1. America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition
State & Local Regulations
Chapter 2
Section 8
Chapter 2 Section 8 State & Local Regulations
Make sure you know your State’s local boating laws and regulations.
Obtain copies of your State Boaters Guide and give one to each student.
Study these guides to determine where state laws and regulations differ from or extend beyond the Federal requirements.
Point out the differences to the student. Inform them that the more stringent regulation prevails.
Some states accept the USPS Wallet Card or Certificate in lieu of state-issued documents; however, this does not apply in all states.
The instructor must inform the students of any other requirements in order to obtain boating certification in their state. This may include the local Squadron submitting their name, address etc. to the agency responsible for boating regulations in the state and the state issuing a certification or wallet card. Certain states may require the student to file paperwork personally to be granted a boating certification in their state. This must be clearly explained to the student.
A majority of States have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USPS. Know the requirements of your MOU. States may require the administration of questions on state boating regulations as part of The Squadron Boating Course final exam. Both the State and USPS have responsibilities that are listed in the MOU. The MOUs can be found at:
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2. State & Local Regulations
Are in addition to the Federal Regulations
Are focused on boat operator qualifications and boat operations
Are enforceable by state and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies 2
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3. Washington State Requirements
The agency responsible for administering the Washington Boating Safety Program is:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

4. Washington State Requirements
Boater Education Card Requirement
Effective January 1, 2015 all boaters between 12 and 60 years of age must have a Boater Education Card
Older boaters are exempt but should get a card in case they travel out of state or country
CARDS HAVE TO BE APPLIED FOR BY THE STUDENT. THEY ONLY COST $10 AND ARE GOOD FOR LIFE.

5. Washington State Requirements
Specific life jacket requirements for children
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved life jacket at all times
…when underway in a vessel less than 19 feet in length unless in a fully enclosed area

6. Washington State Requirements
Sewage and Refuse
The discharge of untreated sewage and refuse is illegal…In any Washington waters including the Pacific Ocean up to 3 nautical miles offshore
Pumpout stations are available throughout Washington State – see next slide

7. Washington State Requirements
An Excellent Source of Information
A Typical List of Pumpout Locations

8. Washington State Requirements
Specific hours Personal Water Craft – PWC or Jet Ski Operation
PWCs may be operated only between sunrise and sunset

9. Washington State Requirements
The Legal age to operate a Personal Water Craft (PWC or Jet Ski) in WA
At least 14 years of age
However, You must be least 16 to rent, hire, or lease a PWC

10. Washington State Requirements
Invasive Species
Invasive Species hurt our native species and cause environmental, economic, and recreational damage
Remove all vegetation from boat and trailer prior to departing launch area
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)/  Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) hurt our native species and cause environmental, economic, and recreational damage

11. Washington State Requirements
Boating Accidents
Stop your vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident
…Unless doing so would seriously endanger your own vessel or passengers

12. Washington State Requirements
A written boating accident report must be submitted to a local city or county law enforcement agency*
*WHENEVER
Damages exceed $2,000
Person dies or disappears
Injuries require treatment beyond first aid

13. Washington State Requirements
Cold Waters in the Pacific Northwest
Affect Survival
One safety step is to always wear your Life Jacket / Life Vest
Life jackets provide insulation and slow the effects of hypothermia

14. Washington State Requirements
Boat Registration Decal placement is specific
Decals go aft (toward the stern) of the state registration numbers on BOTH sides
Never in front of the state numbers

15. Washington State Requirements
Mufflers are required on each and every Vessel with an Engine (including sailboats)
Mufflers must be in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise

16. Washington State Requirements
Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Carbon Monoxide is an extremely dangerous invisible and odorless gas that can incapacitate and kill within minutes
Ensure sources of fresh air to occupied spaces even in bad weather
Never permit “teak surfing” – persons dragging behind the boat’s transom or swim platform

17. Washington State Requirements
Water Skiing Requirements
In addition to the boat’s driver, an observer is required
A skier-in-the-water flag must be displayed on the boat while skiing
No ‘dark’ Skiing between one hour after sundown and one hour before sunrise

18. Washington State Requirements
Boating Under the Influence – BUI –
is prohibited by Washington Law
Thresholds for BUI are:
A blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight or …
Under the influence of, or affected by, alcohol, cannabis, and/or any other drug

19. Washington State Requirements
Marine Mammal Rules 19
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20. Washington State Requirements
Coastal Bars are where our NW rivers meet the Pacific Ocean
Bars can have steep & dangerous waves
Careless operation may lead to capsizing and death
See next slide 20
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21. Washington State Requirements
The U.S. Coast Guard evaluates the conditions and broadcasts safety information on VHF-FM Channel 16.
These broadcasts tell when bar crossing restrictions are imposed, what size boats are covered by the restrictions, and when bar restrictions and conditions change or subside
Warning signs with amber flashing lights are located to warn when bar restrictions are imposed
If the amber lights are flashing on the “Rough Bar Warning” sign, call the Coast Guard weather phone recordings for information regarding any restrictions that may be in place or tune your VHF radio to Channel 16
Rough Bar Warning Signs have Amber Lights that flash alternately when the warning is imposed
(AM Radio station 1610 may also be used) 21
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22. Washington State Requirements
In Washington State Waters
Regulated Navigation Area Warning Signs are located at:
GRAYS HARBOR and
QUILLAYUTE RIVER
COLUMBIA RIVER (Between WA and Oregon)
Each of the following areas is a regulated navigation area in accordance with 33 USC :
WASHINGTON BARS
Quillayute River Entrance
Grays Harbor Entrance
Willapa Bay
Columbia River Bar
OREGON BARS
Nehalem River
Tillamook Bay
Netarts
Siletz Bay
Depoe Bay
Yaquina Bay Siuslaw River
Umpqua River
Coos Bay
Coquille River
Rogue River
Chetco River 22
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23. End Chapter 2
End of Chapter 2