b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N SDefinitions of Terms excess of Slow-No-Wake within 200 feet of shore, or a dock, pier, The following definitions will prove useful in understanding thefloat or anchored or moored vessel, unless taking off or landing a rules and regulations related to boating.water skier.Regulated Navigational Area. Water area within a definedWhen within 100 feet of buoys marking a restricted swimming boundary for which regulations for vessels navigating within thearea or boat access area, vessels shall be operated at Slow-No-area have been established under 33 CFR Part 165. Wake.Restricted Visibility. Conditions in which visibility is restrictedSpeed Regulationsby fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes. When no limits are posted, operate the boat so it will not Safety Zone. A water area, shore area, or water andendanger others. The boat must be able to stop safely within the shore area to which, for safety or environmental purposes,clear distance ahead. When passing near marinas, fishing areas, access is limited to authorized persons, vehicles or vessels. Theswimming areas, a vessel at anchor, or similar places, reduce Commissioner of the Department of Energy & Environmentalspeed. Operators are responsible for damage caused by their Protection is authorized to create temporary safety zones for awakes.period not to exceed 72 consecutive hours, unless an emergencyIn Connecticut, speed is limited by law for certain conditions warrants otherwise. and areas. Comply with posted regulatory signs and the regulations Security Zone. An area of land, water, or land and water,printed within this chapter.which is designated under 33 CFR Part 165 by the United StatesEvery vessel must, under crowded conditions or in reduced Coast Guard for such time as is necessary to prevent injury orvisibility, slow down and operate with careful regard for existing damage to the area or to secure the observance of the rights andcircumstances and conditions. Actions such as speeding in obligations of the United States. confined or restricted areas or skiing at prohibited times or in Slow-No-Wake. A vessel shall not produce more than arestricted areas can also be construed as reckless or negligent minimum wake and shall not attain speeds greater than six milesoperation.per hour over the ground unless a higher minimum speed isReckless Operationnecessary to maintain steerageway when traveling with a strongReckless operation is the failure to exercise the degree of care current. In no case shall the wake produced by the vessel be suchnecessary to prevent endangering another person or their property.that it creates a danger or injury to persons, or will damage vessels or structures of any kind. Age Restrictions State and Federal Waters No person under the age of 12 may serve as the observer for a Federal Waters. Navigable waters of the United States, asvessel engaged in water skiing.defined by 33 CFR 2.36(a), within the territorial limits of the state. No person under the age of 12 may operate a vessel that is State Waters. All waters within the territorial limits of the statepropelled by greater than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by except federal waters. a person who is at least 18 years of age and who has a SBC or Waters of state. All waters, including federal waters, withinCPWO.the territorial limits of the state. Every person under the age of 13 must wear a USCG approved Underway. When a vessel is not moored, anchored, made fastPFD when the vessel they are aboard is underway, unless that to the shore, or aground. person is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.No person under the age of 16 may operate a PWC or a JAV. Restricted Safety and Security Zones (Note exception.)No person shall operate, allow the operation of a vessel, orNo person under the age of 16 may operate a vessel that is anchor any vessel on the waters of the state within a safety orengaged in recreational towing activity, such as water skiing or security zone or a regulated navigational area. tubing.Restricted Operating Distances and Speed Areas Age Restrictions - ExceptionsNo person shall operate a vessel or cause a water skier to passA person under the age of 16 may be permitted to operate a within one hundred feet of a flag, buoy or other device, marking thevessel, other than a personal watercraft, without first obtaining a location of an underwater swimmer or diver. SBC or CPWO only when under the direct onboard supervision of No person shall operate a motorboat, excluding a personala person at least age 18 who has had a boating certificate for at watercraft, at a speed in excess of Slow-No-Wake within 100 feetleast two years.of shore, or a dock, pier, float or anchored or moored vessel, unlessA person under the age of 16 may be permitted to operate taking off or landing a water skier. a PWC after obtaining a CPWO only when under the onboard No person shall operate a personal watercraft at a speed insupervision of a person at least age 18 who has a CPWO. 222020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'