Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats
Section 46-22-15. - Owner’s civil liability.

§ 46-22-15. Owner’s civil liability.
The owner of a vessel shall be liable for any injury or damage occasioned by the negligent operation of the vessel, whether the negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the statutes of this state, or neglecting to observe such ordinary care and such operation as the rules of the common law require. The owner shall not be liable, however, unless the vessel is being used with his or her express or implied consent. It shall be presumed that the vessel is being operated with the knowledge and consent of the owner, if at the time of the injury or damage, it is under the control of his or her spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other immediate member of the owner’s family. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to relieve any other person from any liability which he or she would otherwise have, but nothing contained herein shall be construed to authorize or permit any recovery in excess of the injury or damage actually incurred.
History of Section.P.L. 1959, ch. 187, § 1.

Structure Rhode Island General Laws

Rhode Island General Laws

Title 46 - Waters and Navigation

Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats

Section 46-22-1. - Declaration of policy.

Section 46-22-2. - Definitions.

Section 46-22-3. - Operation of unnumbered motorboats prohibited.

Section 46-22-4. - Identification number and registration fee.

Section 46-22-5. - Classification and required equipment.

Section 46-22-6. - Exemption from numbering provisions of this chapter.

Section 46-22-7. - Boat liveries.

Section 46-22-8. - Muffling devices.

Section 46-22-9. - Prohibited operation.

Section 46-22-9.1. - Houseboats — Exclusion from coastal ponds.

Section 46-22-9.2. - Flotation devices — Children.

Section 46-22-9.3. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in death.

Section 46-22-9.4. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury.

Section 46-22-9.5. - Speeding.

Section 46-22-9.6. - False distress or hoax calls.

Section 46-22-9.7. - Marine safety zones.

Section 46-22-9.8. - Certificate of boating safety education.

Section 46-22-10. - Collisions, accidents, and casualties.

Section 46-22-11. - Transmittal of information.

Section 46-22-12. - Water skis and surfboards.

Section 46-22-13. - Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.

Section 46-22-13.1. - Marine safety zones.

Section 46-22-13.2. - Bridge safety.

Section 46-22-14. - Local regulation.

Section 46-22-15. - Owner’s civil liability.

Section 46-22-15.1. - Operation of boat by nonresident as appointment of attorney to receive process.

Section 46-22-15.2. - Service on nonresident.

Section 46-22-15.3. - Process fees as costs — Record of process.

Section 46-22-16. - Boat manufacturers and dealers.

Section 46-22-17. - Enforcement.

Section 46-22-17.1. - Enforcement power of employees of the department of environmental management.

Section 46-22-17.2. - Prosecution of violations.

Section 46-22-17.3. - Refusal to stop on order or command.

Section 46-22-18. - Funds.

Section 46-22-19. - Penalties.

Section 46-22-20. - Severability.

Section 46-22-21. - Reporting of accidents, casualty, vandalism, and thefts.

Section 46-22-22. - Owner required to make written reports.

Section 46-22-23. - Maximum speed within the city of Warwick.

Section 46-22-24. - Scuba divers, skin diving, or snorkeling — Warning flags.

Section 46-22-25. - Regulations.

Section 46-22-26. - Severability.