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The Paducah Heartland area is unique in that the waterways in the area have multiple jurisdiction concerns. Bodies of waters not navigable from the navigable river system and totally within the boundaries of a state do not have this issue.

The Lake Barkley (Cumberland River) area of concern is the area where the Kentucky – Tennessee state line crosses Lake Barkley between Cumberland River mile 74 and 75 (Kentucky to the north, Tennessee to the south). State jurisdiction, in this case, is reasonably clear once the boundary is exactly established.

Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River) is similarly affected but is more difficult because the Kentucky – Tennessee state line starts across the Kentucky Lake at approximately TN River mile 49, from the east bank, then turns south following roughly the center of the Tennessee River channel (not the lake center) to approximately TN River mile 63 and turns west to cross the west bank. The states of Kentucky and Tennessee, therefore, show a dual presentence in this area of Kentucky Lake. As a result approximately 1/3 of the eastern portion of Kentucky Lake lies within the state of Tennessee while the western 2/3’s lies within the state of Kentucky between Tennessee River mile 49 and mile 63. (these are not exactly state line crossing points or areas on Kentucky Lake but approximations).

The Ohio River is unique in that the majority of its waters fall within the boundary of the State of Kentucky. The area of concern on the Ohio River for this article lies between the Wabash River (state line of Illinois – Indiana) and the Ohio River to the terminus of the Ohio River at the Mississippi River (Cairo, IL). The state line between Kentucky and the state of Illinois is more or less 100 feet from the northern side of the river (Illinois side). In some instances, the boundary line may be further out into the Ohio River or may be on the shore. [Consult the Ohio River chart for the area].

The Mississippi River differs from the Ohio River in that the state line between the states of Kentucky and Missouri is the center of the Mississippi River.

There is a need to be aware of not only boating requirements in the state of Kentucky but also boating requirements in the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee. Navigation rules tend to be universal while the age requirement to operate a watercraft varies by state. By clicking on the individual state websites above the various state requirements can be reviewed.

Navigable waters come under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard along with state and local authorities.

SAFE BOATING IS NO ACCIDENT

KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS

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