BoatWashington.com

Why Washington's Waters Are So Deadly

One reason Washington has a higher boating fatality rate than other states around the nation is due to water temperature.  Did you know "cold water" is defined as water less than 70 degrees fahrenhiet?  Most water wthin this state rarely rises above this.

Your chance of surviving cold water immersion depends on having sufficient flotation to keep your head above water, controlling your breathing, having timely rescue by yourself or others, and retaining body heat.  Water conducts heat from your body 25 times faster than air.  Moving water 40 times faster than still water!

Three Simple Steps Can Save Lives

1. Prepare by always wearing a secured life jacket.
2. Wear layered clothing for insulation.
3. Equip your boat with a means for re-entry (ladder, sling, etc.) to use if you should fall into the water. 

Practice reboarding procedures on your own vessel so that you know you can reboard quickly should you fall in. 

You can learn how to survive a cold water immersion and the various stages the body goes through when plunged into cold water by watching the following videos.  Be prepared by understanding the dangers of our northwest waters.  It can occur anytime during the year, and it may save your life! 

Here is a link to a news story about the dangers of cold water in the Pacific Northwest from KATU, Portland, OR.

Have a cold water experience of your own to share?  Please post a comment.

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Please help us make BoatWashington.com your best resource for boating resources and information in Washington State.

We are currently rolling out resources for many categories including State and Federal rules and regulations, ramp and marina directories and locations, guest expert blogs, state legislation news and updates, and much more.

Tell us what you would like to see.  How can we enhance your boating enjoyment?  Let us know!  We always love to hear from our followers, we are here to serve.

Stay safe on the water!

Washington's Mandatory Boater Education

In 2005, a law was passed requiring boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington state. The law applies to operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater. (RCW 79A.60.640) 

Boaters can take an education course in a classroom, online or at home. Once the course is completed and test passed, boaters need to send a completed application for their card.

If boaters already have taken an approved boating class, they only need to send in their application with supporting documents to get a Boater Education Card.

Take an approved boater education course in the classroom, online or at home.
Complete and submit the application for a Boater Education Card along with fee and supporting documents.

Here is a link to frequently asked questions about the Mandatory Boater Education law.

For any further questions call the Washington State Parks Boating Programs at (360) 586-6592 or send an e-mail to boating@parks.wa.gov 

Free Vessel Safety Checks at Your Home

Before taking your boat (vessel) out for the first time this spring, make sure you have everything you need by having a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) preformed on your boat.

In most areas, a trained specialist and a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary is available to come to your home and perform a courtesy examination of your boat to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and the Federal regulations.  This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. This is simply a service provided by these organizations to help keep boaters safe.  Vessels that pass will be able to display a distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boardings, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

Contact a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Examiner near you to make an appointment.

If you wish to inspect your boat yourself, use this on-line, interactive site to help you.  Virtual Vessel Safety Check.

Check out the 15 Reason Why a Vessel Might Not Pass a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

Feel relaxed knowing your boat is properly equipped by having a trained specialist go over your boat with you.  Schedule a Vessel Safety Check today. 

Boat safe!

Increase your safety dramatically by taking advantage of enhanced communications options

Digital technology is changing our lives at home and now on the water.  If your vessel is not equipped with a VHF Digital Select Calling (DSC) radio, it's time to consider upgrading to one for many reasons - safety being the BIGGEST one.  

In an emergency, one push of a button and your DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification (MMSI) number, and position (if your radio is linked to a GPS receiver) to other DSC-equipped vessels and rescue facilities.

Marine radios equipped with DSC serve as one facet of the GMDSS. A DSC equipped radio has all the features of your current VHF radio, and more. DSC technology makes a VHF radio work more like a telephone. It allows boaters to send a digital call directly to another DSC-equipped vessel or shore station, much like a person-to-person telephone call.

Rescue 21 is the United States Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system. Created to improve the ability to assist mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea, the system is currently being installed in stages across the United States.

The coasts of Oregon and Washington State are now covered by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 advanced radio and communications system, as Air Station Astoria, OR, was deployed in early May. The nationwide system now covers 15,745 miles of coastline.

While all boaters with VHF radios will benefit from Rescue 21, it will be much more effective with a DSC-capable VHF radio. For boaters staying within U.S. boundaries, MMSI registration is free from BoatUS. It must be programmed into the radio. Go to www.BoatUS.com/MMSI for online registration or to download the form.

Also on the site is a free tutorial, “Can You Hear Me?” on how to use DSC radios.

The United States Power Squadrons is also authorized by the Federal Communications Commission and the US Coast Guard  to issue MMSIs to US flagged vessels not subject to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention  requirements. This includes almost all recreational boats.  Go to USPS MMSI home.