It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

8.0 Termination of Unsafe Use of a Vessel

8.1 Especially Hazardous Conditions.

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

8.1.1 Insufficient number of Coast Guard approved PFDs;

8.1.2 Insufficient fire-extinguishing equipment;

8.1.3 Overloaded beyond manufacturer's recommended safe loading capacity;

8.1.4 Failure to display required navigation lights;

8.1.5 Fuel leakage from either the fuel system or engine;

8.1.6 Fuel accumulation in the bilges;
8.1.7 Failure to meet ventilation requirements for tank and engine spaces;

8.1.8 Improper backfire flame control;

8.1.9 Excessive leakage or accumulation of water in bilges;

8.1.10 Deteriorated condition of vessel; or

8.1.11 Any other condition deemed hazardous by an enforcement officer.

8.2 Enforcement.

8.2.1 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.

8.2.2 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 1.3 as well as for the specific violation which created the unsafe condition.