Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement

The boating laws of Arizona are enforced by Arizona Game and Fish Department officers, county deputy sheriffs, municipal officers, park rangers, and any other state-commissioned law enforcement officers. The officers have the authority to stop and board vessels to check for compliance with state laws. The U.S. Coast Guard has federal enforcement authority on all federally controlled waters.

• When hailed by an officer, the operator of a vessel must immediately stop and maneuver in such a way as to permit the officer to come alongside.
• Failure to obey an order or to comply with an officer will result in an enforcement action up to and including arrest.
• Officers may issue citations and may order an operator of a vessel back to shore to correct a violation.
• Officers also may establish checkpoints on the waterways to ensure public safety.

Arizona's Top 10 Boating Violations

1. Not enough life jackets (personal flotation devices) for everyone on board the vessel.
2. Fire extinguisher—lack of, non-marine type, and/or out of service.
3. Riding on bow, transom, or gunwales of a vessel operating above a wakeless speed.
4. Operating under the influence (OUI).
5. Excessive wake or speed.
6. No Type IV throwable PFD on board.
7. Child twelve years of age or younger not wearing a life jacket (PFD) while underway.
8. Reckless operation of a personal watercraft (PWC).
9. Lights—specifically no or incorrect navigation lights.
10. Water-skiing without an observer.

The violation statistics are based on data from citations issued by Department law enforcement officers.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officers, county deputy sheriffs, municipal officers, park rangers, and all other state-commissioned law enforcement officers have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with state laws.

Remember... On waterways common with other states, such as the Colorado River, other states’ laws and federal regulations may apply. Always know the boating laws and regulations that apply where you are boating.