ProMaritime
Senior Member
Several misunderstandings here. Local law enforcement, including water cops, have no authority to board a USCG Documented vessel without probable cause. Period. Probable cause can be observing a criminal act like driving a boat while suspected of drinking alcohol or beating your wife while underway.
Various state vessel registration rules and regulations may seem to give a boarding right without probably cause to local law enforcement to board that state's registered vessels only. it is doubtful that such a provision would extend to out-of-state vessels and definitely does not extend to USCG Documented vessels.
Unfortunately, local law enforcement, especially water cops, are notoriously untrained and like to throw their weight around. If you think an order from them to allow you to be boarded without probably cause violates your constitutional rights notify them of this fact and state your intention to file a complaint but don't get in a pissing match with them.
Various state vessel registration rules and regulations may seem to give a boarding right without probably cause to local law enforcement to board that state's registered vessels only. it is doubtful that such a provision would extend to out-of-state vessels and definitely does not extend to USCG Documented vessels.
Unfortunately, local law enforcement, especially water cops, are notoriously untrained and like to throw their weight around. If you think an order from them to allow you to be boarded without probably cause violates your constitutional rights notify them of this fact and state your intention to file a complaint but don't get in a pissing match with them.