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Course Outline

Negligent and reckless operation of any vessel is prohibited by law. Reckless operation is defined as the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any person.

  • Some examples of reckless and illegal operation are:
    • Interfering with the passage of large, deep-draft vessels that can navigate safely only in the deepest part of a channel.
    • Failing to obey a regulatory marker.
    • Overloading your paddlecraft.
    • Allowing passengers to sit in dangerous locations where there may be a chance of falling overboard. For example, while underway, do not allow passengers to ride on the bow or gunwale of a canoe or on the deck of a kayak.
    • Harassing, disturbing, or chasing marine wildlife with your boat or board.
  • Check with your state’s boating agency for what is specifically defined as reckless or negligent operation of a paddlecraft.
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