How do you get a boating license in Washington State?
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How do you register a boat in Washington State?
To title and register your boat with the WA Department of Licensing, collect the following items:
- A completed Vessel Title Application (Form TD-420-289). ...
- Proof of ownership: New boats: Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. ...
- Proof of paid sales tax —if you didn't pay sales tax, you'll need to provide payment for use tax.
- Payment for all applicable WA boat title and registration fees.
What agencies is responsible for Washington state boating laws?
Washington State Parks rangers, Department of Fish and Wildlife agents, and local authorities enforce the boating laws of Washington. Regulations To ensure your safety on the water as well as others, it is important that boaters be familiar with state laws related to vessel operation. Boating accidents
Does my state require a boating license?
While the state’s mandatory boating license age does not currently include all applicants, boaters must be at least 16 years old to apply. The requirements are different from neighboring states. Therefore, you are required to apply for a license if you operate a vessel on state waterways.
Do I need a license to drive a boat in Washington state?
If you are boating in Washington, you must have a Washington State Boater Education Card with you when operating a boat 15 horsepower or greater. If you were born before January 1, 1955, you are exempt.
What do you need to drive a boat in Washington state?
Operator Age and Boating Education Requirements 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.
Who is required to have a Washington boater education card?
In Washington, all boaters must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission in order to operate a motorboat with greater than 15 hp. Boaters are required to carry the Washington State Boater Education Card as proof of boater education.
How much is a boating license in Washington state?
Study and pass the $39.95 course, and pay a $10.50 state fee. Print your online course completion document. Get ready to go boating!
What size boat requires a license in Washington state?
Laws & Regulations. Who needs the Washington Boater Education Card? All boaters must have a Washington State Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 15 HP or more.
Can you drink on a boat in Washington?
In Washington, it's illegal to consume alcohol while operating a boat. Similar to driver laws, a person operating a vessel is considered under the influence of alcohol if his or her blood-alcohol level is 0.08, Seattle Police Department spokesman Drew Fowler said.
Is boat insurance required in Washington State?
Although there is no law requiring Washington boat owners carry insurance, if you moor your boat at a marina you may be required to show them proof of insurance.
How do you get a captain's license in Washington state?
Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to document 360 days of experience on a vessel, of which at least 90 days must be on Near Coastal/Ocean waters otherwise license will be limited to Inland Waters ONLY. (See: What Counts as Sea Service) 90 days of sea service must be within the last 3 years of when you apply.
How do I replace my boaters license in Washington state?
If you lose your Washington Boater Education Card, you can fill out a card replacement affidavit and mail it along with $5 to the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. Please visit the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission website for the card replacement affidavit form and current mailing address.
Is BoatUS Foundation legit?
The BoatUS Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our work is primarily funded by grants and individual donations. Your donation goes the distance and makes a difference.
Which agency is responsible for administering the Washington boating safety program?
The Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Program is administered by Washington State Parks to promote enjoyable, safe, environmentally responsible recreation on Washington's waters.
What is a boating license in Washington?
According to Washington’s boating license requirements, all boat operators in Washington are required to obtain and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card (commonly called a Boating License) when operating a motorized boat with an engine of 15 horsepower or greater. This includes operators of personal watercraft (PWCs).
What age can you drive a boat in Washington?
Washington’s Age & Horsepower Restrictions 1 Children 12 years of age and under must not operate a boat with motor of 15 horsepower or more. 2 Children 12 years of age and older may operate a boat with an engine of 15 horsepower or more, so long as they have obtained and are carrying a Boater Education Card. 3 Children 14 years of age and older may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) so long as they have obtained and are carrying a Boater Education Card. However it is illegal to rent, lease or hire a PWC to a person under 16 years of age.
How long can you use a boater education card in Washington?
Operators from another state or country who possess a valid Boater Education Card from their state or country, and who are operating in Washington for less than 60 consecutive days. A person purchasing a boat can use the bill of sale for up to 60 days, in place of a Boater Education Card.
Who is exempt from boating license?
Boating License Exemptions: Any person born before January 1st, 1955. Operators of commercial fishing boats who have a commercial license. Operators who possess a Coast Guard Marine Operators License. Operators of rented, leased or chartered boats, who are carrying a commission-approved educational checklist.
How old do you have to be to rent a PWC?
However it is illegal to rent, lease or hire a PWC to a person under 16 years of age. Some counties and cities may have additional age restrictions for PWC operators.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Washington?
Age and Operator Restrictions. Washington Boater Education Law contains the following age-specific restrictions: Persons under 12 years of age may not operate a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 hp or more. Persons 12 years of age or older may operate a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 hp or more if they have ...
What do law enforcement officers do in Washington?
Washington law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Do all states recognize boating education cards?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Registration and fees
Calculate your boat registration fees Find out how much it will cost to renew your boat decals.
Getting ready
Mandatory boater education (Washington State Parks) Find out how to get the Washington State Boater Education card required by state law.
Launch, moorage, and pumpout locations
Watercraft launch information and locations (Washington State Parks) Find out where you can launch your boat at more than 40 state parks across Washington.
Environment
Aquatic invasive species (Department of Fish and Wildlife) Learn how you can prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
Know the Law
To ensure the safety of yourself and others, get to know Washington state’s boating laws.
Registering your Vessel
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:
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 l ocal boating laws.
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:
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:
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.
Registration requirements
Unless specifically exempt, you must meet all Washington state registration requirements when using a documented vessel on Washington waters. This means you must register your boat in Washington:
Decals and registration
When you've registered your boat, you'll get your registration and a set of decals with the assigned registration number (WN#). You'll also get Vessel Registration Number Instructions showing how to properly display the registration number and decals on your boat
Long term moorage (over 30 days)
If you moor your vessel over 30 days, you must provide proof of vessel registration, a written statement of intent to register your vessel, or complete Vessel Registration Exemption form and give it to the moorage provider.
Clean your boat before you float
To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, decontaminate your boat, trailer, and gear before entering Washington. For details, see Aquatic invasive species (Department of Fish and Wildlife).
What do you need to register a boat in Washington?
Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Washington, you must have a Washington title, current registration certificate, and current registration decals to operate or moor a vessel.
How long is a sailboat?
Vessels that are not propelled by a motor (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and sailboats under 16 feet in length without a motor. Vessels that are less than 16 feet in length and have a motor of 10 horsepower or less and are used on non-federal waters only.
