Navigation Rules Civil Penalties

Civil Penalty Procedures and Administration - index
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International Regulations for Preventing COLLISIONS at

Sea (72 COLREGS) (33 U.S.C. 1608 and 33 CFR Part 81).

These rules include collision avoidance rules, sound

signals and lighting requirements for vessels operating

on the high seas generally, and in U.S. navigable waters

where the Inland Navigation Rules do not apply (see lines

of demarcation). Cite as statutory violation.

Inland Navigation Rules (33 U.S.C. 2072 and 33 CFR Part

81). The rules include collision avoidance rules, sound

signals and lighting requirements on the internal waters

of the U.S. seaward to lines of demarcation. Cite as

statutory violation.

Radio Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations (33

U.S.C. 1208 and 33 CFR Part 26). These regulations

provide a positive means whereby the operators of

approaching vessels can communicate their intentions to

one another through voice radio and provide the authority

to regulate vessel radio communication.

Enforcement.

Detection of Violations. The primary sources for

detecting violations and enforcement of marine

information rules and regulations are:

Boardings -- Violations may be discovered during routine

law enforcement boardings, or incidental to search and

rescue or other activity.

Radio Monitoring -- Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services

maintain a 24 hour radio watch and record all voice

communications. This monitoring sometimes detects

violations of the Radiotelephone Act.

Inspections -- Periodic inspections of commercial vessels

are conducted for the purpose of ensuring compliance with

a wide range of applicable laws and regulations,

including those related to marine radio and navigation

rules.