b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N SWATERSKI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25not fly over or under obstructions such as utility lines and bridges, noralong with a $20 processing feeshall they fly over dams, locks, docks, launching ramps, swim areas, Wait 45 daysmarinas, or congested areas.If the owner does not collect the boat in 45 days, you will be Self-propelled water skis, surfboards, and remote control devicesissued a Notice of Assumed Ownershipwhich tow water skiers, are prohibited in Connecticut.All waterski jumps and slalom courses require a permit. ContactThe abandoned boat process is a closed process. Only the legal the Boating Division or visit our website for information. owner of an abandoned boat can claim an abandoned boat from the table listed on the abandoned boat website.Wing-In-Ground (WIG) Vessels Thefineforabandoningaboatis$440.00,andunderthe A wing-in-ground (WIG) effect vessel must be approved by theabandoned boat law the last registered owner can be held liable for DEEP before operating recreationally and by the U.S. Coast Guardall costs associated with processing the abandoned boat.before operating for commercial or for research purposes. To help avoid possible fines, cancel your registration in writing within 15 days of selling or destroying your registered boat. Its the Marine Event Permits law! Send a cancellation note under your signature to the DMV Marine On state waters, all activities requiring exclusive use of a portionVessel Section, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161.of a waterbody, a state boat launch, or the modification or suspensionComplete instructions, rules, and necessary forms are available of any laws or regulations require a permit issued by the DEEP. Theseonline at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Abandoned-Boats activities can include marine parades, regattas, races, tournaments, fireworks over water, exhibitions, and others. Applications must bePersonal Watercraft Restrictionsreceived by the DEEP Boating Division at least 45 days prior to thePersonalWatercraftsaresubjecttothefollowingoperation event. restrictions (for age restrictions, see page 26):For details visit the DEEP website https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/No person shall operate a personal watercraft between sunset Boating/Boating-and-Paddling. and sunrise or during periods of reduced visibilityIf your event is on tidal waters, contact the USCG Sector Long No passenger shall ride in front of the operator on a personal Island Sound Marine Events Coordinator by phone: (203) 468-4565watercraftor email: D01-SMB-SECLISSPWMarineEvents@uscg.mil.No passenger shall ride upon a personal watercraft unless the passenger is able to securely hold onto the person in front of them or Marker (Buoy or Beacon) Permitsto the handholds on the personal watercraftAll markers buoys or beacons, other than a divers flag, require a All operators and passengers must keep both feet on the deck permit from the DEEP. This includes markers placed for swim areas,of the personal watercraft to maintain balance while the personal speed zones, navigation, information, and water ski courses or jumps.watercraft is in operationVisittheDEEPwebsiteathttps://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/All persons aboard a personal watercraft shall wear a United Boating-and-Paddling for more details. States Coast Guard approved life jacket, inflatable life jackets are not allowedAbandoned BoatsNo person shall operate a personal watercraft at a speed in If your boat is missing, report it to the police and check theexcess of Slow-No-Wake within 200 feet of shore, a dock, pier, float Abandoned Boat website in case it has been found and posted asor anchored or moored vessel. Unless said personal watercraft is abandoned. approaching such float, dock, or shore for the purpose of enabling a If you find an abandoned vessel free floating and unattendedperson engaged in water skiing to take off or landyou must contact law enforcement to report the find - it may be Nopersonshalloperateapersonalwatercrafttowinga the only clue that an emergency is underway.Move the vessel onlywaterskierwithoutsatisfyingtheSafeWaterskiingEndorsement after law enforcement gives you permission. Under the law a boat isrequirements (See page 24)abandoned when it is:No person shall water ski while being towed by a personalFree floating and unattended for more than 24 hours watercraft unless: Left on property without permission for more than 24 hours oAcapacitylabelaffixedbythemanufacturerindicatesLeft at a mooring without payment a carrying capacity of at least three persons: the operator,Leftatacommercialfacilityforoverayearwithoutfullthe observer, and the skierpayment oThe PWC has a minimum overall length of 119 inches,Improperly registered and left on the waters of the state minimum overall width of 46 inches, minimum horizontalIf you are dealing with an abandoned boat: seatlengthof39inches,andatleast13inchesofSubmit a Notice of Abandoned Vessel to the CommissioneradditionalseatlengthperpersonforaPWCwitha capacity greater than three people2023 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE27'