Fête-Dieu du Teche — Rules & Regulations
Louisiana law requires that all children 16 years of age and younger wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. The PFD must be fastened and of the proper size for the child. There must be enough PFDs in the boat for each participant.
All persons on board a motorboat less than 16 feet propelled by a hand tiller outboard motor are required to wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III or V PFD while underway. A motorboat less than 26 feet with a hand tiller outboard motor in excess of 10 horsepower must have the engine cut-off switch link attached to the operator while underway.
All mechanically propelled vessels less than 26 feet must carry one B-1 U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher if applicable conditions exist (inboard engines, closed compartments, permanently installed fuel tanks, etc.). Vessels 26–40 feet must carry two B-1 extinguishers.
Every motorboat or vessel of Class 1, 2, or 3 shall be provided with an efficient whistle or other sound-producing mechanical appliance.
Boats should be under seven (7) feet off the water.
Boats should be properly registered and meet LDWF regulations.
Each boat must be equipped with a rope and anchor.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Ice chests with water, soft/sport drinks, sandwiches and snacks are encouraged, taking care not to consume snacks during the Rosary and Benediction.
The procession is a sacred event — behavior and dress should be appropriate for a Church event. No shorts, halter tops, or tank tops.
No one is to pass the front barge carrying the Blessed Sacrament.
At the four stops for Rosary and Benediction, boaters are to anchor their boats. Only the priest and servers on the Eucharistic Barge will disembark.
There will be restroom opportunities between each Church stop. If needed, fall out of procession and rejoin at the tail spot just before the Boat of the Assumption.
If your boat is not equipped with an FM radio, bring a battery-powered FM radio to receive the transmission of the Rosary on the designated station.
No music or other radio — only the designated station is allowed.
Only the designated restroom spots are to be used.
Keep 50 feet of space between you and the boat in front of you.
Boat should be attended by at least one person at all times.
Only 50 boats will be allowed. Only registered boats may participate. If you need to cancel, please email in advance so the next party can be admitted.
Each boat will be assigned a number to be placed in a visible location on the boat.
Each boat will be given an Acadian flag upon arrival at the launch.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats with their Church Parish, Organization, or Family name/crest.
Each participant must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.