It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

BR-7. Negligent and Grossly Negligent Operation of a Vessel

Section 1. Negligent or Grossly Negligent Operation.

(a) No person shall operate any vessel on the waters of this State in a negligent manner.

(b) No person shall operate any vessel on the waters of this State in a grossly negligent manner.

(c) Depending upon the degree of negligence, the following shall constitute a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section:

1. Failure to reduce speed in areas where boating is concentrated, endangering life, limb, and/or property;
2. Operating at excessive speed at times of restricted visibility;
3. Operating at excessive speed when maneuvering room is restricted by narrow channels or when vision is obstructed by such things as jetties, land, or other vessels;
4. Impeding the right-of-way of a stand-on or privileged vessel so as to endanger risk of collision;
5. Towing a water skier in a restricted area or where an obstruction exists;
6. Operating a vessel within swimming areas when bathers are present;
7. Operating a vessel in areas posted as closed to vessels due to hazardous conditions;
8. Operating a vessel through an area where a regatta or marine parade is in progress in a way that could present a hazard to participants or spectators and interfere with the safe conduct of the event;
9. Operating a vessel with any person sitting on the bow, gunwales, or stern with legs hanging over the side, except a sailboat equipped with lifelines while engaged in a race for which a permit has been secured under § 2120 of Title 23;
10. Operating a vessel or use any water skis while under the influence of alcohol, any narcotic drug, barbiturate, marijuana, or hallucinogen;
11. Loading a vessel with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity;
12. Operating a vessel with an engine of a higher horsepower rating than the rating noted on the vessel’s capacity plate or in the manufacturer’s specifications; and
13. Other actions deemed by an enforcement officer to be in violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this regulation.