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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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...
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...
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...
Washington State Aquatic Invasive Species Permit for Out-of-State Boaters
Who Needs the AIS Prevention Permit?
Operators of recreational vessels not registered in Washington, seaplane operators, and commercial transporters of watercraft are required to purchase an AIS Prevention Permit. Operators should carry the permit on the vessel at all times. Permits can be obtained online or at any Fish and Wildlife license dealer. Online purchased permits are mailed, and you can print a temporary permit which is good for 10 days. Permits are valid for one year from date of activation.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) – What’s New and What’s Unchanged?
Washington State AIS Prevention Permits or State Registration stickers are now required for watercraft and floatplanes operating on Washington waters. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is implementing new 2018 AIS Prevention Permits. Fees from vessel registrations and registration stickers are not new. In preparing our Waggoner eNews article about the new permit, we discovered some implementation questions and concerns, and we asked WDFW to address them. We are happy to report that Allen Pleus, WDFW AIS Prevention Permit Administrator, has been helpful in responding to questions and concerns.
