Reckless Operation

New York law prohibits reckless operation of a vessel.

Reckless Operation of a vessel is that which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the navigable waters of the state or unreasonably endangers any other vessel or person. When operating a vessel, including a PWC, it is illegal to act in a way which disregards the safety of yourself and/or others, including:

• Jumping the wake of another vessel too close to that vessel
• Following too close to another vessel
• Operating too close to swimmers or divers
• Weaving through congested traffic
• Swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision
• Overloading the vessel beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer