The Vermont State Police changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Vermont boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on February 2, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Vermont Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Vermont's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

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

Vermont law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal.

Careless and Reckless Operation of a vessel, or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device, is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of illegal, reckless operation are:

• Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver down flags, etc.
• Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to follow the navigational rules
• Weaving through congested waterway traffic
• Swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision
• Causing danger or damage from the wake of your vessel
• Chasing, harassing or disturbing wildlife with your vessel

Improper Speed or Distance 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 actions are illegal.

• Operating a vessel (sailboards excepted) at greater than no wake speed within 200 feet of:
  • The shoreline
  • A person in the water
  • A canoe, rowboat, or other vessel
  • An anchored or moored vessel with a person on board
  • An anchorage or dock
• Operating a vessel at speeds of 5 miles per hour or greater within 200 feet of a marked swimming area.
• Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury or damage. Be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including those marked as “no wake.”

No wake speed—A speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.

Overloading is loading the vessel beyond a safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration the weather and other operating conditions.

Violating Underwater Historic Preservation Area Requirements is the failure to follow the requirements that govern operation in areas marked as “State of Vermont Underwater Historic Preserve.” Vessels may not operate in these areas. Additional requirements in these areas include:

• A vessel may secure to a yellow buoy only if diving at the preserve. These vessels must be 35 feet in length or less and display a diver-down flag. No more than one vessel may moor to a yellow buoy.
• When a vessel is secured to a buoy, all other vessels must stay at least 200 feet from the yellow buoy.
• A vessel may not anchor within 200 feet of a yellow buoy.

Remember ... Personal watercraft operators must obey all boating laws and also must obey additional laws that apply only to PWCs. Read about unlawful operation laws that apply specifically to PWCs.

Underwater Historic Preservation Area Marker

These floating special-purpose, yellow buoys mark historic or archeological sites located on the bottomlands of the waters of Vermont.