Definition of boats:
- those units not longer than 10,00 meters irrespective of propulsion type;
The new Security Regulation (D.M.5.10.99 nr.478) stipulates that the boats, according to type, may sail within the following distance from the coast:
- 300 meters;
- 1 mile (1.852 meters);
- 3 miles (5.556 meters) – (without a collective emergency raft on board);
- 6 miles (11.112 meters) – (without a collective raft on board);
- 12 miles (22.224 meters) – (as emergency raft at least one floating device is required);
Boats with the C.E. mark (in relation to design categories A,B,C,D) are qualified for different types of navigation, in relation to two parameters: the wind force and the height of the waves as indicated below:
Category A: units designed for sailing in the high seas, that is, for long trips, where the wind may be higher than 8 (Beaufort scale) and the waves higher than 4 meters, ( NOTE: It is a good idea to bear in mind that sailing with boats outside the territorial waters, in that zone which is legally defined “open sea” is regulated by international conventions. Particularly the 1982 Montego Bay convention ratified in Italy with the law 689/94 which prescribes that the nationality of the ship (that is to say the “flag”) is certified by the ship’s documents. Boats not thus registered, without this documentation and therefore, not possessing the requirement of the “flag”, are subject to the maritime policing, as carried out by the military ships of all States that are signatories to the Convention);
Category B: units designed for sailing offshore, meaning for open sea cruises, in which the wind may reach force 8 and the height of the waves may reach 4 meters;
Category C: units designed for sailing in the proximity of the coast, for cruises in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, rivers and lakes, in which the wind may reach force 6 and the height of the waves 2 meters;
Category D: units designed for navigation in protected waters, meaning for cruises on small lakes, rivers and canals, where the wind may reach force 4 and the height of the waves 50 cm.

The number of the people transportable on board the boats
with CE mark is indicted in the “Owners manual”

Operation of Boats
To sail a boat, depending on the type, the following age limits must be observed:
- not applicable for rowing boats which sail within 1 mile from the coast;
- 14 years for sailing boats with sail surface over 4 m² and rowing boats that sail further than 1 mile from the coast;
- 16 years for motorboats that have less than 40,8 HP (30KW) and sailing boats with an auxiliary engine;
- 18 years with the requirement of having a boating license for motor boats with more than 40,8 HP (30KW) or whenever sailing beyond 6 miles from the coast.

The new Safety Regulation have determined the number of people transportable on board boats without CE mark, as follows:
1. For units not produced in series (prototype – constructed as a single model)
- Being up to 3.50 m long: 3 persons;
- Being between 3.51 m and 4.50 m: 4 persons;
- Being between 4.51 m and 6.00 m: 5 persons;
- Being between 6.01 m and 7.50 m: 6 persons;
- For a length over 7.51m: 7 persons.
2. For units produced in series, of homologated type, the number of transportable persons is indicated in the Homologation Certificate issued by the technical Agency which, together with the declaration of conformity, must be kept on board in original or authenticated copy, whenever the number of persons is superior to that indicated above.

Boats must have the following documents on board:
- Engine certificate (this document must indicate the power in HP and displacement)
- Insurance policy - obligatory for all motors irrespective of HP. The insurance certificates must be displayed clearly.
- Certificate of homologation and any authorisation to carry a number of passengers superior to what is indicated in the Safety Regulation.
- The boating license, where a engine with more than 40.8 HP is installed or if sailing beyond 6 miles from the coast or when you pilot a acquascooter ; in the other cases it is advisable to have a personal identification document on board.

NOTE: The above mentioned documents, when navigating between national ports, may be kept on board in authenticated copy.