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

New Hampshire law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Failure to Follow the Navigational Rules is not observing the navigational rules described in Chapter 3. In addition, it is unlawful to:

• Fail to stop or reverse when it appears that there is danger of collision.
• Change course suddenly without first determining that it can be done without crossing immediately ahead of another vessel.

Unsafe Passage is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device. Specifically, the following operations are illegal.

• Operating a vessel at greater than headway speed– The slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering or 6 miles per hour if within 150 feet of:
  • Swimmers in the water
  • Other vessels
  • Rafts or floats
  • Permitted swimming areas
  • Docks or mooring fields
  • The shoreline
• Operating a vessel at greater than headway speed– The slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering or 6 miles per hour while within 150 feet of a bridge or while passing under a bridge
• Overtaking another vessel at a distance and speed such that your wake causes danger or damage

Headway Speed: The slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering or 6 miles per hour

Riding on the Bow– Front of a vessel, Gunwales– Upper edge of vessel's side (generally pronounced gunnel), or Transom– Vertical surface at the back of the hull is allowing passengers to ride on a power-driven vessel in places where there may be a chance of falling overboard while underway. This includes passengers straddling the bow or riding on the gunwales or transom.

Overloading is loading the vessel with gear or passengers beyond its safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration weather and other operating conditions.

“Ski craft” (motorized vessels less than 13 feet long that are capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour and with capacity to carry no more than two persons) have additional regulations they must follow.

Remember—As the owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by others you allow to operate your vessel.