Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

Law Enforcement

A vessel underway, when hailed by a Coast Guard vessel is required to heave to, or maneuver in such a manner that permits a boarding officer to come aboard.

Other federal, state and local law enforcement officials may board and examine your vessel, whether it is numbered, unnumbered or documented. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel may also be found aboard other vessels.

The Coast Guard may impose a civil penalty up to $1,000 for failure to: comply with equipment requirements; report a boating accident; or comply with other Federal regulations. Failure to comply with the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 can result in a civil penalty up to $5,000.

Improper use of a radio-telephone is a criminal offense. The use of obscene, indecent or profane language during radio communications is punishable by a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for two years or both. Other penalties exist for misuse of a radio, such as improper use of Channel 16 VHF-FM.

Channel 16 is a calling and distress channel. It is not to be used for conversation or radio checks. Such traffic should be conducted on an authorized working channel.