§ 118-33. Operation of watercraft generally.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    Careless, reckless, etc., operation. Any person operating or propelling a watercraft within the harbor shall operate the same in a careful and prudent manner. No person shall operate a watercraft in a careless, negligent, or reckless manner or heedlessly in a willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, or in a manner or at a speed so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs.

    (b)

    Speed. No person shall operate a watercraft at a rate of speed greater than will permit him, in the exercise of reasonable care, to bring the watercraft to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, or at a speed which causes waves to damage docks, wharves, seawalls, or other watercraft.

    (c)

    Disturbing other watercraft. No person shall operate a watercraft in a manner so as to unreasonably interfere with the lawful use by others of any waters, or in such a manner as to unjustifiably or unnecessarily annoy or frighten or endanger the occupants of any other boat, or throw up a dangerous wake when approaching other watercraft.

    (d)

    Mooring. No watercraft shall be moored within the channel or in such a manner as to interfere with the full use of the channel by others. No watercraft shall be moored, laid up, brought to a stop, or anchored within the harbor so as to interfere with or hinder the use of the channel or the opening or closing of any bridge across any of the waters of the harbor. No person shall moor a watercraft to a private seawall or dock or beach it upon private property without the permission of the owner thereof.

    (e)

    Striking bridges, etc. No person shall navigate or operate a watercraft so as to strike or come into contact with any bridge, bridge abutment, center pier or the piles or revetments thereof.

(Code 1970, § 23-8)