b'B O AT I N G R E G U L AT I O N SBoatingRegulationsPHOTO CREDIT - KEITH WILLIAMSEnforcement and yellow light signals is a commercial assistance towing vessel Several law enforcement agencies enforce Connecticuts statethat is assisting a disabled vessel.statutes, regulations, and federal navigational laws. Within theirHighspeedferries,submarinesandaircushionvessels respectivejurisdictions,theUnitedStatesCoastGuard,state(hovercraft)displayflashingyellowlightsaspartofthetheir conservation police officers, municipal police officers, town marinerequired navigation lights.Also, a barge, when being pushed in officers,lakepatrolmenandPOST-certifiedharbormastersarefront of or towed alongside a work vessel, will display a flashing empowered to enforce federal, state, and local boating regulations.yellow light on the bow and near its centerline.Finally, a Wing-In-These enforcement officers have authority to stop and board boatsGround (WIG) vessel will use a high-intensity flashing red light when to check for compliance with federal or state law or to searchtaking off, landing and in flight near the surface.without warrant. If you are being approached by a law enforcement or rescue Stateandfederalboatinglawsspecifywhichvesselsarevessel using flashing blue lights or alternating flashing red and allowed or required to display flashing lights.There are four kindsyellow lights or an audible signal, you are required to:of flashing lights to which you should pay special attention. 1.immediatelyslowtoaspeedjustsufficienttomaintain Law enforcement vessels engaged in enforcement activities willsteerage only; likely display a flashing blue light or audible signal.Flashing blue2. alter course within your ability to not inhibit or interfere with lights or sirens are not allowed on any other vessels.Because ofthe law enforcement or fire rescue vessel; and, this, vessel theft alarms must be designed in a manner so that it3. unless otherwise directed by an officer, proceed at a reduced cannot be confused with an ordinary warning signal or siren. speed until beyond the area of operation of the law enforcement or Vesselsengagedingovernmentsanctionedpublicsafetyfire rescue vessel.activities,suchasfireboatsandcertaincommercialassistanceIf you willfully or negligently obstruct or delay a law enforcement vessels will use alternating flashing red and yellow light signals.Anor fire rescue vessel answering an emergency call or pursuing a example of a commercial vessel displaying alternating flashing redfleeing law violator, you may be fined up to $200. If a vessel operator passes within 200 feet of a stationary law 2021 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE21'