Laws and Safety Equipment

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SPEED AND NAVIGATION

Anchoring and Obstructing Navigation

This section applies to all vessels or other objects used or placed on the waters of Delaware.

• Do not anchor a vessel or other object in a navigable channel or allow any equipment from an anchored vessel to extend into the channel and subsequently interfere with the passage of any other vessel.
• Do not anchor a vessel in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise obscure navigation aids.
• Do not anchor a vessel or allow any equipment from an anchored vessel to obstruct or otherwise interfere with the passage of any other vessel near:
  • A boat launching facility;
  • A marina entrance;
  • The entrance to any canal or waterway;
  • A permanent mooring facility; or
  • A vessel docking facility.

Safe Boat Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

The speed of all vessels on the waters of this State shall be limited to a Slow-No-Wake speed when within 100 feet of:

Any shoreline where "Slow-No-Wake" signs have been erected by the Department;

• Floats;
• Docks;
• Launching ramps;
• Marked swimming areas;
• Swimmers; or
• Anchored, moored, or drifting vessels.

No person shall operate a vessel at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable having regard to conditions and circumstances such as the closeness of the shore and shore installations, anchored or moored vessels in the vicinity, width of the channel, and if applicable, vessel traffic and water use.

Responsibility of Operator

The operator of any vessel on the waters of Delaware shall be legally responsible for injuries, damages to life, limb, or property caused by his/her vessel or vessel wake.