Stay on top of the latest boating rules! There’s no need to be nervous when you know the latest in insurance requirements, international customs, permits, environmental standards, and more. With far more in the authoritative Wagoner Cruising Guide book, get started here with our tips for the latest boating rules.
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Navigation Lights – Potential Violations?
Did you know that navigation lights, including replacement bulbs, must be Coast Guard approved? Navigation lights aboard vessels are prescribed by the “Rules of the Road,” part of the convention for International Regulations to help prevent potential conflicts and...
New SRKW Distance in BC and Protective Measures
The Government of Canada has introduced an increased approach distance for the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) for a specified time period in BC waters. SRKW Approach Distance. Under Transport Canada’s 2026 Interim Order, motorized vessels and human-powered...
NOTICE: 2025 SRKW Measures in BC Waters
Canadian Government has once again implemented measures in B.C. waters to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) that include restrictions that affect all boaters. Seasonal measures include restrictions on fishing, approach distance to SRKW, restricted speed...
No-Go Sanctuary Zones and Speed Zones – Important Reminder
Boaters are reminded to stay outside the No-Go Sanctuary Zones established in the Gulf Islands to protect Southern Resident killer whales (Orcas) and to abide by the reduced speed zones around Swiftsure Bank. Boaters have received hefty fines for illegally entering...
VHF Radio License Required in BC Waters
Did you know that U.S. boaters, as well as Canadian boaters, are required to have a VHF Radio Operator’s License to legally operate a VHF marine radio in Canadian waters? In Canadian Waters. U.S. boaters are to have a “Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit” (RR)...
Boaters Must Stay a 1,000 Yards From SRKWs in WA
Boaters are reminded that the new Washington State Law, effective January 1, 2025, requires boaters (including hand-powered craft) to maintain a 1,000-yard distance from Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs). The intent of the Bill that passed in 2023 is to help...
BC Province & Partners Fighting Invasive Mussels
The Province of BC along with BC Hydro and conservation organizations have stepped up their efforts to protect local waterways from the invasion of harmful mussels, including zebra and quagga mussels. Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship has...
Proposed Changes Small Vessel Regulations – Canada
Canadian boaters can have their say on the proposed changes to the Small Vessel Regulations. The proposed changes to the Small Vessel Regulations for licensing a pleasure craft have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Canadian boaters have until July 12,...
Staying Safe in Southeast Alaska!
Captain Darwin A. Jensen: Greetings fellow boaters! It is my honor to have the opportunity to reach you all. As an avid boater and fisherman myself, I share your excitement in hitting the water this summer. As Commander of Coast Guard Sector Juneau, I am responsible...
Back to Basics – Encountering Other Boats
Before heading out on the water for the season, we like to review the systems on our boat and handling procedures. Even experienced boaters run the risk of becoming complacent, and some boaters may simply not be aware of the nautical rules of the road. Understanding...
Report Sightings of the European Green Crab
The European Green Crab is an invasive species that destroys and degrades eelgrass habitats by foraging and burrowing into the seabed, much more so than native crabs of the Pacific Northwest. Eelgrass is vitally important for fish that attach their eggs to eelgrass...
Vessel Traffic Lanes – Pleasure Boaters Beware
Vessel Traffic Lanes are used to regulate busy traffic in confined waterways for deep-draft commercial vessels such as cargo ships and tugs with barges. VTS is primarily for commercial vessels, although all power-driven vessels 40 meters (131 feet) or longer,...
Transit Through B.C. – The Harsh Reality
Many of us might be dreaming about cruising in Southeast Alaska this summer, but how many of us have thought through all of the logistics and challenges of legally passing through Canadian waters during an on-going Covid pandemic? Currently, foreign-flagged vessels...
Engine Cut-Off Switch – New Federal Law Effective April 1, 2021
Operators of vessels less than 26 feet in length, with open-helm stations, must wear a link that shuts off the engine in the event an operator is ejected from the vessel or thrown from the helm station. This Federal Law takes effect on April 1, 2021, and applies only...
Boat Insurance – What is Covered?
Insurance for your vessel can also mean the difference between an accident remaining an accident, or an accident becoming a launching pad for financial ruin