As a boater, it is your responsibility to know the rules
The Seattle Harbor Code outlines speed zones within the boundaries of the City of Seattle. The Seattle Police Harbor Patrol has the responsibility of enforcing the ordinances and regulations of the city upon the waters of the harbor. As a boater, it is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations which apply to safe and legal boat operation. Among the rules that apply to all boaters are adherence to speed limits. All persons using the waterways of the city should be familiar with the following speed limits:
7 KNOT AREAS (7 Knots is equal to 8 mph)
- The Lake Washington Ship Canal which runs between Lake Washington and Shilshole Bay has a general maximum speed limit of 7 knots. This includes the waters Westerly from the Webster Point Light, in Lake Washington, all portions of Union Bay, Portage Bay and Lake Union, the Fremont Cut, the Locks and west to the entrance buoy at Shilshole Bay.
- Within 100 yards of any shoreline, pier, restricted area or shore installation in Lake Washington.
- Within 200 yards from shoreline in all other waters of the city. This includes the waters of Puget Sound off Shilshole Bay, Elliott Bay and within the Seattle City limits.
4 KNOT AREAS
- Government Locks: From the western end of the west guide pier of Hiram N. Chittenden Locks to the eastern end of the east guide pier.
3 KNOT AREAS
- Andrews Bay, South of the outermost headlands of Andrews Bay, on the northwest side of Seward Park, (Lake Washington).
- Rainier Beach: Within 100 Yards of the shoreline of Lake Washington in an area bounded on the north by an extension of South Henderson St. and bounded on the South by an extension of South Carver St.
LAKE UNION TEST LANE.
Within Lake Union there is a “Speed lane” marked by 4 yellow Buoys. The course runs east and west. Its purpose is for the operational testing and demonstration of vessels. Contact the Seattle Harbor Patrol for further information regarding the use of the Lake Union speed lane.
The speed zones within the city are in place to prevent accidents and protect persons and property against injury or damage. Nothing in the preceding sections shall be construed to exempt any person from liability caused by wake action or from liability for negligent or reckless operation of a vessel in the areas designated therein. 16.20.132 Be a courteous boater. Reduce your speed around small boats such as kayaks and canoes. In the close quarters of Lake Union Houseboats and boats moored at the many marinas around the lake are susceptible to wake damage.
AS A BOAT OPERATOR, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WAKE!
For additional information please contact:
Seattle Police Department Harbor Patrol
1717 North Northlake Wy
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 684-4071
