comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 5 – Mission Types
C.9. Fisheries
Law Enforcement
Patrols
ELT Boarding
These patrols should be coordinated with the District, Sector Commander
or other Coast Guard units, and other Federal (e.g. National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)),
State, and local fisheries enforcement agencies.
Fishing activity is generally area/location, time/season, species, and gear
specific.
The patrol times and locations should be based on the specific
enforcement objective.
(01) Patrols on the fishing grounds allow for effective enforcement of
gear, catch, permit, and safety laws and regulations.
(02) Patrols in the transit areas can allow for effective enforcement of
catch-related laws and regulations (inbound transits) as well as
applicable safety laws and regulations (inbound or outbound
transits).
C.10. Conducting
Boarding
NOTE
ELT boarding may be conducted in conjunction with ELT patrols or an
ELT response, or at the conclusion of a SAR case. ELT boarding is
conducted to enforce all applicable U.S. laws and to educate mariners on
the proper and safe practices associated with operating vessels. In most
instances, unit ELT boarding activities should be focused on a certain
activity (e.g. recreational boating, commercial fishing). In every
instance, vessel inspections, as well as any searches for criminal activity
(based on reasonable suspicion developed during the course of the vessel
inspection), shall be done as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible so
as to interfere as little as possible with legitimate voyages.
All boardings must be complete and thorough. Superficial checks defeat the
purpose of vessel boarding.
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