The Vermont State Police changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Vermont boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on February 2, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Vermont Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Vermont's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement

The boating laws of Vermont are enforced by the officers of the Vermont State Police, game wardens, U.S. Coast Guard officers, and any other authorized peace officer or law enforcement officer. The U.S. Coast Guard also has enforcement authority on all federally controlled waters.

• An operator must stop his or her vessel when signaled to do so by an officer wearing an identifying insignia or by a law enforcement vessel sounding a siren or flashing a blue light. It is illegal to fail to stop or to try to elude the officer.
• The officer has the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws.

Officers of the Vermont State Police, U.S. Coast Guard officers, and any other authorized peace officers or law enforcement officers have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws.