Indiana Boating

Practice safe and legal boating every time you are on the water. Boating is a highly regulated recreational activity, and there may be occasions when a law enforcement officer will inspect your boat for compliance with equipment and legal conformity. The boat operator has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all passengers and this includes making certain all required safety equipment is onboard the boat and ready to use.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Law Enforcement Division
402 W Washington Street Rm W255-D
Indianapolis, IN 46204

For more information on Indiana boating law refer to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Natural Resource Commission at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/boating/.

The boating laws of Indiana are enforced by the Conservation Officers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard officers, and any other authorized peace officer or law enforcement officer. They have the authority to stop and board boats in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws. The U.S. Coast Guard also has enforcement authority on all Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction (shared waters where 1 or more law enforcement authority has jurisdiction).

When regulations refer to “Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction” it means Lake Michigan ( Indiana portion), the Great Miami River, the Ohio River and the portion of the Wabash River that forms a border between Indiana and Illinois.

Laws and Safety Equipment

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Chapter Two: Indiana Laws and Safety Requirements

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Indiana Department of Natural Resources