Standard Operating Procedures

The Marine Division (MD) of the Sheriff's Office is dedicated to promoting public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response on all navigable waterways within San Andreas. Deputies assigned to the Marine Division are trained and certified to operate watercraft in patrol, search and rescue, interdiction, and community service roles. The division upholds maritime law and ensures a safe and secure water environment.

To be eligible for MD Certification, deputies must:

• Hold the rank of Deputy Sheriff or higher.

• Be in good standing with no disciplinary action within the past 30 days.

• Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • Maritime navigation and safety rules.

  • Sheriff’s Office policies and emergency response protocols.

• Complete the Marine Division Training Program (Section 6.3.6).

• Certification is subject to revocation by the Chain of Command. Appeals may be submitted to the Professional Standards Division

To apply for certification:

• Review the Marine Division SOP in full.

• Submit a Marine Division Certification Application to the Professional Standards Division.

• Complete the required training (see Section 6.3.6).

• Obtain final approval from the Chain of Command.

• Certification status will be reflected in the official Sheriff's Office roster.

The Marine Division ensures maritime law enforcement, public safety, and swift water rescue across San Andreas’ waterways. The division enhances the Sheriff's operational capacity in:

• Boating under the influence of enforcement.

• Search and rescue (SAR).

• Water-based interdiction and pursuit.

• Flood/disaster response.

• Maritime community engagement.

MD-certified deputies may deploy for:

• Waterway Patrol: Enforcing laws, deterring reckless behavior, and maintaining a visible presence on rivers, lakes, and coastlines.

• Maritime Pursuits: Intercepting fleeing suspects attempting waterborne escape.

• Search and Rescue (SAR): Assisting distressed swimmers, boaters, or flood victims.

• Community Engagement: Representing the Sheriff’s Office at water-based events or public education initiatives.

• Environmental Enforcement: Supporting agencies protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

• Inter-agency Support: Aiding Port Authority or Coast Guard units under mutual aid agreements.

Marine Certification requires:

• Application Review: Submit to Professional Standards for eligibility check.

• Supervised Float-Along:

  • 1 hour of supervised patrol with a certified MD deputy.

  • 30 minutes of boat handling.

  • 30 minutes observing and assisting with MD duties.

• Skills Evaluation:

  • Docking, mooring, safe vessel operation.

  • Radio procedures, pursuit tactics.

  • Water rescue simulations.

• Final Review: Chain of Command assesses performance and issues certification.

MD deputies must demonstrate:

• Navigation of watercraft in inland, coastal, and river environments.

• Identification and enforcement of maritime laws (e.g., BUI, wake zone violations).

• Execution of search and rescue techniques and basic first aid.

• Boat-based pursuit tactics and radio communication.

• Launch and recovery of vessels from water access points.

• Emergency water egress and life vest deployment.

Uniform:

• Authorized Marine uniform includes:

  • Department polo or high-visibility outerwear.

  • Water-resistant duty pants or shorts.

  • Tactical PFD (personal flotation device).

  • Boat shoes or waterproof tactical footwear.

Watercraft Inventory:

• San Andreas Patrol Boat

  • Spawn Name: hillboaty

  • Uses: Patrol, Rescue, Pursuit

  • Crew Requirement: 1-2 Deputies

• RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat)

  • Spawn Name: smallboat

  • Uses: SAR, Tactical Response

  • Crew Requirement: Up to 4 (COBRA Capable)

• Marine units may be activated solo or with a partner by a certified deputy.

• Minimum of four (4) patrol deputies must be on-duty before Marine activation.

• Deputies must notify dispatch:

  • Example: "MARINE 1 launching from El Burro dock."

• Activation during high wind, fog, or storm conditions is prohibited unless authorized by a supervisor.

• Mutual aid with other agencies

• A maximum of 3 Marine units may activate in the entire state.

  • "3 Marine units" means 3 boats, not 3 personnel.

• Unit Designator:

  • "MARINE 1 for the Hillboaty"

  • "MARINE 2 for the smallboat"

• Primary Jurisdiction: All navigable and non-navigable waterways in Blaine and Los Santos counties.

• Deputies may:

  • Self-attach to in-progress water-based calls with dispatch notification.

  • Respond to water-related calls on foot if vessel deployment is impractical.

• Mutual Aid:

  • Assistance to allied water agencies must be approved unless exigent.

• Deputies must assess weather and water conditions prior to launch.

• Operations are prohibited during:

• Storms, fog, or lightning.

• Red Flag marine warnings.

• Supervisor override is permitted only for critical missions.

• All captains, prior to deploying a vessel should formulate an emergency action plan based on the below guidance, taking into account risk factors related to the call type.

  • Shots fired at the vessel.

    • Return to base; or

    • Make an informed decision, favoring the safety of vessel crew and equipment, to remain on scene.

  • Man Overboard

    • Shout “Man Overboard”, loud enough for the captain to hear, and acknowledge the call.

    • Maintain visual contact with the person at all times.

    • Throw floatation devices overboard.

    • Conduct a tight-radius turn to retrieve the individual from the water.

  • Vessel Taking on Water

    • Activate bilge pumps.

    • Attempt to locate the source of the leak.

    • Reduce speed.

    • Set course for the nearest shoreline or dock.

  • Engine Failure

    • Attempt to restart.

      • If this fails, attempt to work a solution to the issue.

    • Drop anchor if the vessel is drifting towards hazards.

    • Request a tow or assistance.

  • Fire Onboard

    • Shut off fuel supply.

    • Use a fire extinguisher.

    • Send a distress call.

    • Evacuate the vessel if fire becomes uncontrollable or begins to spread.

• Vessels must be secured safely, engines off when stationary.

• Deputies must:

  • Wear PFDs during all water operations.

  • Maintain a safe perimeter when approaching docks or other vessels.

  • De-escalate boat-based stops safely and professionally.

  • Avoid boarding private vessels without PC or exigent circumstances.

• All marine collisions or equipment issues must be reported immediately.

• Dispatch and supervisors must be notified.

• Marine units involved in accidents must:

  • Request EMS/water rescue if needed.

  • Secure vessel and scene until relieved.

  • Complete a Marine Incident Report.

• Deputies may optionally submit Marine Shift Logs to the Professional Standards Division.

• Entries include:

  • Patrol area, weather, units aboard, contacts made.

  • SAR events or enforcement actions.

  • Vessel hours and fuel consumption.

• Marine Division deputies are held to a high standard of conduct and accountability.

• Violations, including:

• Reckless operation.

• Unsafe launch in prohibited conditions.

• Unauthorized activation.

• May result in suspension or revocation of certification.