1. A. The following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Boating”, for the purposes of this chapter, means any recreational or other use of the Potomac River involving a vessel, including swimming or wading in association with a vessel.

   2. (2) Recreational Use.

      1. (a) “Recreational use” means activities on the Potomac River, including swimming, bathing, wading, diving, tubing, rafting, and other uses involving contact with the water.

      2. (b) “Recreational use” does not include:

         1. (i) Boating, if each person involved is wearing the U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device required by law or regulation;
         2. (ii) Fishing, when a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is worn;
         3. (iii) Life-saving efforts;
         4. (iv) Swimming or wading as part of a training course having the prior written approval of the Department of Natural Resources or U.S. Park Service.

   3. (3) Vessel.

      1. (a) “Vessel” means each description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice, including ice boats. The term includes the vessel's motor, spars, sails, and accessories.

      2. (b) “Vessel” does not include a:

         1. (i) Seaplane;
         2. (ii) Raft with single inflation compartment;
         3. (iii) Tube.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §1-603, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: September 7, 1987 (14:18 Md. R. 1964)

Regulation .03 amended effective June 24, 2013 (40:12 Md. R. 1041)

Regulation .04B amended effective September 3, 1990 (17:17 Md. R. 2078)