessel-navigation rules, since it allows emergency vessels to disregard otherwise applicable movement and turning laws. Any concerns would likely focus on safety, accountability, and whether the audible-signal and lighting requirements are sufficient safeguards. The bill addresses those concerns by preserving the duty of due regard and by excluding protection for reckless disregard, but no specific opposing arguments are documented in the provided record.
Same As
Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.
Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.
Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.
Eliminates provisions of law that require the payment and subsequent refund of the ten cent diesel excise tax and sales tax on diesel motor fuel when sold to operators of commercial fishing vessels for use in the operation of such vessels.
Relates to the regulation of exhaust gas cleaning systems on vessels and provides enforcement mechanisms and remedies for violations; relates to the powers of the department of environmental conservation.
Relates to the regulation of exhaust gas cleaning systems on vessels and provides enforcement mechanisms and remedies for violations; relates to the powers of the department of environmental conservation.