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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USCG Vessel Documentation Center to Launch eStore in 2022
“Documentation” is a form of vessel registration through the U.S. Coast Guard. This certificate/title for the vessel is on a national/federal level, as opposed to State titling. USCG title is proof of ownership and authentication of the vessel’s origin. The United...
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...
New Coast Guard Regulation – Expiration Date for Disposable Fire Extinguishers
Effective April 20, 2022, a non-rechargeable fire extinguisher that is older than 12 years from the date of manufacture is considered expired and must be removed from service per the new U.S. Coast Guard regulation. Boaters should look for the date of manufacture,...
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,...
Boaters Encouraged to be Whale Wise for Orca Action Month
After what felt like a very long winter, Puget Sound residents are excited to get out on the water and enjoy the beauty of our region. June is Orca Action Month, a time to celebrate and protect one of our region’s most iconic marine mammals, the Southern Resident...
400-Meter Separation from Southern Resident Killer Whales in B.C. – Territory Extended
Boaters in B.C. waters are reminded to stay 400 meters (approximately 1/4 mile) from Southern Resident Killer Whales. This Federal Law (Fisheries & Oceans Canada) has designated the law to now include the waters of Howe Sound and Barkley Sound, including all of...
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
Copper Bottom Paint in Washington until 2026
The use of copper bottom paints in Washington State is now secure until January 1, 2026. Thanks in part to the legislative work of Recreational Boating Association of Washington (RBAW) and Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), the previous earlier...
Clean Marinas Benefit the Environment & Marinas
By Blair Englebrecht –Boating Programs Manager, Puget Soundkeeper AllianceTeeming beneath the docks and ship hulls of Washington marinas are some of the most sensitive and important resources in the state. By their very nature marinas can hover over...
Proof of Insurance – Is your yacht insured enough?
More and more marinas are requiring Proof of Insurance, even from transient boaters.There is a law in Washington state, RCW 88.26.030, in regards to insurance requirements for private moorage (marinas.)All vessels, with the exception of transients, must...
U.S. Customs – New ROAM App Available in Washington and Alaska
The new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ROAM App can now be used when entering at state of Washington and Alaska Ports of Entry. The App can make your arrival reporting with U.S. Customs a lot easier. Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile, ROAM App, is an App...
USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Inspections
USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Inspections Safety on the water is top priority. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is committed to this goal and they offer free vessel safety inspections to help boaters stay safe. If your vessel passes inspection, you’ll receive...
