Who Enforces Boating Laws?
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The District of Columbia Harbor Patrol enforces the boating laws of the District of Columbia. USCG officers also patrol and have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.
- Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with District of Columbia and federal laws.
- It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.