AVIARA OWNERS MANUAL / 38
Law Enforcement
A vessel underway, when hailed by a Coast Guard vessel,
is required to heave to, or maneuver in such a manner that
permits a boarding officer to come aboard.
Other federal, state and local law enforcement officials may
board and examine a vessel. The Coast Guard may impose a
civil penalty up to $1,000 for failure to comply with equipment
requirements; failure to report a boating accident; or comply
with other federal regulations. Failure to comply with the
Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 can result in a civil penalty
up to $5,000. Details of the Act are available online or through
the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Operator’s License
Some states are implementing operator’s license
requirements. These requirements vary widely. Many states
now have restrictions regarding age. If you are operating in a
location where minors are allowed to operate the boat, careful
supervision by an adult should be the rule of thumb always.
Whether operating a boat locally or in a remote location,
operators should annually verify with state and local authorities
regarding whether a license or training is required.
Boating Under the
Influence
Boating under the inuence of alcohol or drugs can be as deadly as
driving a car while under the inuence!
Did you know:
• A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly
than a vehicle driver, drink for drink?
• The penalties for BUI can include large fines, revocation of
operator privileges and serious jail time?
• The use of alcohol is involved in about one-third of all
recreational boating fatalities?
It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces
a federal law that prohibits BUI.
Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.
These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat
for both boat operators and passengers. U.S. Coast Guard data
shows that in boating deaths involving alcohol use, over half
the victims capsized their boats and/or fell overboard.
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