[ NAUTICAL NEWS + NOTES ]
M AK I N G WAV E S BY RANDY WOODS
[ BOATING SEASON BEGINS! ]
A Primer on the Rules of Boating Season May is here and many boaters are eager to get back on the water after a long and dark year. As quarantine restrictions continue to relax, here are some helpful tips for boaters about the recent on-the-water rule changes and regulations before you set sail on your next Northwest cruise.
Yes, you do need a boating license. Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding, you are responsible for knowing the laws and basics of boating safety. Many recreational boaters in Washington state are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. For details on classes, please visit parks.state.wa.us/442/Mandatory-Boater-Education.
A new cut-off switch law went into effect April 1. Under new U.S. Coast Guard regulations, operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) link to prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOS link is usually a lanyard that attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Wireless ECOS links, using electronic fobs, perform the same duty if submerged in water. More details can be found at uscgboating.org/ recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php.
Puget Sound is a No Discharge Zone. To prevent the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage from boats into state waters, Puget Sound is one of more than 90 No Discharge Zone (NDZ) established in 27 states. To find secure facilities where it is safe to pump out sewage, go to PumpoutWashington.org or download the Pumpout Nav app at apps.apple.com.
Make way for marine animals. The Salish Sea is home of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, which are listed as endangered in both Canada and the United States. Only 75 orcas of the Southern Resident community remain as of February 2021. Before you shove off, be sure to check the BeWhaleWise.org site for maps showing the proper distance boats should maintain (300 to 400 yards) when encountering sensitive marine wildlife, including the new baby orca that was spotted earlier this year.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LACHLAN GOWEN
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