Washington boating license laws

Regardless of the law, we recommend carrying a small class B-I fire extinguisher if you have a trolling motor on your kayak or canoe. I'm Steve, the research and technology workhorse behind Paddle Camp. I do tons of research on all our family's paddling gear before I buy or recommend anything.

I grew up canoeing with my dad and brother. A few years ago I bought paddle boards for my daughters, myself, and my wife. Ever since then, we plan most of our vacations around kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding. In most states you do not have to register a paddle board.

But there are a few states where you must register your SUP to paddle legally Can you get a DUI on a kayak? Yes, you can get a DUI on a kayak, but that's not the end of it. Read this before you decide to have a beer and go for a paddle. Skip to content. Before you paddle away, check this out!

Washington Kayak Registration — Manually propelled kayaks and canoes are exempt from registration. Motorized Kayak Registration — All vessels over 16 feet in length or with a motor of 10 horsepower or more must be registered and titled. This includes a trolling motor on a canoe or kayak. Kayak Operator Licensing in Washington — A Boater Education Card is required if the operator is using a vessel with a horsepower or more motor, was born after January 1, , or is 12 years of age or older.

Motorized Kayaking Age — All operators of motor vessels with 15 or more horsepower must be at least 12 years old and have a Boating Education Card. Registration, titling and decal procedures must be regularly renewed to stay valid. Washington state boating regulations were established by the WA State Parks and Recreation Commission to keep boaters and swimmers safe and protect the natural environment from abuse.

State boat requirements concerning the equipment that must be abroad water vessels at all times and the types of systems that must be present aim to protect boaters from potential problems while on the water.

Here are some important WA boating laws that all boat operators should remember when driving:. All boaters must complete a boating course before they can apply for a license. This course is offered for free by some providers and for a small fee from other providers. This fee is standard. Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing. California Privacy R. Operation of personal watercraft — Prohibited activities — Penalties.

Duty of operator involved in collision, accident, or other casualty — Immunity from liability of persons rendering assistance — Penalties. Casualty and accident reports — Confidentiality — Use as evidence.

Boating accident reports by local government agencies — Investigation — Report of coroner. Vessels adrift — Owner to be notified. Notice — Contents — Service. Compensation — Liability on failure to give notice. Disputed claims — Trial — Bond.

Liability for excessive or negligent use. Unclaimed vessel — Procedure. Vessels secured pursuant to chapter 79A. Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers — Purpose. Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers — Whitewater river outfitter's license required. Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers — Conduct constituting misdemeanor. Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers — Safety requirements.

Canoes, kayaks, or vessels that don't have a motor or sail strictly human powered. Vessels with propulsion machinery that: Draw watts or less, and Propel the vessel no faster than 10 miles per hour, and Are not used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or the high seas beyond the territorial seas for vessels owned in the United States.

Vessels owned by a nonresident in Washington exclusively for repairs, alteration, or reconstruction. An employee of the repair facility providing these services must be on board the vessel during any testing. The owner must file an affidavit with the Department of revenue by the 61st day to verify the vessel is being serviced.

The affidavit must be filed every 60 days thereafter, as long as the vessel is located upon the waters. Vessels less than 16 feet long with a motor of 10 horsepower or less, if used on non-federal waters only. Tenders 10 HP or less used for direct transportation between a registered vessel and the shore and for no other purpose.

The tender must display the number of the registered vessel followed by the suffix "1". Vessels 30 ft. Vessels held for sale by a licensed dealer. Vessels used exclusively for commercial fishing must be listed with Washington State Department of Revenue. How to register your boat To title and register your boat in Washington: Provide all of the following: A completed Vessel Title Application. If you bought the boat at a dealer, they'll complete this form for you.