It's the Law: On the Water

Enforcement

Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have the authority to enforce Iowa’s boating laws. 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.