RedactedNarrative: On 05/12/2018 at 12:30 a.m., vessel 1 LA 5305 EY (16' Express with 40 HP Nissan/tiller outboard) was being operated and had one other adult passenger on board.  Vessel 1 was traveling center right of the Calcasieu Ship Channel heading south.  Vessel 1 was traveling around 15 mph.  Vessel 1 collided with a metal floating object (anchor buoy) that was attached to the anchor of a dredge (Mike Hooks Inc.) causing damage to the bow, bow/starboard side, bow eye, and to a compartment inside the bow.  Damage was also done on the trolling motor.  
  
  Operator stated the anchor buoy was rusted with some yellow paint.  Operator stated the buoy did not have lights on it.  Vessel 1 returned to the launch and Operator contacted the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's office.  Agents were advised of the incident on 05/14/2018 at 3:00 p.m.  Agents went to the scene of the incident on 05/15/2018.  Agents observed a white anchor buoy with a light affixed to the top of it.  Agents talked to safety officer for Mike Hooks.  He stated they painted the buoys white and attached a light on 05/14/2018. 
  
   The passenger stated he is having issues with his back and cannot put much pressure on his right knee.  PFD's were worn.  Type of incident is collision with floating object.  The main contributing factor in this incident is the anchor buoy being non-compliant with 33 CFR 88.15 by not being lighted.  
  
  This is the only factor due to the fact that had the anchor buoy been properly lighted, Operator would have been able to see it during operation at reduced visibility at night.  Impairment could not be determined as a contributing factor due to LDWF not being notified by the Calcasieu Parish S/O till 05/14/2018.   Citation was issued to  Operator for fail to comply with boater education requirements.
  