CA AB2571

Enacts the Maritime Police Officer Standards Training Act of 2012, requiring every peace officer assigned to jurisdictions with waterborne environments to complete a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course in basic maritime law for law enforcement officers.

Course curriculum must include boat handling, chart reading, navigation rules, maritime boardings, arrest procedures, vessel identification, searches, and counterterrorism practices and procedures, consistent with federal doctrine and current tactical training.

Requires POST to develop and implement the basic maritime law course, adopt necessary regulations, and identify jurisdictions where the training requirement applies.

Defines "waterborne environment" to include ports, navigable lakes or rivers, and inland waters.

Bill becomes operative only when sufficient funding is made available from federal, state, local sources, or legislative appropriation.