It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

BR-8. Termination of Unsafe Use of a Vessel

Section 1. Especially Hazardous Conditions.

Especially hazardous conditions warranting termination of voyage shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Insufficient number of Coast Guard–approved PFDs;
2. Insufficient fire-extinguishing equipment;
3. Overloaded beyond manufacturer’s recommended safe loading capacity;
4. Failure to display required navigation lights;
5. Fuel leakage from either the fuel system or engine;
6. Fuel accumulation in the bilges;
7. Failure to meet ventilation requirements for tank and engine spaces;
8. Improper backfire flame control;
9. Excessive leakage or accumulation of water in bilges;
10. Deteriorated condition of vessel; or
11. Any other condition deemed hazardous by an enforcement officer.

Section 2. Enforcement.

(a) Enforcement officers shall, if a violation of this regulation is observed, and in their judgment such a deficiency creates an especially hazardous condition to the occupants of the vessel, direct the operator to take specific steps to correct the unsafe condition.

(b) Compliance by operator. Immediate compliance by the operator is required for safety purposes. Failure to comply with the directives of an enforcement officer shall result in a citation under Section 3 of BR-1 as well as for the specific violation which created the unsafe condition.