I would say we all need to read and apply the "72COLREGS" as they apply to inland waters then there are Tennessee laws, Georgia laws,Alabama laws. With each state there are rules to follow and the problem always comes that after being stopped by an officer the rules apply even if you do not know or apply the rules. An example of this is a little item of, in Tennessee the rule to apply is having a throwable device but in another state state, that throwable device must have a line attached to that throwable device. There is also the thought that having a USCG Aux. inspection is in compliance of being inspected. This is true that at that moment in time your vessel was in compliance but your vessel can and is required to heave to and comply with boarding by Federal,State,Local law enforcement for inspection of the same safety compliances and more. There is also the point of caring a coply of the local regulations of the state where you are but also a hard copy of the 72COLREGS. I started boating long time ago but over the years the laws have changed and so did I have to change and increase my knowledge of the laws and regulations. THe most dangerest thing that has happen is being scuba diving and having two jet skies use my divers flag for turn pratice while I was below them within the correct distance of my marker.