Connecticut Boating Laws

Connecticut’s ocean coastline, lakes, and rivers offer a variety of opportunities for boating, waterskiing, fishing, and sailing. More time spent on the water can translate into a higher likelihood of boating accidents. If you have been injured in a boat accident, you deserve the chance to hold the at-fault party responsible for the harm they’ve caused. The personal injury attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, are familiar with Connecticut boating laws and have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for injured clients. 

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boat operator inexperience is a major contributor to water vessel collisions. The state does require that anyone operating a water vessel have a valid boating certificate issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, but this does not guarantee that boaters have the skills and experience necessary to safely operate a vessel in all scenarios. Being unfamiliar with Connecticut’s numerous boating laws, uncertainty over how to handle emergency situations, and confusion over navigation rules can all lead to boating accidents. 

Other causes of accidents include:

• Operator negligence or distraction
• Reckless behavior, such as overloading or speeding
• Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Rough waters

Avoiding these situations that lead to accidents is important for water safety, and knowing the laws can help. 

State Boating Laws Everyone Should Know

There are numerous laws that govern water safety and boating behavior in Connecticut. 

Laws Regarding Boat Speed

Various regulations dictate the appropriate and safe speed for boaters on Connecticut’s waters, including the following requirements:

• Operators should slow down when passing swimming areas, marinas, anchored vessels, and various other similar areas.
• Boats should not exceed Slow-No-Wake (generally no greater than six [6] mph) when within 100 feet of certain buoys, including those marking a boat access area or a restricted swimming area. 
• Slow-No-Wake should not be exceeded when within 200 feet of a dock, pier, moored vessel, or shore. 
• When no speed limits are posted, boaters should operate the vessel at a speed that will not endanger others and that allows for stopping within the clear distance ahead of the boat.

Laws Regarding Life Jackets

Boats must be equipped with a wearable life jacket for every person on board, and they must be easily accessible and fit appropriately. Additional life jacket requirements include:

• They must be approved by the US Coast Guard
• They must have clearly legible labels
• They must be in serviceable or good condition
• With few exceptions, anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when boating. 

Reckless Operation of a Vessel

A boater may be operating their vessel recklessly if they fail to exercise necessary care to prevent endangering others. This can include speeding in restricted areas or boating outside the allowed times. This is important because Connecticut’s modified comparative fault system states that each at-fault party is responsible for damages caused by their negligence or recklessness. Determining if reckless or negligent behavior led to the accident is important when apportioning fault among more than one culpable party.

Marijuana and Boating

Connecticut allows adults to use marijuana, but operating a boat while intoxicated is still prohibited. Many local police departments have Drug Recognition Experts who are trained to test whether someone is boating under the influence of drugs. If you are determined to be over the limit, or if you refuse to submit to an evaluation, your boating license may be suspended upon your arrest. 

Important Terms to Know Before Operating a Boat

• Overloading: adding too much weight to a boat can negatively impact stability and maneuverability and increase the chance of capsizing.
• Slow-No-Wake: this is the slowest speed that a boat can go while still being able to steer and generally no more than six miles per hour.
• Bridge Clearance: the space between the water’s surface and the lowest part of a bridge is known as the bridge clearance. 
• Air Draft: the vertical clearance of a boat, which is measured from the vessel’s waterline to its highest point. 
• Give-way Vessel: the boat that usually maintains its speed and course when in the path of another vessel.
• Stand-on Vessel: the boat that turns, slows, or stops to avoid collision with another boat. 

Our Experienced Connecticut Attorneys Can Explain How State Boating Laws May Impact Your Case

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of the accident and apply the numerous Connecticut boating laws to determine the best course of action for you.