BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 04 - Safe Responsible Boat Operation

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Responsible boaters understand that every time they place a boat in the water, they risk polluting the marine environment. Keep the waters clean by following both the federal and state laws that are in place to protect the environment.

Unfortunately, the amount of garbage adrift on U.S. waterways is increasing. Floating garbage will damage your boat and is extremely harmful to the species living in the marine environment.

It is against federal law to pollute the waterways. The minimum consequence for polluting is a fine and in some states, imprisonment.