b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N SMarker (Buoy or Beacon) Permitsalong with a $20 processing feeAll markers (buoys or beacons) other than a divers flag require Wait 45 daysa permit from the DEEP. This includes markers placed for swim If the owner does not collect the boat in 45 days, you will be areas, speed zones, navigation, information, and water ski coursesissued a Notice of assumed Ownership. You can then do what you or jumps. Visit the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/boatingwish with the boat.and select Laws / Requirements / Permits for more details.The abandoned boat process is a closed process. Only the Abandoned Boats legal owner of an abandoned boat can claim an abandoned boat If your boat is missing, report it to the police and check thefrom the table listed on the abandoned boat website.Abandoned Boat website www.ct.gov/deep/abandonedboatsThe fine for abandoning a boat is $440.00, and under the in case it has been found and posted as abandoned. abandoned boat law the last registered owner can be held liable If you find an abandoned vessel free floating and unattendedfor all costs associated with processing the abandoned boat.you must contact law enforcement to report the find - it may beTo help avoid possible fines, cancel your registration in writing the only clue that an emergency is underway.Move the vesselwithin 15 days of selling or destroying your registered boat. Its only after law enforcement gives you permission. Under the law athe law! Send a cancellation note under your signature to the DMV boat is abandoned when it is: Marine Vessel Section, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Free floating and unattended for more than 24 hours; Complete instructions, rules, and necessary forms are availableLeft on property without permission for more than 24 hours; online at www.ct.gov/deep/abandonedboats. Left at a mooring without payment; Left at a commercial facility for over a year without fullPersonal Watercraft Restrictionspayment; or, Personal Watercraft are subject to the following operationImproperly registered and left on the waters of the state. restrictions (for age restrictions, see page 22):If you are dealing with an abandoned boat:No person shall operate a personal watercraft betweenSubmit a Notice of Abandoned Vessel to the Commissionersunset and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility.TUBING SAFETY TIPSTubing is a great water sport. Please Learn how to balance weight injuries; when pulling more than one tube remember that riders do not have theproperly position tubers based on the(and be extra vigilant) to prevent tuber directional control that water skiers have.tubes characteristics; some ride bettercollisions.Take these special precautions to ensurewith weight back, some need tubers to Approach with caution on the fun. ride belly down. operator side of the boat into the wind orRiders are required to wear a USCG Turn off the engine and count to 10currentthen turn the engine off; keep approved life jacket. before allowing a person into the water engine off for re-boarding. By law you must have an observerthe propeller continues to spin after the Never back up to a person or allow (or spotter) at least 12 years old to watchengine is shut off. them to use the propeller to re-board.for tuber safety.Make sure the tuber and the Securely stow all gear and tubeatMake sure the vessel operator,observer understand and communicatethe end of the day before throttling up; observer and tubers are alert and sober. hand signals; always listen to the tuber;never have someone coil the line for tubeFollow manufacturers recommen- use the spotterthe boat operator shouldif the boat is in gear and the tube is still dationsregarding capacity in terms ofnot be watching the tuber. in the water or has any chance of flying passenger weight, number of riders, age Use caution when making turns out of the boat.limit and maximum towing speeds. tube speed increases during a turn and Vessel operator should ensure thatSecurely fasten the lineuse ariders can fall off or be thrown; neverall participants are not entangled in the heavy duty line designed for towing tubes;have the tuber on the inside of a turn;tow line prior to accelerating.check condition regularly. plan ahead of the turn to make sure tubeFor additional safe water skiingKnow the area ahead of time will have room to safely pass other boatsinformation and our online water skiing maintain a safe distance between theor docks.course, visit www.ct.gov/deep/water-tube and other boats, piers and floating Slow the boat speed when need- skiendorsementplatforms. edwhen crossing wakes to avoid back 2020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE25'