Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements
of Boating
Penalties and Enforcement
Every peace officer of the state, city, county, harbor district
or other political subdivision of the state is empowered
to enforce California boating law. In California, most recreational
boating law enforcement is done by county sheriff’s
officers, police officers, park rangers and other land use
agencies.
- Any vessel approaching or being approached by an enforcement
vessel operating with a siren or illuminated blue light
must immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain
steerage only and alter course so as not to interfere with
the operation of the law enforcement vessel.
- Every vessel underway and lawfully ordered to stop by
an officer must stop immediately and permit the enforcement
vessel to come alongside.
- Enforcement officers have the authority to board any
vessel where the officer has probable cause to believe
that a violation of the law exists.
- Officers are also authorized to order the operator of
an unsafe vessel to shore.
False Search and Rescue Calls
Any individual who reports to a state or local agency that
an emergency exists knowing that the report is false is guilty
of a misdemeanor, and in some cases, a felony.
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