Section 250-RICR-80-00-1.5 - DefinitionsA. 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.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.5
Amended effective 4/2/2023