§ 46-22-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:
(1) “Director” means the director of the department of environmental management.
(2) “Motorboat” means any vessel whether or not the vessel is propelled by machinery. For purposes of this chapter, motorboat shall not include houseboats as defined in § 44-5-25.1, canoes, and rowboats twelve feet (12′) in length or less.
(3) “Operate” means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or a vessel.
(4) “Owner” means a person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a motorboat. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat subject to an interest in another person, reserved, or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
(5) “Person” means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.
(6) “Personal watercraft” means a small class A vessel less than sixteen feet (16′) in length which uses an outboard motor or an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power; and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside of the vessel.
(7) “Vessel” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(8) “Waters of this state” means any waters within the territorial limits of this state, and the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of this state.
History of Section.P.L. 1959, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 24, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 384, § 1.
Structure 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 46-22-15.2. - 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 46-22-19. - 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.