You've cut your motor and stopped, upon the order of
a patrolling officer. Now, the officer wants to come
aboard. What are your obligations or rights at this
point?
A. The law gives the officer authority to board your boat to check
for compliance with boating safety requirements, so you must let
him/her come aboard immediately.
B. You have the right to see a warrant, just as in the city, when an
officer wants to enter your house.
C. You have an obligation to let the officer on board, but you also
have the right to ask for a short delay (5-10 minutes only) to allow
time to contact your attorney.
D. There have been conflicting court decisions over the
constitutionality of the law on boarding recreational boats, so
there's no clear ruling at this time.