The text
Footnotes:
--- (4) --- State Law reference— Regulation of boats, G.L. 1956, § 46-22-1 et seq.
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 14-216. - Declaration of town policy.#
It is the policy of the town to promote safety for person and property in and connected with the use, operation and equipment of vessels, and to promote uniformity of laws relating thereto as in G.L. 1956, § 43-22-1 et seq.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 1)
Sec. 14-217. - Definitions.#
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Director means the town harbormaster.
Motorboat means any vessel whether or not the vessel is propelled by machinery. For purposes of this article, motorboat shall not include houseboats, any ferry, canoes and rowboats, without engines, 12 feet in length or less.
Operate means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or a vessel.
Owner means a person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a motorboat. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment or performances of an obligation, but the term excludes the lessee under a lease not intended as security.
Personal watercraft means a small class A vessel less than 16 feet in length which uses an outboard motor or an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source for motive power; and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside of the vessel.
Vessel means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
Waters of the town means any waters within the territorial limits of the town.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 2; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Sec. 14-218. - Enforcement of article.#
The town harbormaster, assistant harbormaster, harbor patrol officers, and police officers accompanied by harbor patrol officers are authorized by the council to stop and board any vessel subject to this article, and make arrests under the provisions of this article and shall have the power to: (1)
Enforce all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to town ordinances and state laws.
(2)
Execute all warrants and search warrants for the violation of ordinance laws, rules and regulations relating to town ordinances.
(3)
To arrest any person, without a warrant and with probable cause, any person violating any ordinance, law, rule or regulation relating to this article.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 14; Ord. of 12-14-09; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-219. - Prosecution of violations.#
The town harbormaster, assistant harbormaster and police officers may, by virtue of their respective offices, make complaints of any violations of this article, and they shall not be required, either jointly or individually, to give recognizance or to furnish surety for costs or be liable for costs of those complaints.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 15)
Sec. 14-220. - Penalty for violation of article.#
In addition to any other penalties specified in this article: (1)
Any person who violates any provisions of sections 14-221 through 14-225 and 14-230 through 14-233 or who violates any rule or regulation made under the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each violation.
(2)
Any person found guilty shall be responsible for court costs.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 18)
Sec. 14-221. - Operation of unnumbered motorboats.#
Every motorboat on the waters of this state shall be numbered. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any motorboat on those waters unless the motorboat is numbered in accordance with this article, or in accordance with applicable federal law, or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state, and unless: (1)
The certificate of number awarded to the motorboat is in full force and effect; and
(2)
The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the motorboat.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 3)
Sec. 14-222. - Vessel classification and required equipment.#
(a)
Motorboats subject to the provisions of this article shall be divided into four classes as follows:
(1)
Class A, less than 16 feet in length;
(2)
Class 1, 16 feet or over and less than 26 feet in length;
(3)
Class 2, 26 feet or over and less than 40 feet in length; and
(4)
Class 3, 40 feet or over and not more than 65 feet in length.
(b)
Every motorboat, in all weathers, from sunset to sunrise, shall carry and exhibit the following lights when underway, and during that time no other lights which may be mistaken for those prescribed shall be exhibited:
(1)
Every motorboat of classes A and 1 shall carry the following lights:
a.
A bright white light aft to show all around the horizon.
b.
A combined lantern in the fore part of the vessel and lower than the white light aft, showing green to starboard and red to port, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam of their respective sides.
(2)
Every motorboat of classes 2 and 3 shall carry the following lights:
a.
A bright white light in the fore part of the vessel, as near the stem as practicable, so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 20 points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light ten points on each side of the vessel; namely, from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on either side.
b.
A bright white light aft to show all around the horizon and higher than the white light forward.
c.
On the starboard side, green lights so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on the starboard side. On the port side, a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of ten points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to two points abaft the beam on the port side. The side lights shall be fitted with inboard screen of sufficient height so set as to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.
(3)
Motorboats of classes A and 1, when propelled by sail alone, shall carry the combined lantern, but not the white light aft, prescribed by this section. Motorboats of classes 2 and 3, when so propelled, shall carry the colored side lights, suitably screened, but not the white lights prescribed in this section. Motorboats of all classes, when so propelled, shall carry, ready at hand, a lantern or flashlight showing the white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to avert collision.
(4)
Every white light prescribed by this section shall be of such character as to be visible at a distance of at least two miles. Every colored light prescribed by this section shall be of such character as to be visible at a distance of one mile. The word "visible" in this subsection, when applied to lights, shall mean visible on a dark night with clear atmosphere.
(5)
When propelled by sail and machinery, any motorboat shall carry the lights required by this section for a motorboat propelled by machinery only.
(c)
Any vessel may carry and exhibit the lights required by the federal regulations for preventing collisions at sea, 1948, Federal Act of October 11, 1951 (33 USC 143-147d), as amended (released by Pub. L. 88-131, 3, Sept. 24, 1963; for present similar provisions see 33 USC 200 et seq.) in lieu of the lights required by subsection (b) of this section.
(d)
Every motorboat in class 1, 2 or 3 shall be provided with an efficient whistle or other sound-producing mechanical appliance.
(e)
Every motorboat shall be provided with an efficient auditory and visual coast guard approved distress signals for both night and day use.
(f)
Every vessel shall carry at least one life preserver, or life belt, or ring buoy, or other device of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, for each person on board, so placed as to be readily accessible; provided, however, that every motorboat carrying passengers for hire shall carry, so placed as to be readily accessible, at least one life preserver of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, for each person on board.
(g)
Every motorboat shall be provided with such number, size and type of fire extinguishers, capable of promptly and effectually extinguishing burning fuel, as may be prescribed by the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, which fire extinguishers shall be at all times kept in condition for immediate and effective use and shall be so placed as to be readily accessible.
(h)
The provisions of subsections (d), (e) and (g) of this section shall not apply to motorboats/vessels while competing in any race conducted pursuant to section 14-233 or, if the boats be designed and intended solely for racing, while engaged in such navigation as is incidental solely for racing, while engaged in such navigation as is incidental to the tuning up of the boats and engines for the race.
(i)
Every vessel shall have the carburetor or carburetors of every engine therein, except outboard motors, using gasoline as fuel, equipped with such efficient flame arrestor, backfire trap, or other similar device as may be prescribed by the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard.
(j)
Every vessel, except open boats, using as fuel any liquid of a volatile nature, shall be provided with such means as may be prescribed by the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of the engine and fuel tank compartments so as to remove any explosive or flammable gases.
(k)
No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel, which is not equipped as required by this section, or a modification of this section.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 4)
Sec. 14-223. - Identification numbers, registration fees and exemptions.#
Identification numbers, registration fees and exemptions shall be in accordance with the state General Laws, as amended, and United States Coast Guard Regulations, as amended.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 5)
Sec. 14-224. - Boat liveries.#
(a)
The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person hiring any vessel which is designed or permitted by him to be operated as a motorboat; the identification number thereof; and the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.
(b)
Neither the owner of the boat livery nor his agent or employee shall permit any motorboat or any vessel designed or permitted by him to be operated as a motorboat to depart from his premises, unless it shall have been provided, either by owner or renter, with the equipment required in section 14-222 and any rules and regulations made pursuant thereto.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 6)
Sec. 14-225. - Muffling devices.#
The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. Outboard motors shall be equipped with underwater exhausts of standard manufacture as furnished by marine supply dealers. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except for motorboats competing in a regatta or boat race as approved in section 14-233, and for such motorboats while on approved trial-runs or during a period not to exceed 48 hours immediately preceding the regatta or race and for the motorboats, while competing in official trials for speed records, during a period not to exceed 48 hours immediately following the approved regatta or race.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 7)
Cross reference— Noise, § 38-101 et seq.
Sec. 14-226. - Prohibited operations.#
(a)
No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard or similar device in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of another.
(b)
No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel or manipulate any water skis, surfboard or similar device while intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic drug, barbiturate or marijuana. A person arrested and charged with operating any motorboat or vessel, or manipulating any water skis, surfboard, or similar device, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic or habit-forming drugs, shall have the right to be examined at his own expense immediately after his arrest, by a physician selected by him, and the officer so arresting or so charging that person shall immediately inform that person of this right and afford him a reasonable opportunity to exercise this right, and at the trial of that person the prosecution must prove that he was so informed and was afforded the opportunity.
(c)
No person shall operate a motorboat or vessel within a water area, which has been clearly marked, in accordance with, and authorized by, the town ordinances, laws of the state and the Coast Guard of the United States, by buoys or some other distinguishing device as a bathing, swimming or otherwise restricted area; provided, however, that this section shall not apply in the case of an emergency, or to patrol or rescue craft. The town is hereby authorized to establish maximum speeds for boats in the harbors and waterways at five miles per hour, no wake. Any such speed limits duly established by the town, state or the United States Coast Guard, pursuant hereto, shall have the full force and effect of law, and a violation of such limits shall be a misdemeanor in accordance with the penalties enumerated in section 14-229.
(d)
No person shall operate any motorboat, vessel or seaplane in a manner which shall unreasonably or unnecessarily interfere with any other motorboat, vessel, or seaplane, or with the free and proper navigation of the waterways of the state. Anchoring under bridges or in heavily traveled channels shall constitute interference if unreasonable under the prevailing circumstances.
(e)
No motorboat, vessel or seaplane shall be docked or made fast to any pier, wharf or other shore structure without the consent of the owner of such structure, except in the case of an emergency.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 8)
Sec. 14-227. - Flotation devices for children.#
Any child 12 years of age or under on the waters of this state shall require that the child wear a personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 9.A; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-228. - Speeding; penalties for violation of section.#
(a)
No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel in any harbor or inlet or any pond or other confined body of water in this town in excess of 45 statuate miles per hour during the hours from sunrise to sunset and 25 statuate miles per hour during periods of darkness or other periods of restricted visibility; provided, however, nothing in this section shall prohibit the posting of lesser speed limits where deemed necessary by the appropriate state or local authority.
(b)
Violations of this section shall be as follows:
(1)
The first violation if no greater than ten miles per hour over the speed limit shall be a civil offense which shall require payment of an assessment fee as established by town council resolution and may be required to attend a boating safety course.
(2)
Any violation in excess of ten miles per hour over the speed limit shall be deemed a misdemeanor with fines for a first, second and third or subsequent offense as established by town council resolution. The violator may also be required to attend a boating safety course.
(3)
State, federal, local law enforcement rescue agencies and good samaritans may exceed this speed limit when responding to an emergency or law enforcement action, provided that this speed does not endanger any person not involved in this action.
(c)
The operation of personal watercrafts use, speed, age of operator, and area of operation shall be regulated by the town, the state department of environmental management and the United States Coast Guard.
(d)
Previous violations will not be considered after a period of 36 months without a violation.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 9.B; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-229. - Wake.#
(a)
Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Excessive wake means the after wave created by the passage of a motorboat or vessel through the water above headway speed or above the posted speed limit, whichever is lower.
Headway speed means the speed necessary to allow steerage of a vessel or motorboat.
(b)
Exceeding speed limits; creation of wake; penalties for violation of section. No person shall operate a motorboat or vessel adjacent to or within designated town moorings or harbor areas in excess posted speed limits. In no event shall the vessel exceed the posted speed limits so as to create an excessive wake. The operator and owner of any vessel or motorboat shall be responsible for any damage or injury that may result from the vessel's wake.
(1)
The first violation, if no damage or personal injury is caused, shall be deemed to be a civil offense which shall require payment of a $25.00 assessment fee and may be required attendance at a safety boating course. In the event of damage or personal injury, the first violation may be deemed to be a misdemeanor. Fines other than a civil offense are as follows:
a.
First offense, $25.00;
b.
Second offense, $50.00; and
c.
Third offense, $100.00.
(2)
State, federal, local law enforcement rescue agencies and good samaritans may exceed this wake limit when responding the emergency or law enforcement action; provided, however, that this speed does not endanger any person not involved in this action.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, §§ 9.C, 9.D)
Sec. 14-230. - Collisions, accidents and casualties.#
It shall be the duty of the operator of any motorboat or vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers, if any, to render to other persons affected by the collision, accident or other casualty, such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the collision, accident or other casualty. He shall also give his name, address and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident or other casualty. Vessel owners whose vessel is involved in an accident, casualty, vandalism, or theft exceeding $2,000.00 must make written reports to the DEM of damages or losses within five days of the incident. Report forms are available with the harbormaster or by contacting DEM's Division of Law Enforcement Office at 401-222-2284 or on the Internet at: www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/enforce/pdfs/boatacc.pdf.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 10; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-231. - Transmittal of information.#
In accordance with any request duly made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the town harbormaster, pursuant to section 14-237 or section 14-238, shall be transmitted to that official or agency of the United States.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 11)
Sec. 14-232. - Water skis and surfboards.#
(a)
No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this town for towing a person on water skis or a surfboard or similar devices unless there is in the vessel a person at least 12 years of age, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed. There shall be aboard the vessel, in addition to those required for the persons aboard the vessel, at least one life preserver or ring buoy for the person being towed. The person being towed shall also be required to wear an appropriate lifebelt or lifejacket.
(b)
No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this town towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing, surfboarding, or similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(c)
The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a profession exhibition or a person engaged in an activity authorized under section 14-233.
(d)
No person shall operate or manipulate a vessel, tow rope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard or similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard or similar devices or any person thereon to collide with or strike against any object or person.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 12; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-233. - Owner's civil liability.#
The owner of a vessel shall be liable for any injury or damage occasioned by the negligent operation of the vessel, whether the negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the ordinances of the town, or neglecting to observe such ordinary care and such operation as the rules of the common law required. The owner shall not be liable, however, unless the vessel is being used with his express or implied consent.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 13)
Sec. 14-234. - Refusal to stop on order or command.#
It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00 for any person to refuse to move or stop on oral command of the harbormaster, assistant harbormaster, harbor patrol officer or town police officers operating from a patrol boat identified as such and exercising the duties lawfully assigned to him.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 16; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-235. - Funds.#
All monies collected under the provisions of this article shall be paid into the town treasury.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 17)
Sec. 14-236. - Reporting of accidents, casualty, vandalism and thefts.#
The operator or owner of a vessel on the waters of this state, involved or whose vessel is involved, in an accident, casualty, vandalism or theft in excess of $500.00, or other casualty which results in death or injury to a person, shall report the same, and immediately give notice of the incident to the town police department or state police. If the local or state police are notified, it shall be the duty of the officer receiving the notice to immediately give notice of the incident to the state department of environmental management. If the state department of environmental management is notified, it shall be the duty of the employee of the department receiving the notice to give notice of the incident to the state and local police of the town wherein the incident occurred within 24 hours in the following circumstances: Thefts in excess of $100.00, or any accident which results in bodily injury or death to a person. In order to allow more complete investigations of theft, all motorboats manufactured after 1971, required to apply for numbering, shall provide to the state department of environmental management, at the time of the next annual application, the full hull identification number of the vessel. Homemade vessels may apply to the state department of environmental management for identification numbers.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 20)
Sec. 14-237. - Owner required to make written reports.#
The owner of a vessel involved in an accident, casualty, vandalism or theft in excess of $500.00 shall, within five days after the incident, forward a written report of the incident to the state department of environmental management, on forms provided by the department.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 21)
Sec. 14-238. - Scuba divers, skin diving or snorkeling; warning flags; penalty for violation of section.#
(a)
Any person scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling in an area where power or motorboats may be operated shall place a warning flag on a buoy at a place of his submergence. The flag shall be at least 12 inches by 12 inches with a white stripe running from the diagonal corners which stripe shall be one-quarter as wide as the flag, or conspicuously flown upon a boat which he is then using in the area, in which case the flag shall be at least 18 inches by 18 inches and with a white stripe running from one upper corner to a diagonal lower corner, which strip shall be one-quarter as wide as the flag itself. The flag shall be in place only while diving operations are in progress, and, during the hours between sunset and sunrise, the flag shall be illuminated by a light shining on the flag. Motorboats shall not be operated within 50 feet of any flag. No person shall be in violation of this section if he travels within 50 feet of a scuba diver or snorkeler who is in fact obstructing navigation on a navigable fairway.
(b)
Any person violating the provisions of this section may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to a fine of not more than $100.00.
(c)
However, any person using the scuba diving, snorkel diving, or skin diving flag with the intention of obstructing navigation may be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may also be subject to a fine of not more than $100.00.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. III, § 22)
Sec. 14-239 - Certificate of boating safety education.#
(a)
(1)
No person born on or after January 1, 1986 shall operate a vessel that is fitted with propulsion machinery of more than ten horsepower on the waters of this state unless the person shall have successfully completed a boating safety education program as approved by the director of the department of environmental management.
(2)
The content of acceptable boating safety education programs shall meet the minimum standards and guidelines and be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Acceptable programs shall include those NASBLA approved courses offered by the state, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadrons or any other course approved by the director.
(3)
Instructors shall meet the minimum requirements as established by NASBLA and shall be certified by the state.
(4)
Upon completion of a boating safety course, a written test shall be administered under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. The test shall include at least 25 questions, scored on a 100 percent scale, and have a passing grade of 70 percent or better. Test results shall be maintained by the department of environmental management, division of enforcement.
(5)
The department shall issue a durable certificate of completion that meets the NASBLA guidelines. The certificate of completion shall be presented upon request of any authorized law enforcement officer to show proof of compliance.
(6)
A challenge exam, meeting the standards of subsection (d) proctored and administered by a certified instructor, shall be made available to those individuals that wish to review the requirements of this section. The exam may be administered to a candidate two times. Failure of the examination on the second attempt will require the candidate to retake and/or complete the same and/or a different boating safety education program as provided for in this section.
(7)
Any person having in his or her possession a certificate of completion of any boating safety course approved by NASBLA shall be considered to be in compliance with this chapter and can request that a certificate be issued by the department.
(b)
The following persons shall be exempt from the educational provisions of this chapter provided that they can provide proof of exemption:
(1)
A person who operates a vessel under training, directly supervised by a person on board the vessel who 18 years of age or older and meets the requirements of subsection (a);
(2)
A person who holds a valid commercial vessel operator's license issued by the United States Cost Guard, a state, or a province;
(3)
Non-residents temporarily using the waters of this state who meet the requirements of their state of legal residence.
(c)
New residents of this state will be given 60 days to meet the requirements of this chapter.
(d)
Boat liveries that rent out boats or vessels fitted with propulsion machinery greater than ten horse power shall require all renters who do not comply with this section to watch a short instructional video approved by the director on boating safety for the type of craft rented, and pass a written examination.
(e)
Any person operating a personal watercraft as defined in G.L. § 46-22-2(6) on the waters of this state shall have successfully completed a boating safety education program as approved by the director of the department of environmental management.
(f)
Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be sanctioned as follows:
(1)
For a first offense a $50.00 fine and completion of an approved boating safety course;
(2)
For a second offense a $100.00 fine and completion of an approved boating safety course.
(Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Secs. 14-240—14-255. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY#
Sec. 14-256. - Definitions.#
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Headway speed means the slowest speed at which a personal watercraft can be operated and maintain steerage way.
Operator means a person who operates or who has charge of the navigation or use of a watercraft.
Personal watercraft means a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional method of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. IV, § 1)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Sec. 14-257. - Enforcement of division.#
The town harbormaster, assistant harbormaster, harbor patrol officers, and police officers are empowered to enforce the provisions of this division.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. IV, § 3; Ord. of 8-22-11, § 4)
Sec. 14-258. - Penalty for violation of division.#
Any person who violates any provisions of this division and is prosecuted under this division or who violates any rule or regulation promulgated under this division, may be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished in accordance with section 1-7.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. IV, § 4)
Sec. 14-259. - Regulations.#
(a)
A person may not operate a personal watercraft at any time between hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(b)
A personal watercraft must at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers which unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb, or property including, but not limited to, weaving through congested vessel traffic, or jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably, shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel and are prohibited.
(c)
No person under the age of 16 shall operate a personal watercraft on the waters of the town unless an adult accompanies him or unless he has passed the state department of environmental management or the United States Coast Guard approved safety courses.
(d)
It is unlawful for the owner of any personal watercraft or any person having charge over or control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly permit the watercraft to be operated by a person under 16 years of age in violation of this section, unless the provisions of subsection (c) of this section are met.
(e)
A person may not operate a personal watercraft within 200 feet of swimmers, divers, shore or moored vessels, except at headway speed.
(f)
Personal watercraft, when launched from shore or returning to shore, must proceed directly to the area where operation is allowed in a direction as near perpendicular as possible, not in excess of headway speed.
(g)
No person shall operate a personal watercraft unless he and any passenger is wearing a personal flotation device which is approved by the United States Coast Guard.
(h)
No person shall operate any personal watercraft in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of another.
(i)
No person shall operate any personal watercraft unless it is numbered in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 46-22-4.
(j)
No person shall operate a personal watercraft unless the personal watercraft is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch which must be attached to the operator of the personal watercraft.
(Code 1967, ch. 13, art. IV, § 2)