Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
Maryland law states that these dangerous operating practices
are illegal.
Reckless or Negligent Operation of a vessel
is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb,
or property of any person. Examples of reckless or negligent operation
are:
- Operating in a swimming area
- Operating under the influence of alcohol
or drugs
- Operating at an excessive speed in the vicinity of other vessels
or in dangerous waters
- Riding on the bow, gunwales, transom,
or seat backs where there is a danger of falling overboard
- Jumping the wake of another
vessel too close to that vessel
- Operating such that your vessel collides with another vessel,
object, or person
Improper Speed is not maintaining a proper speed
while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate
a vessel:
- At an excessive speed in the vicinity of other vessels or
in dangerous waters
- At greater than “minimum wake speed” in any posted minimum wake zone
- At greater than the posted speed limit on any body of water
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 vessels are shown on the capacity
plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
Especially Hazardous Condition is operating
a vessel in a condition that causes danger to the occupants or
others on the waterways. Law enforcement officers may direct the
operator to take immediate steps to correct the condition, including
returning to port, if any of the following conditions exist.
- The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
- There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers,
backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or navigation lights.
- The vessel is leaking fuel or taking on water.
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