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Course Outline

Boat creating a wake

District of Columbia designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to:

  • Operate at a rate of speed that endangers the life or property of any person.
  • Operators also must avoid causing any danger or damage with their vessel’s wash or wake.
  • Operate in an area restricted for use by a regatta, race, marine parade, marine tournament or exhibition, or similar organized event.
  • Operate a power-driven vessel at greater than 6 miles per hour (mph) in these areas:
    • The Potomac River upstream from the Arlington Memorial Bridge
    • The Washington Channel upstream from Hains Point
    • The Anacostia River upstream from Green Leaf Point to the Benning Road Bridge
  • Operate a power-driven vessel at greater than 10 mph when passing the wharf area of Alexandria, Virginia.
  • Unit 4 of 6
  • Topic 3 of 19
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