The Marine Patrol Unit is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws pertaining to boating, search and rescue operations, vessel inspections as well as the supervision of various water events that take place in and around the city.
There are nine officers and one sergeant assigned to the unit as ancillary duties beyond their normal patrol responsibilities. All officers have extensive boating experience on both personal and professional levels. The officers have undergone numerous hours of state mandated training and also enjoy a close working relationship with the Coast Guard. As a result of their training, the officers are capable of providing the best service possible when it comes to law enforcement. The police boat is currently on patrol during special events, holidays, and when staffing permits these officers to be on the surrounding Alameda waterways. Please contact Sergeant Crossley at (510) 337-8340 or email at jcrossley@alamedaca.gov if you have any concerns about the Marine Patrol.
Boating Laws
Your vessel's wake is causing damage to moored boats and marinas in the Estuary. Section 655.2(a)(2) of the Harbor and Navigations Code states NO vessel shall travel more than 5 mph when within 200 feet of any floating dock or marina. Additionally, within NO WAKE zones, your boat must operate off plane and completely settled in the water, operating at the minimum speed necessary to maintain steering and headway.
Skippers who operate their vessels negligently are financially and legally liable for any damage of injury caused by their vessel's wake. The Alameda Police Department strictly enforces all Harbor and Navigation Code violations related to reckless or negligent vessel operation.
Marine Safety
Make sure you are SAFE on the water
- File a float plan with a friend or relative
- Make sure your vessel is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards. The boat should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges.
- Safety equipment is required by law on board and must be maintained in good condition. Know how to use these devices
- Know your position and where you are going
- Maintain a safe speed at all times to aviod collision
- Know and practice Navigational, Federal and State rules, especially waterway markers
- Maintain a clear and unobstructed view forward at all times, scan the water back and forth to avoid tunnel vision
What to do if you are in an ACCIDENT
An operator involved in an accident shall:
- Give assistance to the other person involved.
- Give their name, address and identification of their boat in writing to any person injured or to the owner of any property damaged in the accident.
- When a person dies or disappears from a vessel, the operator shall by the quickest means available notify the Department of Boating and waterways and the nearest enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the water body.
Important Links
United States Coast Guard
California Department of Boating and Waterways
Boating Safety
