It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in a negligent manner. For the purpose of this section, to "operate in a negligent manner" shall be construed to mean the operation of a vessel in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any persons or property.

The offense of operating a vessel in a negligent manner shall be considered to be a lesser offense than, but included in, the offense of operating a vessel in a reckless manner, and any person charged with operating a vessel in a reckless manner may be convicted of the lesser offense of operating a vessel in a negligent manner. (Added by Res. adopted June 30, 1975).