It's the Law: On the Water
Local Regulations

Many Washington waterways have additional equipment and operational restrictions besides those covered in this handbook. Be sure to check with the sheriff’s office or police department for local regulations before you go boating. Many local boating ordinances can be found at www.mrsc.org/Codes.aspx.

Enforcement

Washington state park rangers, Fish and Wildlife officers, city police officers, deputy sheriffs, and all other officers with law enforcement authority enforce the boating laws of Washington. The U.S. Coast Guard has enforcement authority on all waters under the jurisdiction of the United States.

Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel and direct it to a suitable pier or anchorage in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws.

It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop and allow the officer to come alongside.

• The officer may warn you about a storm or caution you about the way you are operating your vessel.
• Always remember that a key job of these officers is to ensure your safety on the water.