Unsafe Conditions

North Dakota 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, Gunwales, Transom, or the Backs of Seats is allowing passengers to ride on a vessel in places where there may be a chance of falling overboard. This includes passengers riding on the bow, gunwales, or transom if the vessel is not equipped with railings or other safeguards in those locations to prevent falls overboard.

Hazardous Condition is operating a vessel in an unsafe condition that causes a hazard to the occupants or others on the waterways. Waterway conservation officers may instruct the operator to immediately take corrective action or return to the nearest mooring for any of these problems.

• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation systems, or navigation lights.
• The boat is overloaded.
• The boat is leaking fuel, or there is fuel in the bilge.
• The boat has not been maintained in a condition that makes it safe on the water.
• The boat is operating in weather or water conditions that are dangerous to those on board.