CHAPTER 268
BOATING

PART II
SAFETY REGULATION

      Sec. 15-140l. Reckless operation of a vessel in the first degree while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the first degree while under the influence when, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, or while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content, such person operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to result in (1) serious physical injury to another person, or (2) damage to property in excess of two thousand dollars.

      (b) Any person guilty of reckless operation of a vessel in the first degree while under the influence shall be fined not less than two thousand five hundred dollars or more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than two years, or both, and such person's safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate shall be suspended by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of section 15-133.

      (P.A. 89-388, S. 12, 27; P.A. 03-244, S. 2; P.A. 04-257, S. 25; P.A. 09-140, S. 2; P.A. 10-32, S. 158; P.A. 11-74, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 03-244 amended Subsec. (a) to include the offense of operating a vessel with an elevated blood alcohol level, make technical changes and increase the property damage amount from $1,000 to $2,000 and amended Subsec. (b) to increase the minimum fine from $500 to $2,500, the maximum fine from $1,000 to $5,000 and the maximum imprisonment period from one year to two years; P.A. 04-257 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 09-140 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by removing element of death of another person, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-32 amended Subsec. (a) to delete "level" re blood alcohol content, effective May 10, 2010; P.A. 11-74 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re suspension of safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate, effective July 1, 2011.

      Sec. 15-140n. Reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree while under the influence when, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, or while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content, such person operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person.

      (b) Any person guilty of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree while under the influence shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both, and such person's safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate shall be suspended by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of section 15-133.

      (P.A. 89-388, S. 14, 27; P.A. 03-244, S. 3; P.A. 04-257, S. 26; P.A. 10-32, S. 159; P.A. 11-74, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 03-244 amended Subsec. (a) to include operation of a vessel with an elevated blood alcohol level and make a technical change and amended Susec. (b) to increase the minimum fine from $250 to $500 and the maximum fine from $500 to $1,000; P.A. 04-257 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 10-32 amended Subsec. (a) to delete "level" re blood alcohol content, effective May 10, 2010; P.A. 11-74 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re suspension of safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate, effective July 1, 2011.

      Sec. 15-140q. Consent for chemical analysis. Suspension of safe boating certificate. Procedures. Hearing on suspension. Penalties for conviction. Elevated blood alcohol content defined. Regulations. (a) Any person who operates a vessel in this state shall be deemed to have consented to a chemical analysis of such person's blood, breath or urine, and if such person is a minor, such person's parent or parents or guardian shall also be deemed to have given their consent for such an analysis of the minor's blood, breath or urine.

      (b) If any such person, having been placed under arrest for: (1) Violating subsection (b) of section 53-206d; (2) operating a vessel upon the waters of this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both; (3) operating a vessel upon the waters of this state while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content, and thereafter, after being apprised of such person's constitutional rights, having been requested to submit to a blood, breath or urine test at the option of the police officer, having been afforded a reasonable opportunity to telephone an attorney prior to the performance of such test and having been informed that such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation issued by the commissioner as a condition of operating a vessel shall be suspended in accordance with the provisions of this section if such person refuses to submit to such test or if such person submits to such test and the results of such test indicate that such person has an elevated blood alcohol content and that evidence of any such refusal shall be admissible in accordance with subsection (d) of section 15-140r, and may be used against such person in any criminal prosecution, refuses to submit to the designated test, the test shall not be given; provided, if such person refuses or is unable to submit to a blood test, the peace officer shall designate the breath or urine test as the test to be taken. The peace officer shall make a notation upon the records of the police department that such officer informed such person that such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation would be suspended if such person refused to submit to such test or if such person submitted to such test and the results of such test indicated that such person has an elevated blood alcohol content.

      (c) If the person arrested refuses to submit to such test or analysis, or submits to such test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicate that at the time of the alleged offense such person had an elevated blood alcohol content, the peace officer shall immediately revoke the safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation, if any, of such person for a twenty-four-hour period. The peace officer shall prepare a written report of the incident and shall mail the report, together with any certificate taken into possession and a copy of the results of any chemical test or analysis, to the commissioner within three business days. The report shall be made on a form approved by the commissioner and shall be subscribed and sworn to under penalty of false statement as provided in section 53a-157b by the peace officer before whom such refusal was made or who administered or caused to be administered such test or analysis. If the person arrested refused to submit to such test or analysis, the report shall be endorsed by a third person who witnessed such refusal. The report shall set forth the grounds for the officer's belief that there was probable cause to arrest such person for operating such vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, or while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content and shall state that such person refused to submit to such test or analysis when requested by such peace officer or that such person submitted to such test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that such person at the time of the alleged offense had an elevated blood alcohol content.

      (d) If the person arrested submits to a blood or urine test at the request of the peace officer, and the specimen requires laboratory analysis in order to obtain the test results, and if the test results indicate that such person has an elevated blood alcohol content, the peace officer, immediately upon receipt of the test results, shall notify and submit to the commissioner the written report required pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

      (e) Upon receipt of such report, the commissioner shall suspend the safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation of such person effective as of a date certain, such date shall be no later than thirty-five days after the date such person received notice of such person's arrest by the peace officer. Any person whose safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation is suspended in accordance with this subsection shall be entitled to a hearing before the commissioner to be held prior to the effective date of the suspension. The commissioner shall send a suspension notice to such person informing such person that such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation is suspended and shall specify the date of such suspension and that such person is entitled to a hearing prior to the effective date of the suspension and may schedule such hearing by contacting the commissioner not later than seven days after the date of mailing of such suspension notice.

      (f) If such person does not contact the department to schedule a hearing, the commissioner shall affirm the suspension contained in the suspension notice for the appropriate period specified in subsection (i) of this section.

      (g) If such person contacts the department to schedule a hearing, the commissioner shall assign a date, time and place for the hearing, which date shall be prior to the effective date of the suspension. At the request of such person and upon a showing of good cause, the commissioner may grant one continuance for a period not to exceed thirty days. The hearing shall be limited to a determination of the following issues: (1) Whether the peace officer had probable cause to arrest the person for operating the vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content; (2) whether such person was placed under arrest; (3) whether such person (A) refused to submit to such test or analysis, or (B) submitted to such test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that at the time of the alleged offense that such person had an elevated blood alcohol content; and (4) whether such person was operating the vessel. At the hearing, the results of the test or analysis shall be sufficient to indicate the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person at the time of operation, except that if the results of an additional test, administered pursuant to section 15-140r, indicate that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person is eight-hundredths of one per cent or less of alcohol, by weight, and is higher than the results of the first test, evidence shall be presented that demonstrates that the test results and analysis thereof accurately indicate the blood alcohol content at the time of operation. The fees of any witness summoned to appear at the hearing shall be the same as provided in section 52-260.

      (h) If, after such hearing, the commissioner finds on any one of said issues in the negative, the commissioner shall stay the safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation suspension. If, after such hearing, the commissioner does not find on any one of said issues in the negative or if such person fails to appear at such hearing, the commissioner shall affirm the suspension contained in the suspension notice for the appropriate period specified in subsection (i) of this section. The commissioner shall render a decision at the conclusion of such hearing or send a notice of the decision by certified mail to such person not later than thirty-five days from the date of notice of such person's arrest by the peace officer or, if a continuance is granted, not later than sixty-five days from the date such person received notice of such person's arrest by the peace officer. The notice of such decision sent by certified mail to the address of such person as shown by the records of the commissioner shall be sufficient notice to such person that such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation is suspended or the suspension is stayed. Unless a continuance of the hearing is granted pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, if the commissioner fails to render a decision within thirty-five days from the date that such person received notice of such person's arrest by the peace officer, the commissioner shall not suspend such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation.

      (i) The commissioner shall suspend the operator's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation of a person who does not contact the department to schedule a hearing under subsection (e) of this section, who fails to appear at such hearing, or against whom, after a hearing, the commissioner holds pursuant to subsection (g) of this section. Such suspension shall be as of the effective date contained in the suspension notice or the date the commissioner renders a decision, whichever is later, for a period of: (1) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, ninety days if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that at the time of the alleged offense that such person had an elevated blood alcohol content, or (B) one hundred twenty days if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was sixteen-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight, or (C) six months if such person refused to submit to such test or analysis; (2) if such person has previously had such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation suspended under this section, (A) except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, nine months if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that at the time of the alleged offense that such person had an elevated blood alcohol content, (B) ten months if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was sixteen-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight, and (C) one year if such person refused to submit to such test or analysis; and (3) if such person has two or more times previously had such person's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation suspended under this section, (A) except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, two years if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that at the time of the alleged offense that such person had an elevated blood alcohol content, (B) two and one-half years if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was sixteen-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight, and (C) three years if such person refused to submit to such test or analysis.

      (j) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) to (i), inclusive, of this section, any peace officer who obtains the results of a chemical analysis of a blood sample taken from an operator of a vessel involved in an accident who suffered or allegedly suffered physical injury in such accident shall notify the commissioner and submit to the commissioner a written report if such results indicate that at the time of the alleged offense such person had an elevated blood alcohol content, and if such person was arrested for a violation of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133 or section 15-140l or 15-140n in connection with such accident. The report shall be made on a form approved by the commissioner containing such information as the commissioner prescribes and shall be subscribed and sworn under penalty of false statement, as provided in section 53a-157b, by the peace officer. The commissioner shall, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, which shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 54, suspend the safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation of such person for a period of up to ninety days, or, if such person has previously had such person's operating privilege suspended under this section, for a period up to one year. Each hearing conducted under this section shall be limited to a determination of the following issues: (1) Whether the peace officer had probable cause to arrest the person for operating a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or while such person has an elevated blood alcohol content; (2) whether such person was placed under arrest; (3) whether such person was operating the vessel; (4) whether the results of the analysis of the blood of such person indicate that such person had an elevated blood alcohol content; and (5) whether the blood sample was obtained in accordance with conditions for admissibility as set forth in section 15-140s. If, after such hearing, the commissioner finds on any issue in the negative, the commissioner shall not impose a suspension. The fees of any witness summoned to appear at the hearing shall be the same as provided by the general statutes for witnesses in criminal cases.

      (k) The provisions of this section shall apply with the same effect to the refusal by any person to submit to an additional chemical test as provided in subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of section 15-140r.

      (l) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person whose physical condition is such that, according to competent medical advice, such test would be inadvisable.

      (m) The state shall pay the reasonable charges of any physician who, at the request of a municipal police department, takes a blood sample for purposes of a test under the provisions of this section.

      (n) For the purposes of this section, "elevated blood alcohol content" means: (1) A ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person that is eight-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight, or (2) if such person is under twenty-one years of age, a ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person that is two-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight.

      (o) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

      (P.A. 89-388, S. 19, 27; P.A. 00-142, S. 4; P.A. 03-244, S. 5; P.A. 09-140, S. 10; P.A. 10-124, S. 1, 2; P.A. 11-59, S. 1; 11-74, S. 3.)

      History: P.A. 00-142 amended Subsec. (a) by adding reference to violation of Sec. 53-206d(b); P.A. 03-244 added new Subsec. (a) re consent to blood, breath or urine test, redesignated existing Subsec. (a) as new Subsec. (b) and amended same by adding provisions re operating vessel while having elevated blood alcohol content, re suspension of certificate and re duties of peace officer and by making conforming and technical changes, deleted former Subsecs. (b) and (c) re physical condition of person and payment of charges, and added new Subsecs. (c) to (o), inclusive, re refusal to submit to testing, suspension procedures, hearings, reports of peace officers, application of section, payment of charges, definition of "elevated blood alcohol content" and adoption of regulations; P.A. 09-140 amended Subsec. (j) by adding reference to Sec. 15-132a, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-124 amended Subsecs. (c) and (g) to delete provisions re test or analysis commenced within 2 hours of the time of operation, effective May 27, 2010; P.A. 11-59 made a technical change in Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-74 amended Subsec. (j)(5) by replacing reference to Sec. 15-140r(b) with reference to Sec. 15-140s, effective July 1, 2011.

      Sec. 15-140r. Evidence of alcohol or drugs in blood or urine. (a) Except as provided in section 15-140s or subsection (d) of this section, in any criminal prosecution for the violation of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133, section 15-140l or 15-140n or subsection (b) of section 53-206d, evidence respecting the amount of alcohol or drug in the defendant's blood or urine at the time of the alleged offense, as shown by a chemical analysis of the defendant's breath, blood or urine shall be admissible and competent provided: (1) The defendant was afforded a reasonable opportunity to telephone an attorney prior to the performance of the test and consented to the taking of the test upon which such analysis is made; (2) a true copy of the report of the test result was mailed to or personally delivered to the defendant within twenty-four hours or by the end of the next regular business day, after such result was known, whichever is later; (3) the test was performed by or at the direction of a certified law enforcement officer according to methods and with equipment approved by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and if a blood test was performed, it was performed on a blood sample taken by a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery in this state, a qualified laboratory technician, an emergency medical technician II or a registered nurse in accordance with the regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section; (4) the device used for such test was checked for accuracy in accordance with the regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section; (5) an additional chemical test of the same type was performed at least ten minutes after the initial test was performed or, if requested by the peace officer for reasonable cause, an additional chemical test of a different type was performed to detect the presence of a drug or drugs other than or in addition to alcohol, except that the results of the initial test shall not be inadmissible under this subsection if reasonable efforts were made to have such additional test performed in accordance with the conditions set forth in this subsection and such additional test was not performed or was not performed within a reasonable time, or the results of such additional test are not admissible for failure to meet a condition set forth in this subsection; and (6) evidence is presented that the test was commenced within two hours of operation of the vessel or expert testimony establishes the reliability of a test commenced beyond two hours of operation of the vessel. In any prosecution under this section, it shall be a rebuttable presumption that the results of such chemical analysis establish the ratio of alcohol in the blood of the defendant at the time of the alleged offense, except that if the results of the additional test indicate that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such defendant is ten-hundredths of one per cent or less of alcohol, by weight, and is higher than the results of the first test, evidence shall be presented that demonstrates that the test results and the analysis thereof accurately indicate the blood alcohol content at the time of the alleged offense.

      (b) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall ascertain the reliability of each method and type of device offered for chemical testing and analysis of blood, of breath and of urine and certify those methods and types which the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection finds suitable for use in testing and analysis of blood, breath and urine, respectively, in this state. The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, after consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, governing the conduct of chemical tests, the operation and use of chemical test devices and the training and certification of operators of such devices and the drawing or obtaining of blood, breath or urine samples as the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection finds necessary to protect the health and safety of persons who submit to chemical tests and to insure reasonable accuracy in testing results. Such regulations shall not require recertification of a peace officer solely because such officer terminates such officer's employment with the law enforcement agency for which certification was originally issued and commences employment with another such agency.

      (c) If a person is charged with a violation of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133 or section 15-140l or 15-140n, the charge may not be reduced, nolled or dismissed unless the prosecuting authority states in open court such prosecutor's reasons for the reduction, nolle or dismissal.

      (d) In any criminal prosecution for a violation of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133 or section 15-140l or 15-140n, evidence that the defendant refused to submit to a blood, breath or urine test requested in accordance with section 15-140q shall be admissible provided the requirements of subsection (a) of said section have been satisfied. If a case involving a violation of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133 or section 15-140l or 15-140n is tried to a jury, the court shall instruct the jury as to any inference that may or may not be drawn from the defendant's refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test.

      (P.A. 89-388, S. 20, 27; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 00-142, S. 5; P.A. 03-244, S. 6; P.A. 09-140, S. 11; P.A. 10-124, S. 3; P.A. 11-51, S. 134; 11-74, S. 4.)

      History: P.A. 93-381 replaced department and commissioner of health services with department and commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 00-142 amended Subsec. (a) by adding reference to violation of Sec. 53-206d(b); P.A. 03-244 amended Subsec. (a) to add exception for provisions of Subsec. (d), to replace reference to Sec. 15-133(a) with reference to Sec. 15-133(d) and "law enforcement officer" with "certified law enforcement officer", to delete provisions re Department of Public Health, to add references to Department of Public Safety and regulations adopted under Subsec. (b) and to add provisions re additional chemical test, testing commenced within two hours of operation and rebuttable presumption, amended Subsec. (b) to change reference from Commissioner of Public Health to Commissioner of Public Safety, to add provisions re regulations not to require recertification of a peace officer and to make conforming changes, made a technical change in Subsec. (c) and amended Subsec. (d) to add references to Secs. 15-140l and 15-140n; P.A. 09-140 amended Subsecs. (a) and (d) by adding references to Sec. 15-132a and made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (b), effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-124 amended Subsec. (a)(6) by including provision that authorizes expert testimony to establish reliability of a test commenced beyond 2 hours of operation of the vessel, effective May 27, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, "Commissioner of Public Safety" and "Department of Public Safety" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection" and "Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection", respectively, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-74 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to Sec. 15-140s and, in Subdiv. (5), to change timing of additional chemical test from at least 30 minutes after initial test to at least 10 minutes after initial test, and amended Subsec. (c) to include references to Secs. 15-132a, 15-140l and 15-140n, effective July 1, 2011.

      Sec. 15-140s. Seizure and admissibility of chemical analysis of blood or urine sample of injured operator. Evidence respecting the amount of alcohol or drug in the blood or urine of an operator of a vessel involved in an accident who has suffered or allegedly suffered physical injury in such accident, which evidence is derived from a chemical analysis of a blood or urine sample taken from such person at the scene of the accident, while en route to a hospital or at a hospital after such accident, shall be competent evidence to establish probable cause for the arrest by warrant of such person for a violation of section 15-132a, 15-133, 15-140l, or 15-140n and shall be admissible and competent in any subsequent prosecution thereof if: (1) The blood or urine sample was taken in the regular course of business of the hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of such injury; (2) the blood sample was taken by a person licensed to practice medicine in this state, a qualified laboratory technician, an emergency technician II or a registered nurse; (3) a police officer has demonstrated to the satisfaction of a judge of the Superior Court that such officer has reason to believe that such person was operating a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug, or both, and that the chemical analysis of such blood or urine sample constitutes evidence of the commission of the offense of operating a vessel upon the waters of this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug, or both, in violation of section 15-132a, 15-133, 15-140l, or 15-140n; and (4) such judge has issued a search warrant in accordance with section 54-33a authorizing the seizure of the chemical analysis of such blood or urine sample.

      (P.A. 89-388, S. 21, 27; P.A. 11-74, S. 5.)

      History: P.A. 11-74 added references to urine sample and authority to take blood or urine sample at scene of the accident or while en route to a hospital, replaced reference to Sec. 15-133(d) with reference to Sec. 15-133 and included references to Secs. 15-132a, 15-140l and 15-140n, effective July 1, 2011.

PART III
NUMBERING AND REGISTRATION OF VESSELS

      Sec. 15-144. Vessel registration number or registration decal. Schedule of fees payable to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Regulations. Penalty. (a) Any owner desiring to obtain a vessel registration number or registration decal shall apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and shall file such proof of ownership of the vessel as the commissioner may require. Upon receipt of an application in proper form and the numbering fee, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall assign a registration number or registration decal and provide the owner with a temporary certificate of number or temporary certificate of decal. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue two registration decals and a permanent certificate. A registration decal shall be displayed on each side of the vessel at the bow in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. The certificate shall state the name of the owner, his address, a description of the vessel, its hull identification number, the expiration date of the certificate and such other information as the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may prescribe by regulations. Such certificate shall be carried aboard and shall be available for inspection upon the vessel for which it is issued whenever the owner or any person authorized by him is aboard such vessel, except that the certificate of number for a vessel which is less than twenty-six feet and which is rented for noncommercial purposes for less than twenty-four hours may be retained on shore by the owner of such vessel or his agent at the place where such vessel departs or returns. If such certificate is retained on shore, a rental agreement signed by the owner or his agent and by the person renting the vessel shall be carried aboard such vessel and shall be available for inspection. Such rental agreement shall contain the vessel number which appears on the certificate of number and the length of time for which such vessel is rented.

      (b) (1) The owner shall pay a fee to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for deposit with the State Treasurer for each vessel so numbered or registered in accordance with the following schedule and subdivisions of this subsection:

For purposes of this schedule "overall length" is the horizontal distance between the foremost part of the stem and the aftermost part of the stern, excluding bowsprits, bumpkins, rudders, outboard motor brackets and similar fittings or attachments. (2) The fee payable under this subsection with respect to any vessel used primarily for purposes of commercial fishing shall not exceed twenty-five dollars, provided in the tax year of the owner of such vessel ending immediately preceding the date of registration, not less than fifty per cent of the adjusted gross income of such owner as determined for purposes of the federal income tax is derived from commercial fishing, subject to proof satisfactory to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. (3) The fee payable under this subsection with respect to any vessel constructed primarily of wood, the construction of which is completed not less than fifteen years prior to the date such fee is paid, shall be in an amount equal to fifty per cent of the fee otherwise payable, or if such construction is completed not less than twenty-five years prior to the date such fee is paid, such fee shall be in an amount equal to twenty-five per cent of the fee otherwise payable. (4) Fees payable under this subsection shall not be required with respect to (A) any vessel owned by a flotilla of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or owned by a nonprofit corporation acting on behalf of such a flotilla, provided no more than two vessels from any such flotilla or nonprofit corporation shall be granted such an exemption, and (B) any vessel built by students in an educational institution and used for the purposes of such institution, including such research as may require the use of such vessel. (5) The fee payable under this subsection with respect to any pontoon boat, exclusive of any houseboat, shall be forty dollars. (6) The fee payable under this subsection with respect to any canoe with a motor or any vessel owned by a nonprofit organization shall be seven dollars and fifty cents. (7) The fee payable under this subsection with respect to any vessel less than fifteen feet in length equipped with a motor the horsepower of which is less than fifteen, shall be seven dollars and fifty cents. (8) The owner of any vessel used actively, as required under this subdivision, in operational activities of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary shall not be required to pay the applicable fee in accordance with the schedule in this subsection, provided (A) if the applicable fee under the schedule for such vessel is greater than one hundred eighty dollars, the owner shall be required to pay the amount of fee in excess of one hundred eighty dollars, and (B) the owner shall not be entitled to exemption from the applicable fee as allowed in this subdivision for any vessel registration year unless the application for registration of such vessel includes a statement, certified by an officer of the United States Coast Guard, that in the preceding year such vessel was used actively in not less than three separate operational activities of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. (9) Beginning May 4, 2011, all revenue received by the state in fees for the numbering and registration of vessels under this section shall be deposited with the Treasurer who shall deposit such revenue in the General Fund.

      (c) The owner shall cause the registration number or registration decal to be displayed on each side of the vessel at the bow in such manner as the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection prescribes. The number shall be maintained in a legible condition and shall be clearly visible and entirely unobscured. No number other than the registration number assigned by this state or by the United States or by another state pursuant to the provisions of the federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 shall be displayed on either side of a vessel at the bow.

      (d) Each certificate of number and certificate of registration issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall expire on the last day of April of the year following its issuance. At least thirty days prior to the expiration date of each certificate, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may notify the owner, in a manner determined by the commissioner, of such expiration and the certificate may be renewed as prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles upon application and upon payment of the fee provided in subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner shall not provide such notification by mail to the registrant if the United States Postal Service has determined that mail is undeliverable to the address that is documented in the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles for such person. The registration number assigned to a vessel shall remain the same as long as the vessel is registered in this state.

      (e) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit marine dealers, as defined in section 15-141, to assign registration numbers and issue temporary certificates of number upon the sale or transfer of a vessel. The dealer shall within ten days from the issuance of such temporary certificate submit to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles an application together with all necessary documents, information and fees for a permanent certificate of number for the vessel transfer.

      (2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit such marine dealers to issue temporary certificates of decal upon the sale or transfer of a documented vessel. The dealer shall within ten days from the issuance of such temporary certificate submit to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles an application together with all necessary documents, information and fees for a permanent certificate of decal with respect to such vessel.

      (3) On and after March 1, 2005, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall permit marine dealers, as defined in section 15-141, to submit the applications and documents required under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection by electronic means. Said commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of this subdivision.

      (f) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may require the owner of any vessel to submit as part of his application such information concerning waste discharges and onboard waste disposal systems as the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may prescribe by regulations. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall promptly forward to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection any such information submitted to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as part of an application.

      (g) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt such regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out his powers, duties and functions under this chapter.

      (h) (1) Any person who operates or any owner who permits the operation of a vessel on the waters of this state which has not been numbered or registered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable section of the general statutes shall have committed a violation and shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars or more than two hundred dollars for the first offense and for each subsequent offense shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars or more than five hundred dollars. (2) No person shall use any vessel registration or registration decals that have been issued to another person pursuant to sections 15-142 to 15-144, inclusive. No person shall use a vessel registration or registration decals on any vessel other than the vessel for which such registration number or registration decals have been issued. Any person who violates any provision of this subdivision shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. (3) Any officer empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable section of the general statutes who finds a vessel which is not numbered or registered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and such discovery is subsequent to a violation of this chapter may make application to the court for a warrant to seize such vessel and take it into custody pending proof of payment of proper numbering or registration fees. No officer shall be liable for any act performed under the provisions of this subsection.

      (1961, P.A. 506, S. 11; 1967, P.A. 175, S. 3; 1971, P.A. 668, S. 4; 872, S. 385; P.A. 73-257, S. 10, 27; P.A. 76-381, S. 28; P.A. 80-89; P.A. 81-423, S. 5, 25; P.A. 82-283, S. 3, 4; 82-348, S. 2, 6; 82-436, S. 2, 8-11; P.A. 83-266, S. 3, 4; P.A. 84-495, S. 1, 4; P.A. 86-270; P.A. 87-289, S. 1, 2; P.A. 88-316, S. 1, 2; P.A. 96-167, S. 48, 49; P.A. 03-244, S. 14; P.A. 04-199, S. 18; 04-257, S. 27; P.A. 06-196, S. 198; P.A. 07-217, S. 59; P.A. 11-6, S. 133; 11-61, S. 4; 11-80, S. 1; 11-213, S. 44, 45.)

      History: 1967 act added provisions re validation decals in Subsec. (a) and decreased fee from $5 to $4 and replaced provisions re certificate expiration and renewal fee with new provisions which replace three-year validity term with one-year term and reduce fee from $5 to $3; 1971 acts replaced set fee of $4 for all boats with schedule wherein fee depends on length of boat and replaced "commission", i.e. boating commission, with "commissioner", i.e. environmental protection commissioner; P.A. 73-257 made commissioner of motor vehicles, rather than town clerk and environmental protection commissioner, responsible for issuing identification numbers, deleted requirement that certificate be "pocket size", required that certificate be available for inspection when anyone is on board rather than when boat is in operation, revised fee provisions and designated them as Subsec. (b), relettering former Subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), changed "Federal Boating Act of 1958" to "Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971" in Subsec. (c), formerly (b), deleted obsolete provision re licenses expiring on April 30, 1972, and provision for penalty of one-half of registration fee if renewal made after expiration date and allowed payment of tax in town where boat stored in Subsec. (d), formerly (c), and added Subsecs. (e) to (h); P.A. 76-381 replaced provision for $25 to $50 fine with statement that violation is an infraction in Subsec. (h); P.A. 80-89 added provisions in Subsec. (a) re retention of certificates on shore when boat is a rental boat; P.A. 81-423 replaced "motorboat" references with "vessel" references, and referred to registration numbers and decals rather than identification numbers, replaced schedule of fees for motorboats with schedule of fees for all vessels, deleted provisions re owner's option to pay tax in town of residence or town in which boat usually kept or operated in keeping with abolition of tax on vessels and added provision re temporary certificates, effective July 1, 1981, and applicable to registration fees for boat registration year commencing May 1, 1982, and thereafter; P.A. 82-283 added Subsec. (b)(4) providing that fee requirements are not applicable to a vessel owned by a flotilla of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or a nonprofit corporation acting on behalf of such a flotilla; P.A. 82-348 changed the penalty in Subsec. (h) from an infraction to a violation, applicable to the owner of any vessel operated in state waters without being numbered or registered as required in chapter 268 or any applicable section of the general statutes; P.A. 82-436 added Subsec. (b)(5) to (7), inclusive, providing for an annual fee of $40, applicable to any pontoon boat, exclusive of any houseboat, providing that the annual fee applicable to any canoe with a motor or any vessel owned by a nonprofit organization shall be $15, and providing that the fee applicable to any vessel less than 15 feet in length with a motor the horsepower of which is less than 15 shall be $10, and also amended Subsec. (d) to provide that the registration number assigned to a vessel shall remain the same so long as the vessel is registered in this state rather than so long as certificate of number is continually renewed; P.A. 83-266 included technical amendments in Subsec. (b), primarily concerning deletion of redundant references to certain subdivisions in said Subsec. (b); P.A. 84-495 amended Subsec. (b) by substituting a reduced schedule of fees for all vessels numbered or registered, effective June 11, 1984, and applicable to the boat registration year commencing May 1, 1985; P.A. 86-270 amended Subsec. (h) by adding provisions specifying penalty for subsequent offenses and re seizure of vessels; P.A. 87-289 amended Subsec. (b) by providing for exemption from registration fees for any vessel built by students in an educational institution and used for purposes of such institution, effective June 10, 1987, and applicable to the vessel registration year commencing May 1, 1987, and each such registration year thereafter; P.A. 88-316 amended Subsec. (b) to allow exemptions from the applicable fee for any vessel used in operational activities of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, provided the owner shall be required to pay any portion of the fee in excess of $180 and such exemption shall not be allowed unless in the year preceding exemption the vessel was used actively in at least three such operational activities, effective June 6, 1988, and applicable to the vessel registration year commencing May 1, 1988, and each registration year thereafter; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (b)(6) to reduce fee from $15 to $7.50, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 03-244 amended Subsec. (h) to divide existing provisions into Subdivs. (1) and (3) and add new Subdiv. (2) re use of vessel registration or registration decals by another person or on another vessel; P.A. 04-199 added Subsec. (e)(3) permitting marine dealers, on and after March 1, 2005, to submit applications and documents required under section by electronic means and requiring commissioner to adopt regulations to carry out provisions of subdivision, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-257 made technical changes in Subsec. (h), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (d), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-217 made a technical change in Subsec. (d), effective July 12, 2007; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (9) requiring revenue to be deposited in General Fund beginning October 1, 2011, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-61 amended Subsec. (b)(9) to require all revenue from fees to be deposited in General Fund beginning May 4, 2011, and to delete provision re twelve-month period, effective July 1, 2011; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, "Commissioner of Environmental Protection" was changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection" in Subsecs. (a), (c) and (f), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (a) to replace provision re evidence of ownership by affidavit or document with provision re proof of ownership as commissioner may require, and amended Subsec. (d) to change "shall" to "may" re notification and prohibit notification by mail if mail determined to be undeliverable, effective July 1, 2011.

      Sec. 15-154. Enforcement. Refusal to stop vessel or take vessel to designated area. Rules for avoiding interference with operation of law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel. Penalties. (a) Any harbor master, deputy harbor master, conservation officer, special conservation officer or state police officer and any municipal police officer, any special police officer appointed under sections 29-18 and 29-19, any town marine officers appointed under section 15-154a and certified by the commissioner for marine police duty and any lake patrolman appointed under section 7-151b may enforce the provisions of section 15-16a, this chapter and chapter 446k, except that only peace officers shall enforce the provisions of section 15-132a, subsection (d) of section 15-133 and sections 15-140l and 15-140n. In the enforcement of this chapter, such officer may arrest, without previous complaint and warrant, any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Failure to appear in court pursuant to such arrest, unless excused by the court or the state's attorney or assistant state's attorney, shall constitute sufficient cause for the suspension by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of the boat registration of the boat involved for not more than thirty days or until the matter is resolved by the court, whichever is sooner.

      (b) When engaged in the enforcement of this chapter and chapter 446k, such officer shall have the authority to stop and board any vessel which is under way or which is moored on the waters of this state for the purposes of (1) examining decals, certificates and other documents, (2) inspecting safety equipment and waste disposal systems, (3) determining if the operation of such vessel exceeds the noise levels established in subsection (b) of section 15-129, (4) searching when such officer has probable cause to believe that any provision of any law of this state or any rule or regulation of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection relating to boating or water pollution has been violated, (5) determining compliance with section 15-132a, subsections (d) and (e) of section 15-133 and sections 15-140l and 15-140n, when such authorized officer has probable cause to believe said section or subsection has been violated, and (6) making arrests.

      (c) No person operating a vessel shall refuse to stop such vessel or, if sea conditions make stopping in that area unsafe, refuse to take such vessel to a designated area after being requested or signaled to do so by such officer. Any person operating a vessel who refuses to stop or refuses to take such vessel to the designated area shall have committed an infraction. Any person, when signaled to stop by such officer in a law enforcement vessel using an audible signal device or flashing blue lights, who operates such vessel in disregard of such signal so as to (1) interfere with or endanger the operation of the law enforcement vessel or any other vessel, (2) endanger or cause damage to property or person, or (3) increase or maintain speed in an attempt to escape or elude such law enforcement officer shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. If such violation causes the death or serious physical injury of another person, the vessel operator shall be guilty of a class D felony, and such operator's safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a certificate shall be suspended for one year. For any subsequent offense, such operator shall be guilty of a class D felony, except that if any prior offense by such operator under this section caused, and such subsequent offense causes, the death or serious physical injury of another person, such operator shall be guilty of a class D felony for which one year of the sentence imposed may not be suspended or reduced by the court, and such operator's safe boating certificate, certificate of personal watercraft operation or right to operate a vessel that requires a certificate shall be suspended for not less than eighteen months or more than two years. Proof of the registration number of the vessel shall be prima facie evidence in any prosecution that the owner was the operator. For purposes of this subsection, "serious physical injury" means physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health or serious loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.

      (d) Upon the immediate approach of a law enforcement vessel using an audible signal device and flashing blue lights or a fire rescue vessel using an audible signal device and flashing red or yellow lights, any person operating a vessel shall immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage only, shall alter course, within its ability, so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel, and shall proceed, unless otherwise directed by an officer in the law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel, at a reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel. Any person operating a vessel who wilfully or negligently obstructs or retards any law enforcement or fire rescue vessel answering an emergency call or in pursuit of fleeing law violators, shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than seven days, or both.

      (e) Any person operating a vessel passing within two hundred feet of a stationary law enforcement vessel using an audible signal device and flashing blue lights or a stationary fire rescue vessel using flashing red or yellow lights shall reduce speed to a speed of slow-no-wake until there is a distance of more than two hundred feet between such person's vessel and the law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel. For purposes of this subsection, "slow-no-wake" means operation of a vessel at a speed that does not produce more than a minimum wake and is not greater than six miles per hour over ground, unless a higher minimum speed is necessary to maintain steerage when traveling with a strong current.

      (f) A person who violates subsection (e) of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars or more than two hundred dollars.

      (g) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall publish an enforcement manual, conduct training and educational sessions, serve as liaison between the enforcement groups and the Superior Court and shall be generally responsible for the overall coordination of enforcement.

      (1961, P.A. 506, S. 21; 1963, P.A. 552, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 170, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 219, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 54, S. 2; 872, S. 391; P.A. 73-257, S. 18, 27; P.A. 74-183, S. 205, 291; P.A. 76-381, S. 34; 76-436, S. 175, 681; P.A. 81-423, S. 14, 25; P.A. 82-472, S. 38, 48, 183; P.A. 84-268, S. 2; P.A. 87-505, S. 2, 9; P.A. 89-388, S. 9, 23, 27; P.A. 03-244, S. 7; P.A. 04-257, S. 28; P.A. 05-133, S. 2; P.A. 07-179, S. 1; P.A. 09-140, S. 12; P.A. 10-32, S. 54; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; 11-90, S. 2.)

      History: 1963 act added volunteer police auxiliary force member to Subsec. (a); 1967 act substituted "chapter" for "part", amended Subsec. (b) to allow boarding of boat operated in reckless manner, to expand provisions re stopping boat when signalled to do so and to include provision for fine and added Subsec. (c) re enforcement by boat safety commission; 1969 act provided in Subsec. (a) for suspension of registration for failure to appear in court; 1971 acts allowed enforcement of chapter provisions by town marine officer and replaced "boating commission" and "commission" with "commissioner" referring to commissioner of environmental protection; P.A. 73-257 gave enforcement power to special police officer, extended enforcement to part II of chapter 474 and chapter 474a, replaced references to summons with references to arrest powers, gave power to suspend registration to motor vehicles commissioner rather than environmental protection commissioner and deleted provision which allowed arrest only on court order or warrant issued by prosecuting officer and amended Subsec. (b) to allow officer to stop boats as specified, replacing requirement that patrols be made only in marked police vessels and that vessels be stopped only if ID number not displayed or if boat is operated recklessly; P.A. 74-183 replaced circuit court with court of common pleas in Subsec. (c); P.A. 76-381 replaced provision for $50 maximum fine in Subsec. (b) with statement that violator deemed to have committed an infraction; P.A. 76-436 replaced "prosecutor" with "state's attorney" or "assistant state's attorney" in Subsec. (a) and replaced court of common pleas with superior court in Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 81-423 inserted "vessel" in lieu of "motorboat" where appropriate in Subsec. (b); P.A. 82-472 divided Subsec. (b) into Subdivs. and made other technical corrections; P.A. 84-268 added new Subsec. (b)(3) authorizing an officer to stop and board vessels to determine compliance with noise level standards and renumbered the remaining Subdivs. accordingly; P.A. 87-505 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re penalty failure to stop a vessel and substituted reference to searching with "probable cause" for reference to searching without a warrant; P.A. 89-388 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize lake patrolmen to enforce boating law and water pollution control law and added Subsec. (b)(5) re probable cause for violations of Sec. 15-133 and renumbering the remaining Subdiv. accordingly; P.A. 03-244 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision re members of volunteer police auxiliary force and to provide that only peace officers shall enforce Secs. 15-33(d), 15-140l and 15-140n and amended Subsec. (b) to add reference to Secs. 15-133(d) and (e), 15-140l and 15-140n and to make technical changes; P.A. 04-257 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 05-133 replaced reference to Sec. 15-33 with reference to Sec. 15-133 in Subsec. (a), divided Subsec. (b) into Subsecs. (b) and (c), made technical changes, replaced former provisions re fines with provisions re penalties for refusal to stop vessel or take vessel to designated area if violation causes serious physical injury to another person and defined "serious physical injury" in Subsec. (c) and redesignated former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d); P.A. 07-179 added new Subsecs. (d), (e) and (f) re rules for avoiding interference with operation of law enforcement vessel or fire rescue vessel and penalties for violations thereof and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (g), effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 09-140 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by adding references to Sec. 15-132a, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-32 made a technical change in Subsec. (f), effective May 10, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, "Commissioner of Environmental Protection" and "Department of Environmental Protection" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection" and "Department of Energy and Environmental Protection", respectively, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-90 amended Subsec. (a) to include authority to enforce Sec. 15-16a, effective July 8, 2011.

      Sec. 15-155. Distribution of revenue received in fees for numbering and registration of vessels. Boating account. Section 15-155 is repealed, effective May 4, 2011.

      (1961, P.A. 506, S. 22; 1963, P.A. 564, S. 2; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 392; P.A. 73-257, S. 20, 27; P.A. 76-365, S. 1, 2; P.A. 81-423, S. 15, 25; P.A. 82-436, S. 5, 11; 82-472, S. 49, 183; P.A. 83-266, S. 1, 4; 83-587, S. 30, 96; P.A. 84-495, S. 2, 4; P.A. 86-418, S. 2, 3; P.A. 94-130, S. 10; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 394; Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8, S. 21; P.A. 10-179, S. 57; P.A. 11-6, S. 165; 11-80, S. 1, 13.)

      Secs. 15-155d and 15-155e. Annual report re boating account. State distribution of revenue from fees for vessel registration. Sections 15-155d and 15-155e are repealed, effective May 4, 2011.

      (Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8, S. 37, 38; P.A. 11-6, S. 165; 11-80, S. 1.)

PART IV
DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE FROM VESSELS

      Sec. 15-170. Discharge of sewage from vessels: Definitions. For the purposes of this section and sections 15-171 to 15-175, inclusive:

      (1) "Discharge" means spill, leak, pump, pour, emit, empty or dump;

      (2) "Docking facility" means any public, private or commercial marina, yacht club, dock, wharf or in-water mooring used for anchoring, berthing, mooring, serving or otherwise handling vessels, and includes a facility organized as a common interest community;

      (3) "Marine sanitation device" means any equipment for installation on board a vessel which is designed to receive, retain, treat or discharge sewage;

      (4) "Sewage" means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body wastes;

      (5) "Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water; and

      (6) "No discharge zone" means those bodies of water in this state that the United States Environmental Protection Agency designates as no discharge areas pursuant to 33 USC 1322.

      (P.A. 90-173, S. 1; P.A. 91-333, S. 3, 4; P.A. 10-106, S. 2; P.A. 11-59, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 91-333 amended the definition of "no discharge zone" to include certain waters off the town of Fairfield and Cockenoe Island in Westport; P.A. 10-106 redefined "sewage" and "no discharge zone"; P.A. 11-59 made technical changes, effective July 1, 2011.