Who Enforces Boating Laws?

The boating laws of Virginia are enforced primarily by Conservation Police Officers employed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. These officers have full police powers and have the lawful right to stop and board your vessel at any time to check that you are complying with federal and state laws.

• The USCG also has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.
• Although this is sometimes a minor inconvenience, treat the officers courteously because proper enforcement of regulations makes the water safer for you as well as others.