• Boating laws and regulations keep boaters safe.boating lesson image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
  
  Connecticut has waterways available for boating and other water activities for both locals and non-residents that are enjoying the location. There are regulations associated with boating to keep tourists and locals safe. Knowing the regulations before taking a boat out onto the lake is an important part of staying safe when out on Connecticut waters.
  
  

Boating License

• Any boater in the state of Connecticut must have a boating license to take a boat out into the water. The boating license requires you to take a boater education class, during which you learn boating safety. At the end of the course, the class gives an exam. Upon passing the exam, you receive the state boating license.
  
  

No Chemicals at Boating Launch Sites

• Boating launch sites have regulations associated with them in the state of Connecticut. The state law states that chemicals of any kind are not used around the site. This includes chemicals for washing a boat trailer. Cleaning the boat trailer at the site is permitted in the state, but the state laws regulate that it is only washed with plain water on site. The purpose of avoiding the use of any chemical is environmental protection.
  
  

Fees

• Parking of a vehicle at any boat launch site in the state of Connecticut has fees associated with it. Fees can differ on launch sites and the day of the week. The weekend and holiday fees, for example, range between $4 to 8 for locals and non-residents. A local is determined by the state plates while a non-resident has a vehicle with out-of-state plates instead.
  
  

Registration Numbers

• Boats in Connecticut must have registration numbers on both sides of the ship. Registration numbers are to be on the bow and hull. They are painted on or added on with an adhesive and are block letters that are at least three inches high and placed vertically. Exact locations on the ship will differ based on ship design, but all registration numbers must be located where they are easily seen. If ship design makes it difficult to display the registration numbers on the hull, use a plaque.
  
  

Decal Regulations

• Connecticut decals are placed two inches to the right of the registration numbers. Each is to be lined up vertically so that it lines up with the registration numbers. There are two decal numbers, one for each side of the boat, and these are the current registration decals.
  
  

Flotation Regulations

• Boats must have flotation devices available for every passenger on the ship. Life jackets are made to have between seven and 12 pounds of buoyancy for adult passengers. If there are children on the boat, the boat must have a life jacket in an appropriate size for the child as well.