Unsafe Conditions

Connecticut law designates these dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Riding on the Bow, Deck, or Gunwale is allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard. Specifically, operators may not allow passengers to:

• Sit or stand on the bow or gunwale of open-bow boats while underway.
• Sit or stand on the bow or gunwale of a boat with a closed bow while underway, unless the boat is equipped with handrails and all passengers are inward of the handrail.
• Hang any portion of their body over the bow or gunwale, or beyond the handrail, if operating at greater than "slow, no wake speed."

Hazardous Condition is operating a vessel in a condition that causes a hazard to the occupants or to others on the waterways. Peace officers may instruct the operator to return to the nearest mooring for any of the following problems.

• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation systems, or navigation lights.
• The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
• The vessel is leaking fuel.
• An excessive amount of water is accumulating in the vessel.