Unsafe Conditions

District of Columbia law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Overloading is defined as loading the vessel beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.

Riding on the Bow, Deck, or Gunwales 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.

Unsafe Condition is placing or leaving in public waters any vessel that is not safe to operate. The Harbor Master or Fire Chief may instruct the operator to take immediate corrective action or return to mooring if any of the following “unsafe conditions” exist.

• The vessel is overloaded.
• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation, or navigation lights.
• The vessel is leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges.