When you're on the road, if you hear a siren and see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, your first thought is probably "uh oh," or maybe something a little stronger in nature. Your second thought is to pull over, turn off your engine and prepare to talk to an officer of the law. It's the same response you should have when you're on the water.

A siren and flashing blue lights are your signal to stop your vessel immediately for law enforcement personnel, who may be from any of a number of organizations: the Coast Guard, a marine patrol, the state police or even the sheriff of a local jurisdiction. No matter. It's the law and when, in addition to the siren and flashing lights, you're asked to "heave to," it's time to stop.

Ask if you should cut your engine and drop an anchor. If the answer is in the affirmative, you'll want to have fenders at the ready should the other boat want to use them to tie up. You'll also want to be sure all those onboard your vessel are above deck.

From here on out, things will proceed very much like a roadside traffic stop, with the same behavioral expectations. For your part, be polite and courteous, have your documentation ready, and don't make any unusual or hidden movements.

For their part, law enforcement officials will check your documentation and perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). This is the same check you can get free every year from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, but unlike the Coast Guard version, there are penalties if you don't pass. (Note: if you have you a current decal for a VSC displayed on your portside window, the Vessel Safety Check will most likely be truncated or eliminated entirely.)

Again, being stopped on the water is just like a roadside traffic stop where you get a ticket or, if you're lucky, a warning for a safety violation or other infraction. You may also be given a "termination of voyage" order, in which case you must return from your last port. You will not be allowed to continue on your way until the violations have been corrected.

All this is in addition to the ticket(s) or penalty associated with the violation for which you were boarded: speeding, drinking, overcrowding, etc.

Obviously, it's best not to get stopped in the first place. So know and follow the Navigation Rules of the Road, obey all local laws, get your annual Vessel Safety Check and follow up on any suggested safety remedies.

– Linda Hoff