Opinion ID: 728743
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Rhode Island Boating Law

Text: 29 Finally, Marques appeals the directed verdict on the Rhode Island Boating Laws claim. R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-15 provides that 30 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. 31 This statute therefore requires negligent operation of a vessel and that a plaintiff's injuries be proximately caused by this negligent operation. Even were negligent operation of the boat in question to be found, as to which we express some doubt, this claim would nevertheless founder on the proximate cause requirement: the connection between Marques' injuries, including his discharge and resulting alleged damages, and the city's operation of the boat on Jones Pond is too attenuated. We therefore affirm the district court's ruling on this claim too.