b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N Senforcement vessel using its lights and audible signal or a fire rescueRestricted Safety and Security Zonesvessel using its lights, the vessel operator is required to slow theNo person shall operate, allow the operation of a vessel, or anchor operators vessel to Slow-No-Wake speed until it is more than 200any vessel on the waters of the state within a safety or security zone feet away from the law enforcement or fire rescue vessel. If someoneor a regulated navigational area.fails to slow as required, the offender shall be subject to a fine of between $50 to $200. Restricted Operating Distancesand Speed AreasDefinitions of Terms No person shall operate a vessel or cause a waterskier to Thefollowingdefinitionswillproveusefulinpass within one hundred feet of a flag, buoy or other device, understanding the rules and regulations related to boating.marking the location of an underwater swimmer or diver.RegulatedNavigationalArea.WaterareawithinNo person shall operate a motorboat, excluding a personal adefinedboundaryforwhichregulationsforvesselswatercraft, at a speed in excess of Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore, or a dock, pier, float or anchored or moored navigating within the area have been established under 33vessel, unless taking off or landing a waterskier.CFR Part 165. No person shall operate a personal watercraft at a speed in RestrictedVisibility.Conditionsinwhichvisibilityexcess of Slow-No-Wake within 200 feet of shore, or a dock, is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms,pier, float or anchored or moored vessel, unless taking off or sandstorms or any other similar causes. landing a waterskier.SafetyZone.Awaterarea,shorearea,orwaterWhenwithin100feetofbuoysmarkingarestricted andshoreareatowhich,forsafetyorenvironmentalswimming area or boat access area, vessels shall be operated purposes, access is limited to authorized persons, vehicles or vessels.at Slow-No-Wake.TheCommissioneroftheDepartmentofEnergy&Environmental Protection is authorized to create temporary safety zones for a periodSpeed Regulationsnot to exceed 72 consecutive hours, unless an emergency warrantsWhen no limits are posted, operate the boat so it will not endanger otherwise. others. The boat must be able to stop safely within the clear distance Security Zone. An area of land, water, or land and water, whichahead. When passing near marinas, fishing areas, swimming areas, is designated under 33 CFR Part 165 by the United States Coasta vessel at anchor, or similar places, reduce speed. Operators are Guard for such time as is necessary to prevent injury or damage toresponsible for damage caused by their wakes.the area or to secure the observance of the rights and obligations ofIn Connecticut, speed is limited by law for certain conditions and the United States. areas. Comply with posted regulatory signs and the regulations printed Slow-No-Wake. A vessel shall not producewithin this chapter.more than a minimum wake and shall not attainEveryvesselmust,undercrowdedconditionsorinreduced visibility,slowdownandoperatewithcarefulregardforexisting speedsgreaterthansixmilesperhourovercircumstances and conditions. Actions such as speeding in confined thegroundunlessahigherminimumspeedisor restricted areas or skiing at prohibited times or in restricted areas necessary to maintain steerageway when travelingcan also be construed as reckless or negligent operation.with a strong current. In no case shall the wake produced by the vessel be such that it creates aReckless Operationdanger or injury to persons, or will damage vesselsReckless operation is the failure to exercise the degree of care or structures of any kind. necessary to prevent endangering another person or their property.State and Federal Waters Age Restrictions FederalWaters.NavigablewatersoftheNo person under the age of 12 may serve as the observer for a United States, as defined by 33 CFR 2.36(a), withinvessel engaged in waterskiing.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 territorialpropelled by greater than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by a limits of the state except federal waters. person who is at least 18 years of age and who has a SBC or CPWO.Waters of state. All waters, including federal waters, within theEvery person under the age of 13 must wear a USCG approved territorial limits of the state. PFD when the vessel they are aboard is underway, unless that person Underway. When a vessel is not moored, anchored, made fast tois below deck or in an enclosed cabin.the shore, or aground. No person under the age of 16 may operate a PWC or a JAV. (Note exception.)222021 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'