Foreign-Flagged Boats in Washington Waters – Did You Know?

Did you know that foreign-flagged vessels (except for Canadian vessels) must have a “pilot” onboard when cruising in Washington waters unless you have applied for and received an exemption from the WA Board of Pilotage Commissioners?

A quote from the Pilotage Commissioners’ website states: “If your recreational vessel is registered outside of the United States or Canada, you are subject to mandatory pilotage no matter the size of your vessel.” Yes, it’s true; it doesn’t matter what size boat, your foreign-flagged boat could be as small as 30 feet, but you still need a pilot on board unless you have an exemption. Unfortunately, most recreational vessels that come to our waters from other countries are unaware of this regulation, which is unique to Washington State. Our foreign visitors are often caught unaware. To-date, there has never been a media campaign or formal outreach to inform our foreign-flagged boating visitors.

Currently, foreign yachts (except for Canadian-flagged vessels) up to 200 feet in length or 750 Gross Tons can apply to the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners to request an exemption. Exemption applications are found at the Board’s web page. Fees to apply for an exemption vary by boat length. This requirement for a pilot or an exemption is provided in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Section 88.16.070. The rules regarding making application for an exemption are found in WA Administrative Code (WAC) 363-116-360.

While it makes sense to require a pilot be on board for safe passage of large commercial and recreational vessels unfamiliar with our waters, bars, and harbors, it doesn’t make much sense for vessels under 65 feet. Waggoner is suggesting that boats under 65 feet be automatically exempted from the pilotage requirements. Rather than putting up more barriers to recreational boaters visiting our waters, we should be encouraging boaters to enjoy all the boating opportunities we offer in Washington State, while supporting boatyards, marinas, and our economic base.

Alaska and neighboring British Columbia and Oregon waters have no such pilotage requirement for recreational vessels under 65 feet. The Washington State requirement for pilotage of recreational vessels under 65 feet stands alone.

For more information about WA Board of Pilotage Commissioners, see www.pilotage.wa.gov or call 206-515-3904.