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US LAW TO PROHIBIT USE OF LASER POINTERS
Published: 13 May 2021
A recent enactment in the US confirms that, as with the aviation industry, it is forbidden to direct laser pointers towards any ships. There are potential civil fines of up to USD25,000 and criminal prosecution of an offender with severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment and a fine of USD250,000. In addition, there will also be severe disruption to a ship’s operation with governmental boarding and searching and associated delays. In some other jurisdictions laser pointers are used by pilots and also as a means of warning in near collision situations but Members must be aware that in US waters laser pointers are not allowed in any circumstances.