§ 46-22-2 — § 46-22-2. Definitions.

Rhode Island § 46-22-2

• Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
• Title 46: Waters and Navigation
• Ch. 46-22: Regulation of Boats

Text

§ 46-22-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

(1) "Director� means the director of the department of environmental management.

(2) "Motorboatâ€� means any vessel whether or not the vessel is propelled by machinery. For purposes of this chapter, motorboat shall not include houseboats as defined in § 44-5-25.1, canoes, and rowboats twelve feet (12′) in length or less.

(3) "Operate� means to navigate or otherwise use a motorboat or a vessel.

(4) "Owner� means a person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a motorboat. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat subject to an interest in another person, reserved, or created by agreement and securing payment or performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.

(5) "Person� means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.

(6) "Personal watercraft� means a small class A vessel less than sixteen feet (16′) in length which uses an outboard motor or an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power; and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside of the vessel.

(7) "Vessel� means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

(8) "Waters of this state� means any waters within the territorial limits of this state, and the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of this state.

Legislative History

P.L. 1959, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 24, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 384, § 1.