10 Sneaky Sailing Laws You Are Breaking Without Even Knowing It

Think you're sailing free? Think again. The law follows you onto the water, often in ways you never expected. Many sailors break maritime laws without even realizing it, facing fines, denied insurance claims, or worse. Ignorance isn't an excuse when the Coast Guard comes knocking. In this video, we uncover 10 sneaky sailing laws you might be breaking right now. From fundamental rules like maintaining a proper look-out and understanding COLREGs to the complexities of international check-ins, firearm restrictions, and insurance limitations, we cover the hidden legal traps that catch sailors off guard. TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - 1. Failing to Maintain a Proper Look-Out 02:45 - 2. Violating Collision Rules (COLREGs) 05:00 - 3. Not Checking Into a Country Properly 07:20 - 4. Exceeding the Limits of Your License 09:47 - 5. Carrying Firearms or Restricted Weapons 12:15 - 6. Carrying or Being Near Illegal Substances 14:48 - 7. Violating Discharge/Pollution Laws 17:17 - 8. Anchoring in Restricted or Protected Areas 19:46 - 9. Assuming Insurance Covers You Everywhere 22:15 - 10. Ignoring Flag State Rules or Registration 24:53 - Outro Are you unknowingly breaking any of these rules? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below! If you found this information valuable, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for more essential sailing knowledge. #Sailing #MaritimeLaw #BoatLife