Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel

Colorado law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Careless or Imprudent Operation of a vessel is operating in a reckless, careless, or unsafe manner that causes danger to any person, property, or wildlife. Examples of careless or imprudent operation include:

• Becoming airborne or completely leaving the water while crossing the wake of another vessel at an unsafe distance from the vessel creating the wake or when visibility is obstructed
• Weaving through congested waterway traffic
• Operating such that your vessel or another vessel must swerve abruptly or cut speed abruptly in order to avoid collision
• Failing to follow the navigation rules
• Entering a marked swimming area with a vessel
• Operating such that your vessel collides with another vessel, object, or person
• Chasing or harassing wildlife with your vessel

Slow, No wake speed—A speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed 5 miles per hour

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and/or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, the following acts are illegal.

• Operating a vessel at a distance from other vessels or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given the waterway traffic, marked speed limits, weather, and other boating conditions
• Operating a vessel at greater than 40 miles per hour, except during authorized marine events
• Operating a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” in any posted “no wake” zone
• Operating a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” within 150 feet of:
  • Any swimming area
  • A moored vessel
  • A person in a vessel engaged in servicing buoys or markers
• Operating or anchoring a vessel within 150 feet of any person fishing on shore, except where narrow passages or coves make keeping this distance from shore impractical
• Operating a vessel so that the vessel or its wake endangers or interferes with any person or property

Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing motorboat passengers to ride on the bow decking, gunwales, or any other position where there is a danger of falling overboard. These restrictions do not apply when the motorboat is being moored or anchored.

Overloading or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond the safe load and power limits, taking into consideration the weather and other operating conditions. The safe load and power limits for most vessels are shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.

Remember—As an owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by the reckless or negligent operation of others you allow to use your vessel. See additional laws that apply only to PWCs.