Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel

Arizona law designates these dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Negligent or Reckless Operation of a vessel is operating in a manner that causes danger to others or their property, such as:

• Operating in a restricted area, such as a marked swimming area
• Operating while passenger(s) are positioned in the bow such that the operator’s view is obstructed
• Weaving through congested waterway traffic
• Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife
• Teak surfing or platform dragging

No Wake or Wakeless speed means a speed that does not create a wake and is never in excess of five miles per hour.

Speed Restrictions require the operator to maintain a proper speed while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to:

• Operate a vessel at speeds greater than are reasonable or proper given the existing waterway traffic, persons in the water, and weather conditions.
• Exceed any posted speed limits.
• Operate a vessel at greater than wakeless speed in a posted no wake zone.
• Operate a vessel at speeds that may cause injury or damage to any other person, another vessel, or the property of others. This includes causing damage or danger from the wake of your vessel.

Riding on the Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard while underway at greater than no wake speed on a powerboat. Specifically, this means allowing passengers to ride on the covered bow, transom, swim step, or gunwales unless these are designed for carrying passengers at all speeds.

Overloading is loading the vessel beyond its safe carrying capacity or the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate. Take into consideration the weather and other operating conditions when determining if the vessel is overloaded.

Failure To Follow Navigational Rules is operating a vessel in violation of the navigational rules of Arizona waters. Specifically, operators of vessels: Must follow the navigational rules shown in Chapter 3. Must follow a counter­clockwise traffic flow. Leaving shore must give way to approaching vessels. These rules do not apply on waterways where power-driven vessels are prohibited.

Remember … As an owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of your vessel by others you knowingly allow to operate it. It will be assumed that you have given consent if your vessel is operated by an immediate family member.