It's the Law: On the Water

In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are some other Massachusetts regulations that apply when vessel operators are on the water.

Unlawful and Dangerous Operation

Massachusetts law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Reckless or Negligent Operation of a vessel is the failure to exercise the degree of care necessary to prevent the endangering of life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of reckless or negligent operation are:

Operating at high speed or erratically in congested waterway traffic
Operating such that your vessel or another vessel must swerve abruptly or cut speed in order to avoid collision
Operating near or through areas being used by swimmers or divers
Operating such that your vessel collides with another vessel, object, or person
Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Cutting through a regatta or marine parade in progress
Operating between sunset and sunrise without displaying navigation lights
Chasing or harassing wildlife with your vessel

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and/or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate any vessel:

At a distance from other vessels or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given the waterway traffic; marked speed limits; visibility; wind, water, and current conditions; and the proximity of navigational hazards
At greater than 45 miles per hour on any inland waters of Massachusetts, except on areas posted otherwise
At any speed within the following swimming areas:
- 150 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
- 75 feet of floats or markers that designate swimming areas
At a rate of speed that creates a wake that causes damage, injury, or excessive rocking to other vessels, rafts, or floats
At more than headway speed under any of the following conditions:
- Within 150 to 300 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
- Within 150 feet of marinas, ramps, rafts, or floats
- Within 150 feet of swimmers
- When vision is obscured by bridges, bends in the waterway, or any other reason
- When operating in a channel, unless channel markers state that higher speeds are allowed

“Headway Speed” is the minimum speed at which a vessel may be operated and still maintain steering, but not to exceed 6 miles per hour.

Riding on the Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwales, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard.

Riding in the bow

Failure To Follow Navigation Rules is considered a violation of Massachusetts Section 323 CMR 2.07(13).

Overloading or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond the safe load and power limits, taking into consideration 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.

Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel in a condition that causes danger to the occupants or others on the waterways. Law enforcement officers may instruct the operator to take immediate corrective action or terminate the voyage if any of the following “unsafe conditions” exist:

Inadequate number of life jackets or fire extinguishers
Overloading (check capacity plate information)
Failure to display navigation lights after sunset
Fuel leakage or excessive fuel accumulation in the bilges or the engine compartment
Lack of proper ventilation of engine spaces
Failure to meet carburetor backfire flame arrestor requirements
Excessive leakage or accumulation of water in the bilge

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