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 parks
rangers, Fish and Wildlife
agents, 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 federally controlled waters.
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.
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