Unsafe Conditions

New Jersey law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Overloading is operating a vessel that has been loaded beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.

Riding in an Unsafe Position is allowing passengers to ride in any position that would unduly endanger life or limb (for example, on the bow, gunwales, tops of seat backs, or any other position where the person may be in grave danger of falling overboard).

Failure to Use ECOS is not wearing the lanyard when operating a vessel that is equipped with a lanyard-type ECOS.

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.