What is required to operate a boat in Washington?

Washington state offers outdoor enthusiasts a playground that’s rugged, gorgeous and straight up hard to beat! Between the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains there are countless places for outdoor activity. Whether you’re interested in boating, whitewater rafting, paddle sports, hardcore rock climbing or mountain biking through an old-growth forest, there’s always something awesome to do in Washington state! 

But the water is where it’s at for us and when you combine the Pacific Coastline, the extensive tidal waterways and the island perimeters of Washington, there are 3,000+ miles of coastline to explore by boat. Now that’s cool. So whether you’re visiting a big city like Seattle or Olympia, or maybe you plan on visiting a small town like Long Beach or cozy Leavenworth, known for it’s awesome rock-climbing, Washington has a water venue for everyone! So grab a map and start exploring!  

STATE PARKS

Washington State Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts over 80 parks across the state and endless stretches of rugged, untouched terrain. So grab your Discover Pass and start your Washington state boating adventure! 

If you’re into sailboarding, Washington State Parks has waterways with some of the world’s best windsurfing conditions. The scenic Columbia River Gorge has more than a half-dozen state parks located on it which boast ideal sailboarding conditions. Doug’s Beach is rated for advanced windsurfers, but nearby Columbia Hills has the perfect combination of calm water and high winds for beginners.

In addition to the laws that apply to all vessels, there are additional laws that apply specifically to personal watercraft.

Do not underestimate PWCs – they are very powerful for their small size and demand the same respect as any boat. In fact, PWC operation must adhere to the same rules and regulations as any other powerboat – including registration with the state and a B-1 class fire extinguisher aboard.

PWCs have some additional requirements:

• The operator as well as all passengers on a PWC must be wearing an inherently buoyant U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
• When towing someone on a tube or on water skis, there must be capacity on the PWC to accommodate the operator, the observer as well as the tuber/skier(s).
• PWCs must stay at a distance of 200ft from other water skiers or others being towed behind a vessel.
• PWCs must operate at slow-no wake speed, maximum 5 mph limit when:
  • Within 200ft of a swimmer, surfer, diving flag, bank or wading angler, dock, swim float, boat launch, ramp, pier, marina, floating home, moorage area, or boathouse;
  • Within 100ft of any anchored or non-motorized vessel; or
  • Within 200ft of shoreline on all lakes, reservoirs, and bays.

• PWC operators in Washington State must not exceed 10mph when approaching within 100ft of a motorized or sailing vessel that is underway.
• A person shall not operate a PWC in a reckless manner including weaving through congested traffic, recklessly jumping the wake of another boat unreasonably or unnecessarily close to the boat, or when visibility around the boat is obstructed. A person shall not recklessly swerve at the last possible moment to avoid a collision i.e. ‘spraying’ another boater.
• A person shall not lease, hire or rent a personal watercraft to a person under the age of sixteen.

Personal watercraft may not be operated during hours of darkness (sunset to sunrise).

Take this Washington–approved course to complete your online boating safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Washington State Parks.

Register your boat with the Washington State Department of Licensing. To navigate, operate, employ, or moor your vessel in Washington, you must have a Washington title, registration card, and registration decals, except when your vessel is:

• a canoe, kayak, or not propelled by a motor or sail.
• less than 16 feet in length and has a motor of 10 horsepower or less and is used on non-federal waters only.
• properly registered by a resident of another state or country who uses Washington waters for 60 days or fewer.

See other exemptions.

The registration card (the cutout portion of the Vessel Registration Certificate) must be onboard whenever you use your vessel.

Operator Age and Boating Education Requirements

Counties and cities may have further restrictions so remember to check in with them before heading out on the water. Find your local boating laws.

• Anyone 12 years old and older may operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower and greater with a Washington Boater Education Card.
• Without a card, the person must be supervised by someone at least 16 years old, who is carrying a Boater Education Card.
• Anyone born before January 1, 1955 is exempt from needing to carry a Boater Education Card.
• Personal Watercraft – You must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. Remember, it is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 16 years old.

Be Whale Wise

Vessel traffic is one of a number of things impacting the survival of southern resident killer whales, which are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. Boaters can do their part to protect southern resident killer whales and keep themselves safe by following Be Whale Wise regulations, which include:

• Staying at least 300 yards from southern resident killer whales and at least 400 yards out of the path behind or in front of the whales.
• Slowing down to seven knots within a half-mile of southern residents
• Watching for and using the Whale Warning Flag, which helps notify boaters of whales nearby. Slow down if you see the flag. To get a flag of your own, visit the San Juan Marine Resources Committee’s Web site.
• Turning off fish finders and/or depth sounders if you see southern residents in the distance. 
• Helping promote safe waters for people and orcas. Report violations on the Be Whale Wise Web site.

For more information about Be Whale Wise regulations, visit bewhalewise.org.

Navigating on Washington Waters

Safe navigation is the responsibility of all boaters. Even though no vessel will have absolute right-of-way over other boats, here are three basic rules that every operator should know and follow:

• Practice good seamanship.
• Maintain a safe speed and distance.
• Keep a sharp lookout.

Remember, it’s illegal to obstruct navigation by doing any of the following:

• Anchoring in the traveled part of a river or channel so that other vessels are interfered with or prevented from passing through.
• Operating any vessel in a way that it will interfere with the safe navigation of other vessels.
• Mooring or attaching to a buoy (other than a mooring buoy), beacon, light, or any other navigational aid placed by authorities on public waters.
• Moving, displacing, tampering with, damaging, or destroying any navigational aid.

Prevent Pollution

Spilling oil or a hazardous substance into state waters is illegal. Polluters may be fined up to $10,000 for each violation or $100,000 for each day the oil poses a risk to the environment, or even more if the spill was intentional. Visit Clean, Green Boating at Washington Department of Ecology’s Web site to learn more.

Don’t Transport Nuisance Species

Washington State law prohibits transport of any water-based, non-native plants and creatures on any boat, trailer, fishing gear, or bait well. If found, law enforcement may stop you and require you to clean your vessel or gear.

To learn more about these aquatic invasive species, how to spot them, and what to do if you find them, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Web site.

What You Can Do

• Remove all visible aquatic plants and animals from your boat, motor, trailer, and other equipment before leaving the access area.
• Always drain live wells and transom wells before leaving the water.
• Report sightings online at the Washington Invasive Species Council Web site.