N.J. Stat. § 48:8-13
When a steamboat navigating the waters within the jurisdiction of this state shall attempt to pass another boat going in the same direction, the master or person having charge of such other boat shall not cause her to deviate from her proper course for the purpose of hindering or delaying the steamboat so attempting to pass.
Every master or other person having charge of any steamboat who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both. The misdemeanor shall be indictable in the county adjoining the waters upon which the offense is committed.
The owner or owners of any steamboat deviating as aforesaid shall be jointly and severally liable for all damages occasioned by such offense.
N.J.S. § 48:8-13