Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents made two alleged operating a vessel with a suspended driving license during the past month in Jefferson and Orleans Parish.
On Dec. 7 at 8:50 p.m. in Bayou Segnette agents cited Derrick J. Margiotta, 25, of Westwego for operating a vessel with a suspended driving license, no running lights, no possession of a mandatory boating safety education card, expired vessel registration, and failing to change ownership of the vessel to himself within 45 days of purchase.
On Nov. 24, agents cited Patrick C. Seiner, 23, of Baton Rouge, in Chef Menteur Pass for operating a vessel with a suspended driving license.
Both Seiner and Margiotta had their driving privileges suspended for previous Driving While Under the Influence (DWI) convictions.
Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver's license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.
The LDWF Boating Safety Program teaches a mandatory boating safety education course for anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 who operates a vessel in excess of 10 horsepower. For a schedule of courses, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.
Operating a vessel while under license suspension brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Operating a vessel at night with no running lights, no possession of the boating education card, expired vessel registration and failing to change ownership of the vessel each carry up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.