Who Enforces Boating Laws?

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.