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: www.usps.org/national/govprcom/state_MOU_f.htm >>

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 >>

Washington State Requirements The agency responsible for administering the Washington Boating Safety Program is: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington State Requirements Marine Mammal Rules 19 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 165.1325: 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 >>

End Chapter 2 End of Chapter 2