Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement

Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have the authority to enforce the boating laws of Iowa. The U.S. Coast Guard also has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

• Officers have the authority to stop and inspect a vessel being launched, being operated, or being moored on Iowa waters to determine whether the vessel is properly registered, numbered, and equipped.
• Officers may board a vessel in the course of an inspection if the operator is unable to supply visual evidence that the vessel is properly registered and equipped.
• It is illegal to fail to bring your vessel to a stop, or to attempt to elude an officer, after being given a visual and audible signal to stop. An officer may signal you to stop by displaying a blue light or flashing blue and red lights, or by sounding a horn or siren.

  Top Three Boating Accidents in Iowa
  
   • A boat collides with another boat
   • A water-skier, tuber, or kneeboarder falls
   • A passenger falls overboard

Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ conservation officers are the primary enforcers of Iowa boating regulations.