Safe navigation is the responsibility of all boaters. Even though no vessel will have absolute right-of-way over other boats, there are rules that every operator should know and follow. To avoid collisions on the water, boaters should follow there basic rules: (1) Practice good seamanship; (2) maintain a safe speed and distance; and (3) keep a sharp lookout. Learn more specifics related to safe navigation by downloading a comprehensive boating handbook called Adventures in Boating Washington Handbook http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/wa_specific_images/pdfs/WA_handbook_entire.pdf. Another excellent resource is the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center.

Prevent Pollution
Spilling oil or a hazardous substance to state waters is illegal. Polluters can be fined up to $10,000 per violation or $100,000 for each day the oil poses a risk to the environment, or even more if the spill was intentional. Visit www.ecy.wa.gov/CleanGreenBoating at Washington Department of Ecology’s Web site to learn more.

Operator Age and Boating Education Requirements
http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/
A 2005 law requires operators to take a boater safety education course before operating a boat in Washington. The law applies to operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater. The new law will be phased in so that all boaters will be required to have an education card by 2014. In addition boaters must be at least 14 years old to legally operate a Jet Ski type personal watercraft. (Note: It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 16 years of age). See the chart to determine when you must get your boater education card.

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.