Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 250 - Department of Environmental Management › Chapter 80 - Law Enforcement › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Requirements and Standards for Vessels and Associated Equipment › Section 250-RICR-80-00-1.5 - Definitions

Current through June 14, 2024
A. For the purpose of these regulations, the
				  following terms shall have the following meanings:
1. "Aids to navigation" means any device
				  designed or intended to assist the navigator to determine his/her position or
				  safe course or to warn him/her of danger or obstructions to
				  navigation.
2. "All-round light"
				  means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of 360 degrees.
3. "Canoe" means a narrow vessel or shallow
				  draft, typically pointed at both ends and propelled by human power and includes
				  kayaks.
4. "Engine cut off switch"
				  or "Engine cut off switch link" means a safety mechanism used to shut off
				  propulsion machinery when the operator is displaced from the helm. The device
				  must be attached to the operator, the operators clothing, or the operator's
				  personal floatation device and is typically a coiled lanyard but may also be an
				  electronic fob.
5. "Kiteboard"
				  means a vessel, similar in appearance to a surfboard, with or without
				  foot-straps or bindings combined with a large controllable kite to propel the
				  rider and board across the water.
6. "Masthead light" means a white light
				  placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light
				  over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light
				  from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective
				  side.
7. "Motorboat" means as
				  defined by Definitions; 46
				  C.F.R. §
												24.10-1, incorporated above at
				  §
											1.4(C) of
				  this Part, means any vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length or less that is
				  propelled by machinery. The word "motorboat" includes a boat temporarily or
				  permanently equipped with a detachable motor. For purposes of this chapter,
				  motorboat shall not include houseboats as defined R.I. Gen. Laws §
											44-5-25.1.
8. "Motor vessel" means as defined by
				  46 C.F.R. §
												24.10-1, incorporated above at §
											1.4(C) of
				  this Part means any vessel more than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length that is
				  propelled by machinery.
9.
				  "Paddleboard" means a vessel consisting of a large board which is stable enough
				  to support a person standing while it is paddled in a manner similar to
				  operating a canoe and is "practically capable" and intended to be used as a
				  water sport activity beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or
				  bathing area. A paddleboard being used within the limits of a swimming,
				  surfing, or bathing area is not considered a vessel at that time and not
				  subject to the safety equipment carriage requirements of these
				  regulations.
10. "Personal
				  flotation device" or "PFD" means a lifesaving flotation device approved by the
				  United States Coast Guard, pursuant to
				  46 C.F.R. §
												160 incorporated above at §
											1.4(D) of
				  this Part.
11. "Personal
				  watercraft" means a vessel, less than 16 feet (4.9 meters) in length that is
				  propelled by machinery and is designed to be operated by a person sitting,
				  standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of
				  sitting or standing inside of the vessel.
12. "Racing shell" or "Rowing scull" or
				  "Racing kayak" means a manually propelled vessel that is recognized by national
				  or international racing association(s) for use in competitive racing, and one
				  in which all occupant's row, scull, or paddle with the exception of a coxswain,
				  if one is provided, and is not designed to carry equipment.
13. "Readily accessible" means when used to
				  describe the accessibility of personal flotation device(s) (PFDs), fire
				  extinguisher(s), and visual distress device(s) means that the equipment
				  described is visible to the operator and passengers and easy to gain access to
				  in the event of an emergency.
14.
				  "Regulatory markers" means any device which indicates to a vessel operator the
				  existence of dangerous areas as well as those which are intended to restrict or
				  control, such as speed zones and areas indicated to a particular use or to
				  provide general information and directions. This includes, but is not limited
				  to, bathing markers, speed zone markers, information markers, danger zone
				  markers, boat keep out areas, and mooring areas.
15. "Rowboat" means any vessel, except a
				  canoe, that is designed to be rowed by human power by oars or paddles and upon
				  which there is no mechanical propulsion device or sail used for the operation
				  of the vessel.
16. "Sailboat" means
				  any vessel equipped with masts and sails, dependent upon the wind to propel it
				  in the normal course of operation.
17. "Sailboard" means a vessel, similar in
				  appearance to a surfboard, equipped with a swivel mounted mast and sail not
				  secured to a hull by guys or stays.
18. "Serviceable condition" means when used
				  to describe the condition of personal flotation device(s) (PFDs), fire
				  extinguisher(s), and visual distress device(s) means that the device is in
				  working condition and is as manufactured without modification or missing,
				  broken or torn parts, and any expiration date on the device is still
				  valid.
19. "Sidelights" means a
				  green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, each
				  showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so
				  fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on
				  its respective side. On a vessel of less than 39.37 feet (12 meters) in length,
				  the sidelights, when combined in one lantern, shall be placed as nearly as
				  practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.
20. "Sternlight" means a white light placed
				  as nearly practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the
				  horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from the
				  light aft on each side of the vessel.
21. "Throwable PFD" means a personal
				  flotation device that is intended to be thrown to a person in the water and
				  used in accordance with any limitations specified on the U.S. Coast Guard
				  approved label and with the manufacturer's instructions. A specifically marked
				  "wearable" PFD is not a throwable PFD.
22. "Underway" means that a vessel is not at
				  anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.
23. "Vessel" means every description of
				  watercraft or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a
				  means of transportation on water.
24. "Wearable PFD" means a personal flotation
				  device that is intended to be worn or otherwise attached to the body and used
				  in accordance with any limitations specified on the U.S. Coast Guard approved
				  label and with the manufacturer's instructions.
25. "Whistle" means any sound signaling
				  appliance which complies with the specifications of
				  33 C.F.R. §
												86, Annex III-Technical Details of Sound
				  Signaling Appliances, incorporated above at §
											1.4(A) of
				  this Part.