Laws and Safety Equipment

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Chapter 2: Virginia Laws and Safety Equipment

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (Game Wardens) and Virginia Marine Patrol Officers are responsible for primary enforcement of recreational boating laws on the waters of the Commonwealth. The DGIF has primary responsibility of regulating the activity of recreational boating.

US Coast Guard is responsible for federal boating regulation and enforcement on federal navigable waters (all Virginia tidal rivers, Chesapeake Bay, Ocean, Smith Mountain Lake, etc.).

County or City marine patrol officers (may be fire or police departments) are responsible for enforcement within the geographical boundaries of a particular County or City.

If stopped by a law enforcement or marine patrol officer, slow down and bring your boat to a stop if it is safe to do so. Once stopped, wait for further directions from the officer. Generally, the officer will maneuver the patrol boat to you.