Unsafe Conditions

Delaware law designates the following dangerous practices as illegal.

Riding on Bow, Gunwales, or Transom is allowing passengers to ride on a vessel in places where there may be a chance of falling overboard. This includes passengers riding on the bow, gunwales, or stern with their legs hanging over the side of the boat. This restriction does not include sailboats equipped with lifelines while engaged in a race for which a permit has been secured.

Overloading or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond the recommended capacity or horsepower shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.

Especially Hazardous Conditions is operating a vessel in a condition that causes a hazard to the occupants or others on the waterways. 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 ducts, or navigation lights.
• The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
• The vessel is leaking fuel or accumulating fuel or water in the bilges.
• Any other condition exists that is deemed hazardous by the officer.