Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 3302 (2026)

Subchapter 002 : VESSELS

• § 3302. Definitions

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

  (1) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

  (2) “Holding tank” means a container or device designed to provide for the retention of wastes on board a vessel and to prevent the discharge of wastes into the waters of this State.

  (3) “Law enforcement officer” means a person designated in subdivision 4(11) of this title and includes deputy State game wardens and auxiliary State Police officers.

  (4) “Marine toilet” means any toilet on or within any vessel except those that have been permanently sealed and made inoperative.

  (5) “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 either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length, the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

  (6) “Motorboat” means any vessel equipped with machinery capable of propelling the vessel, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion.

  (7) “Operate” means to navigate or otherwise use a vessel.

  (8) “Owner” means a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a vessel. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a vessel 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.

  (9) “Person” means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.

  (10) “Personal watercraft” means a class A vessel that uses an inboard engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by an individual or individuals sitting, standing, or kneeling on or being towed behind the motorboat rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

  (11) “Public waters of the State” means navigable waters as defined in 10 V.S.A. chapter 49, excepting those waters in private ponds and private preserves as set forth in 10 V.S.A. §§ 5204, 5205, 5206, and 5210.

  (12) “Racing shell or rowing scull” means a manually propelled vessel that is recognized by national or international racing associations for use in competitive racing, and one in which all occupants row or scull, with the exception of a coxswain, if one is provided, and is not designed to carry and does not carry any equipment not solely for competitive racing.

  (13) “Sailboard” means a sailboat whose unsupported mast is attached to a surfboard-like hull by a flexible joint.

  (14) “Sailing vessel” means any vessel under sail, provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

  (15) “Sidelights” mean 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 20 meters in length the side lights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 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.

  (16) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as 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 right aft on each side of the vessel.

  (17) “Vessel” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water or a racing shell or rowing scull occupied exclusively by individuals over 12 years of age, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

  (18) “Waste” means effluent, sewage, or any substance or material, liquid, gaseous, solid, or radioactive, including heated liquids, whether or not harmful or deleterious to waters of this State.

  (19) “Waters of this State” means any waters within the territorial limits of this State. (Added 1983, No. 212 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 1989, No. 65, § 1; 2001, No. 75 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2019, No. 14, § 63, eff. April 30, 2019; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 236; 2021, No. 76, § 11; 2021, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 424, eff. July 1, 2022.)