Sec. 08.15.04.06. Safety and Equipment

A. A whitewater craft shall:

(1) Have a minimum of three air chambers and be capable of supporting a weight equal to 50 percent of its maximum carrying capacity with the largest compartment deflated;

(2) Be constructed of a tough, durable, fabric-reinforced material suitable for whitewater use;

(3) Be clearly marked with the outfitter's name or logo;

(4) Carry on board a full-length paddle for each customer and guide; and

(5) Be visually inspected by the guide after each trip for punctures, tears, abrasions, and wear. The outfitter shall ensure that all necessary repairs are made to ensure that the raft is kept in a safe condition.

B. Commercial whitewater outfitters and whitewater guides shall adhere to the following required equipment provisions:

(1) Each person in a whitewater trip shall wear a:

(a) U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III or V personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, and

(b) Safety helmet at all times between the Sang Run Road bridge and the confluence of Coal Bank Run with the Youghiogheny River;

(2) The personal flotation devices worn by the guide and trip leader shall be a different color than those worn by the customer;

(3) The safety helmets worn by the guide and trip leader shall be a different color than those worn by the customer;

(4) Each group shall have the following equipment in a whitewater craft, safety kayak, or canoe:

(a) Waterproof First Aid kit equipped for severe bleeding, shock or concussion, and fractures,

(b) Whistle,

(c) Emergency patch kit,

(d) Pump,

(e) Visual distress signal, and

(f) One interchangeable valve;

(5) All whitewater craft shall have grab loops and safety lines attached to the whitewater raft, and a throwline of at least 50 feet aboard.

C. Equipment provided by the outfitter shall be maintained in good, safe, and operable condition.

D. Each commercial whitewater outfitter shall submit to the Department, within 5 days, a written report of any accident involving either personal injury requiring medical treatment or property damage, or both, in excess of $100 occurring in connection with a whitewater trip conducted by that outfitter. The following apply:

(1) If the accident results in a person receiving medical treatment, the report for personal injury shall include:

(a) Name and address of the injured person,

(b) Time and place of the injury, and

(c) Description of the injury and of the accident;

(2) If the accident results in damage to the whitewater raft or other property, the report for property damage shall include:

(a) Location and time of the accident,

(b) Owner of the property,

(c) Description of the accident, and

(d) Estimate of the loss.

E. If death results from a boating accident, or if a person loses consciousness or is disabled for more than 24 hours, a written report shall be submitted to the Department within 48 hours. This regulation shall conform with the requirements under COMAR 08.04.07.