Unsafe Conditions

New Mexico law designates certain dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Overloading is loading the vessel beyond its allowable capacity for number of persons. To determine the total number of passengers allowed, either:

• Look at the capacity plate installed by the vessel’s manufacturer or…
• Multiply the vessel’s length times its width and divide that result by 15.

Riding on the Bow, Deck, or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard. Specifically, the following practices are unlawful when a vessel is underway:

• Sitting or riding on the bow or gunwales, unless the vessel has adequate guard rails. However, a person may sit or ride in these areas temporarily when casting off, when mooring, or when otherwise necessary.
• Sitting on a seat back.
• Allowing a person’s legs to hang overboard.