Riding on the bow of a vessel is illegal under which condition?

Riding on the bow of a vessel is illegal when the vessel is operating above no wake speed and lacks bow seating. This is primarily due to safety concerns. Operating at speeds above no wake can create a significantly increased risk of accidents and injuries for individuals located at the bow of the vessel, as the ride can become unstable and lead to falls or other dangerous situations.

Additionally, if the vessel is equipped with proper bow seating, a designated area allows for safer seating arrangements, which is specifically designed for passengers. Without bow seating, passengers do not have a secure or appropriate place to sit, further heightening the risk when the vessel is in motion. Therefore, the law is quite clear in prohibiting riding on the bow in conditions that meet this criteria to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.