"Milton Waddams" wrote in message
...
A lawyer friend told me that the Coast Guard or any police agency must
obtain a search warrant to search any" enclosed living spaces" aboard
a vessel. Is this true? Thanks,

Milton

Depends upon the flag of the vessel. The Coast Guard may search a U.S.
flagged vessel anywhere in the world. But, you have the right to deny a
boarding unless at least one of the boarding party is a USCG officer.
The Coast guard may only search a foreign flag vessel in U.S. waters
without permission. Any police agency other than the Coast guard must
obtain permission to board a U.S. vessel. If you deny them permission
they MUST obtain a search warrant or enlist a Coast Guard OFFICER to do
the boarding and searching. Foreign flag vessels have the same rights.

Wilbur Hubbard