Delaware Regulatory Guide

Delaware has established regulations governing vessel operation, including those for leased boats. These rules encompass a range of aspects related to vessel use, such as equipment necessities, safety protocols, and operator licensing criteria. This page guides you through the essential steps to ensure your boat rental business adheres to Delaware's regulatory framework. Additionally, we highlight other important considerations to keep in mind for smooth and compliant operations.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Record Requirement

The owner of a vessel livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring a vessel.

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

The record shall be preserved for at least 1 year.

When boats are 3 hours overdue or at the close of the day, the owner shall notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife

Safe Operation Instruction Requirement

Renter must not be permitted to rent a vessel if the renter is physically incapable of safely operating the vessel or the weather is prohibitive for safe operation.

Neither the owner of a vessel livery, nor an agent or employee, shall permit any motorboat or any vessel designed or permitted by the owner to be operated as a motorboat or vessel to depart from the owner’s premises if, in the owner’s opinion:

(1) The lessee is physically incapable of safely operating the motorboat or vessel; or

(2) The weather is prohibitive for safe operation.

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Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Safety Equipment

Boat Registration

Not required

Age Requirement

Rental Agreement

The information provided is intended to be general and informative, and should not be interpreted as regulatory, legal, or insurance advice. It does not constitute professional advice from a licensed insurance agent and does not establish an attorney-client or insurer-insured relationship. This information should not replace the counsel of a qualified legal, regulatory, or insurance professional. Always consult with a qualified professional for legal, regulatory, or insurance advice pertaining to your specific circumstances.

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

Each vessel owner or operator involved in the accident must submit a report to:

Attention: Office of Boating Safety and Education

Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police

89 Kings Highway

Dover, Delaware 19901

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Each boat operator/owner involved in an accident should submit a separate report.

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The operator of a vessel shall submit the casualty or accident report prescribed in 33 CFR §173.57 to the reporting authority prescribed in 4.4 of the regulation when, as a result of an occurrence that involves the vessel or its equipment:

· A person dies;

· A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;

· Damage to the vessel and other property totals more than $500.00; or

· A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

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A report required by this section shall be made:

· Immediately if a person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence

· Immediately if a person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or disappears from a vessel; and

· Within 5 days of the occurrence or death if an earlier report is not required by this subsection.

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Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form

Report Accident

Federal Regulation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) regularly provides updates on recentchanges in regulation and have overviews of specific requirements for boatrental companies

Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boating

Passenger Vessel Charters

Requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessels

Marine Safety Information Bulletin

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Buoy provides boat rental companies with peace of mind while saving time and money. When using Buoy’s insurance solution, we will help you get fully compliant free of charge.

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