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MARINE PATROL UNIT - BOATING INFORMATION
Boater Safety Education Bill
Washington has passed legislation that will require boat operators to take
a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington State. Details about the process as well as applications for cards will be finalized later in 2006 by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission's Boating Safety Program.
The law will require completion of a basic boating class, or passage of an equivalency exam, to obtain a Boater Education Card. The Boater Education Card is not like a driver's license. It is obtained once and is good for life.
The Card indicates that the boat operator has a basic level of boating safety knowledge, like a diploma.
The Washington law will have a phased-in period for compliance. By January 1, 2008, boaters 20 years of age and younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. Then by January 1, 2009, it will be boaters 25 years of age or younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. The phased-in period for compliance will continue until 2016 for various age groups. Boaters born before January 1, 1955 will be exempt from having to obtain a Boater Education Card.
For the many thousands of Washington boaters who have already received a certificate of completion from an approved boating safety course, they will only need to complete a simple
one-page application and supply a copy of their certificate of completion along with a $10 administrative fee to receive their lifetime Boater Education Card. (Source: Washington State Parks)
Facts to know
Children 12 and under who are occupants on boats under 19 feet must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. Washington State life jacket law RCW 79A.60.160.
In 2000, there were 7,740 boating accidents reported to the United States Coast Guard. 701 people died and 4,355 people were injured as a result of these accidents. 83% of the fatalities occurred on boats less than 26 feet. 86% of the people who drowned in boating accidents were not wearing lifejackets.
Nearly 70% of boating accidents can be attributed to controllable factors. Almost two-thirds of all fatality accidents involved capsizing or boaters falling overboard. It was the sudden and unexpected in-the-water experience that turned into a fatal situation. Do you think wearing a life jacket could have helped save a life?
Alcohol plus Boats does not equal safe boating. In 2000, 31% of reported boating fatalities involved alcohol. The likelihood of being killed in a boating accident increases 10 times when the boat operator's blood alcohol concentration is .10. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol with a breath test result of .08 or greater in Washington violates RCW 79A.60.040.
Dangers associated with drinking alcohol while boating:
• Alcohol impairs one's ability to swim. The drinker may be unable to swim at all, or may
swim downward in the dark. 90% of boating deaths result from drowning.
• Alcohol in the bloodstream shortens cold-water survival time.
• Alcohol compounds the effects of wind, sun, and fatigue.
• Alcohol affects the boat operating skills and reaction times just as it affects road vehicle
operating skills.
BE SMART FROM THE START.
WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET.
THEY FLOAT. YOU DON'T!
Boating Safety Education
The Marine Patrol Unit provides courtesy boat inspections. Officers can inspect your boat at your home or at the lake.
Water and Boat Safety classes are also available to community groups.
For additional information regarding the Lake Stevens Police Department's Marine Patrol Unit, contact the Marine Patrol Unit at 425-334-9537.
Additional resources for Boating Safety Information:
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Boat Washington
• National Safe Boating Council
• U.S. Power Squadron
• Boat U.S. Foundation Safety Course