CT HB05198

Amends Section 15-1 of general statutes to authorize harbor masters to cite vessel operators for exceeding slow-no-wake speed as defined in section 15-154, with fines up to $50.

Harbor masters may also cite operators for violations of the new Section 2 prohibiting operation in slow-no-wake zones that causes smaller vessels to capsize or injures other persons.

Violators of the slow-no-wake zone safety provision face infraction citations and mandatory suspension of safe boating certificates or personal watercraft operation certificates for at least 30 days by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Effective from passage; applies to the eight named harbors (New Haven, Norwich, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Stonington, New London, and Branford) and any other towns with navigable waters.

Stated purpose is to reduce land erosion from vessel wakes and protect responsible marine vessel operators.