Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement

It is the responsibility of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to enforce and administer the provisions of the Tennessee Boating Safety Act.

• Enforcement officers of the Agency are on the water to assist boaters as well as to enforce laws and provide control when necessary.
• Every officer of the Agency has the authority to stop and board any vessel. They may issue citations; when necessary, they may arrest, on sight and without warrant, any person they see violating a provision of the Boating Safety Act.
• The U.S. Coast Guard has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

Most Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency vessels can be recognized by the orange and green stripes and the words “WILDLIFE RESOURCES” displayed on the sides of the vessel. However, unmarked vessels are used also. Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel to check for compliance with the law.