Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Negligent and Reckless Operation of a Vessel
Negligent and reckless operation of a vessel is illegal in Texas.
Negligent and reckless operation of a vessel is defined as the
failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment
of life, limb, or property of any other person. The following are
examples of negligent and reckless operation.
- Boating in restricted areas that have been clearly marked by
buoys or in some other manner.
 Allowing
passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom,
seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there
may be a chance of falling overboard- Operating at speeds that are not reasonable and prudent based
on boating traffic, weather conditions, visibility, or other
potential hazards. If no limits are posted, you should operate
a vessel so that it does not endanger others and so that it can
be stopped safely.
- Causing damage to a person or property with a vessel’s
wake in posted “No Wake” areas. In these areas, you
should operate a vessel slowly so that it does not throw a wake.
In addition, you should reduce speed when passing:
- Near a swimming area
- Close to a shoreline
- Another vessel where people are fishing, water-skiing,
diving, or anchored
- Encircling swimmers, divers, or boaters who are fishing. This
includes vessels pulling waterskiers.
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