Washington Boating Handbook Table of Contents

Introduction

• Home Page
• Washington's Boater Education Program

Boating Basics

Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Trailering Your Vessel Safely
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System
• Non-Lateral Markers (Regulatory Markers)
• Boating Safety Tips: Share the Water
• Weather Emergencies
• Hazardous Coastal Bar Information
• Other Boating Emergencies
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Courtesy When Encountering Other Vessels
• Environmental Considerations
• Other PWC Considerations

It's the Law!

Before Going Out

• Operator Age and Boater Education Card Requirements
• Registering and Titling Your Vessel
• Where to Register
• Registration and Title Fees
• Other Facts About Registration and Titling
• How to Apply for Registration or Title
• Hull Identification Numbers
• Annual Excise Tax on Vessels

Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Sound Signals
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
• Other Equipment
  • Diver-Down Flag
  • Skier-Down Flag

On The Water

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Vessel Accidents
• Local Regulations
• Enforcement

Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC—Safely!

Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

The Environment and Your Vessel

• Discharge of Sewage and Waste
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Trash
• Waste Management Plan
• Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) / Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
• Help Protect Marine Mammals

Required Equipment Checklist

• Required Equipment Checklist

Good to Know

• Washington State Parks Moorage Permits
• Orca Whales
• Washington Vessel Traffic Systems and Shipping Lanes
• Washington Boaters' Telephone Directory
• Washington State Parks Information
• Washington State Pump-Out Locations (PDF)

PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)

NOTE: Information in this handbook does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Washington, which is found in the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code, and federal law.