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§13109 Consultation, Cooperation, and Regulation

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— Vessels and Seamen › Part I— State Boating Safety Programs › Chapter 131— RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY › § 13109

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary can work with state and local governments, public and private groups, businesses, and others to improve boating safety. The Secretary can advise and help States plan and run boating safety programs, and under section 141 of title 14 must seek full cooperation with State authorities by making agreements when possible. If a State asks, and as allowed under chapter 23 of title 14, the Secretary can use Coast Guard Auxiliary members to help on State waters, and can make the rules needed to carry out this chapter.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §13109

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(a)In carrying out responsibilities under this chapter, the Secretary may consult with State and local governments, public and private agencies, organizations and committees, private industry, and other persons having an interest in boating safety.
(b)The Secretary may advise, assist, and cooperate with the States and other interested public and private agencies in planning, developing, and carrying out boating safety programs. Acting under section 141 11 See References in Text note below. of title 14, the Secretary shall ensure the fullest cooperation between the State and United States Government authorities in promoting boating safety by making agreements and other arrangements with States when possible. Subject to chapter 23 1 of title 14, the Secretary may make available, on request of a State, the services of members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to assist the State in promoting boating safety on State waters.
(c)The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out this chapter.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 1310946:1481 section 13109 authorizes the Secretary to consult with State and local governments, public and private agencies, and any other persons that have an interest in boating safety. This section also authorizes the Secretary to advise and assist the States and other public and private agencies in the planning and carrying out of their boating safety and facilities improvement programs.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 141 of title 14, referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated section 701 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, § 106(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4203, and references to section 141 of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard. Chapter 23 of title 14, referred to in subsec. (b), was comprised of sections 821 to 832 prior to the renumbering of such sections as sections 3901 to 3913, respectively, of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, § 119(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4236. After renumbering, such sections now comprise chapter 39 of Title 14.

Amendments

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out “and facilities improvement” after “boating safety”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out “and facilities improvement” after “and carrying out boating safety”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

of 1984 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Oct. 1, 1984, to apply with respect to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1984, see section 1013 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 13101 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 13109

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Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60