As a boater, it is important to understand the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and what their powers are when it comes to conducting searches of vessels in international waters.
In short, the answer is yes – the USCG can search a boat in international waters if they have reasonable suspicion to believe that the vessel is involved in criminal activity or posing a threat to national security. According to international law, a country has the authority to board and search any vessel that is flying its flag or is suspected of violating its laws.
However, it is important to note that the USCG cannot simply board and search any vessel they come across in international waters without reason. There must be probable cause or reasonable suspicion to believe that the vessel is involved in illegal activity such as drug trafficking, the smuggling of goods, or human trafficking, among other things.
The USCG also has the authority to search vessels that are registered in the United States, regardless of whether they are in national or international waters. This means that even if your boat is located outside US territory, it can still be subject to search and seizure by the USCG if they believe that a crime is being committed.
It is important for boaters to ensure that they are not involved in any illegal activity when they are out on the water. This includes ensuring that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date and on board the vessel, avoiding prohibited areas, and maintaining safe navigation practices. By doing so, boaters can avoid being subject to search and seizure by the USCG or other law enforcement agencies.
The USCG has the authority to search a boat in international waters if they have reasonable suspicion that the vessel is involved in illegal activity or poses a threat to national security. Boaters should always ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations to avoid being subject to such scrutiny.