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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: September 13, 2023  Amends - SO 36.0 (January 11, 2023 ) Number: 36.0 Distribution: All Marine Patrol Personnel Review Month: November Reviewing Authority: SOD / Specialized Patrol Subject: Marine Enforcement This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the Marine Enforcement and promote boating safety, education and enforcement of marine related laws and ordinances. 2. Procedures A. Operation of Agency Vessels 1. Vessels will be maintained and operated in compliance with manufacturers’ operating manuals. While operating a vessel, deputies shall comply with all applicable law s. Only personnel, at the discretion of the unit supervisor, who are agency certified, are authorized to operate Marine Enforcement Unit vessels. 2. Vessels will be equipped with all required U.S. Coast Guard equipment. 3. Vessels will be operated in a safe mann er with regard for the safety of persons, property, and all agency equipment. 4. Agency patrol boats, personal watercraft (PWC), and airboats will only be operated by members who have successfully completed agency training in Basic Marine Enforcement, PWC Operations, and Basic Airboat Operation and Safety courses respectively. 5. When operating an agency vessel during a marine emergency, the operator shall use all appropriate emergency equipment at his/her disposal; i.e., blue lights, sirens, emergency fl ares and marine radios. 6. While operating any agency vessel that is making way the operator is encouraged to utilize the lanyard kill switch. 7. Personal flotation devices will be worn at all times when operating or riding in/on all agency vessels . If wearing the personal flotation device is impractical to complete certain tasks, temporary removal of the personal flotation device is authorized except when operating personal watercraft . 8. Marine deputies shall confirm that all persons on board vessels or otherwise 36.0, Page 2 of 5 on the water being rescued or towed, are wearing a flotation device. All persons transported by a deputy on an agency vessel shall wear a personal flotation device. 9. Marine deputies shall maintain agency vessels in a ready status and shall respond to diving operations/functions with applicable vessel(s) and equipment as required by the Marine supervisor. B. Marine Patrol Enforcement Duties 1. Provide routine marine patrol of the public waterways of the unincorporated area of Orange County and cities without a Marine Patrol Squad or upon request when approved by the unit supervisor. 2. Provide high visibility w ater patrol for deterring violations of the law 3. Enforce all marine related laws and ordinances 4. Promote boating safety through direct contact with the boating public 5. Provide public education of boating safety through personal contacts and vessel safety inspections 6. Assist disabled vessels or boaters in distress 7. Assist other government agencies with marine matters when requested 8. Investigate marine related accidents and incidents on all waterways of unincorporated Orange County and citie s upon approval of the unit supervisor. Submit the Florida Boating Accident Investigation report, when necessary, according to Florida Statutes. 9. Assist the Dive Team when necessary with the coordination and operation of agency vessels and other relat ed equipment 10. Render special assistance during marine related disasters. Assist coastal counties during such disasters as directed by the Sheriff, to include pick up and storage of other agency patrol vesse ls as needed. 11. During routine water patrol, deputies shall seek and report any water related violations of the environmental laws to the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. When approved by the unit supervisor, the Agriculture/Marine deputy s hall render assistance to other agencies with investigations. C. Supervisor Responsibilities The Marine Unit Supervisor shall: 1. Direct the day to day operations of the unit. 2. Review all criminal reports and boating accidents and assign them to a Marine deputy for follow -up investigation. 36.0, Page 3 of 5 3. Maintain all statistical data related to marine enforcement activity and prepare a monthly report. 4. Set yearly objectives for the Marine Enforcement Unit and submit quarterly progress reports outlining the achievement t oward these objectives. 5. Deploy resources to those areas having the highest concentration of marine related activity and take enforcement action to alleviate vessel accidents or other incidents. 6. Confirm Marine deputies perform only those functions for whi ch they are trained and equipped. The supervisor shall coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies when further equipment or expertise is required. 7. Assist the Dive Team with the overall coordination of all dive related incidents including equipmen t and staffing . 8. Confirm all Marine deputies receive all the proper training required to perform marine patrol duties. 9. Confirm vessels are conditioned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and warranties. 10. Confirm that operator's manuals are available for each vessel for review by all members. 11. Confirm that the appropriate vessel is selected for each mission. 12. Maintain operational readiness as a regional Waterborne Response Team (WRT) as designated by the state. D. Operational Qu alifications 1. All members must successfully complete agency approved Basic Marine Enforcement Training and then the agency approved Personal Watercraft Operator and Basic Airboat Operator courses. 2. The Marine supervisor shall confirm that all members are in compliance with