Unsafe Conditions

Hawaii law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

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

Riding on the Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride or sit on the gunwales, transom, or seat backs or on the decking over the bow while underway on a motorboat 26 feet or less in length, unless the motorboat is equipped with adequate guards or railing to prevent passengers from being lost overboard. This restriction does not apply to persons helping to moor or cast off a motorboat.

Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel that has a condition that could endanger those on board the vessel or anyone else. Law enforcement officers 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.