Title 20 — Harbors and Navigation

It is the policy of this Territory to promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use, operation and equipment or vessels and to promote uniformity of law relating thereto. History: 1966, PL 9-35.

As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) “Associated equipment” means a system, part, or component of a boat as originally manufactured, or any similar part or component manufactured or sold for replacement, repai…

(a) This chapter applies to vessels and associated equipment used, to be used, or carried in vessels used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of this Territory. (b) This chapter, except those sections where the content expressly indicates otherwise, does not apply to: (1) forei…

(a) The Department of Public Safety may adopt administrative rules under 4.1001 et seq. to implement this chapter with respect to: (1) the numbering and marking of undocumented vessels; (2) requirements for associated equipment; (3) boat and associated equipment standards; (4) op…

(1) A person may request from the Department of Port Administration, vessel numbering and registration information which is retrievable from the vessels numbering system records of the department. When the department is satisfied that the request is reasonable and related to a bo…

For each vessel required to be registered and numbered under this chapter, the Department of Public Safety shall assess and collect from the owner the following fees and charges: (1) Initial annual registration fee. For the issuance of an original certificate; (A) For each vessel…

(a) Every vessel operating on the waters of this Territory must be numbered in accordance with the Federal Boat Safety Act, 46 U.S.C.§ 1451 et seq., 33 CFR Parts 173 & 174, and 46 U.S.C. Chapter 123. (b) No person may operate or give permission to operate any vessel on such water…

A vessel shall not be required to be numbered under this chapter if it is: (1) a vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States Government or any federal agency successor thereto; (2) already covered by a number in full force and eff…

The owner of any vessel required to be numbered pursuant to 20.0310 must display the number in accordance with the law under which the vessel is registered and proof of the registration must be furnished to the Director of the Department of Port Administration within 30 days of t…

(a) Every vessel shall have aboard such safety equipment as shall be set out in the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Safety. Such safety equipment may consist of, but shall not be limited to, the following: (1) one life preserver, buoyant vest, ring buoy or buoya…

(a) The owner of a vessel livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address or persons hiring any vessel designed or permitted by him to be operated as a vessel, the identification number thereof, and the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The …

The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any motorboat shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except for motorboats competing in a regatta or …

(a) A person may not use or give permission for the use of any vessel to which this chapter applies, unless the vessel is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the appli-cable rules promulgated pursuant to 4.1001 et seq. under the authority of this chapter. (b) …

(a) It is the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers (if any), to render to other persons affected by the collision, accident, or other casualty su…

(a) No person may operate a vessel on any waters of this Territory for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there is in such vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons b…

(a) The Department of Public Safety may authorize the holding of regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions on any waters of this Territory. (b) It shall adopt, and may from time to time amend, rules concerning the safety of motorboats an…

The owner of a vessel is liable for any injury or damage occasioned by the negligent operation of such vessel whether such negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the law of this Territory or neglecting to observe such ordinary care and such operation as the rules…

(a) A copy of the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the Department of Port Administration. (b) Rules shall be published by the Department of Port Administration in a convenient form. History: 1966, PL 9-35…

Members of the police force of the Department of Public Safety, officers and members of the United States Coast Guard stationed in American Samoa, and other persons as provided by the rules of the department of public safety, have authority to enforce the provisions of this chapt…

(a) Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter, or of the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; provided that in addition to, or as a condition to …