Washington State Parks Boating Programs
A Fact Sheet on Vessel Inspections
Why do marine law enforcement officers want to inspect my boat?
Marine law enforcement officers want to make sure that you have a safe day boating. Safety is all
about being prepared. That’s why boaters are required to carry life jackets, sound producing devices,
and other important equipment. The purpose of a boating safety inspection is to ensure that boaters
have everything needed for a fun and enjoyable day on the water. In 2013, approximately 40 percent of
vessels inspected by a state or local law enforcement agency failed a safety inspection, meaning they
were not properly equipped. These agencies make significant investments in responding to marine
emergencies and assisting boaters in need. Boater preparedness often separates survival from tragedy.
Who does these inspections?
There are different state, federal, and
local agencies that patrol Washington’s
waters conducting vessel inspections
and enforcing a variety of laws and
regulations. It is important to
understand that each of these agencies
has a unique mission and authority.
You may even see officers from
different agencies on one boat. A
safety inspection is very similar, no
matter who is doing it, but each agency
may have a different reason for
stopping your vessel.
Type
Name
Primary Mission
Port and waterway safety, homeland
security, immigrant and drug
interdiction, border control, marine
environmental protection, maritime
safety and security, living marine
resource protection, and national
defense
Federal
US Coast
Guard
Federal
Customs
Service
border control, drug interdiction,
homeland security
State
Dept of Fish
& WildlifePolice
Natural resource enforcement
County
Sheriff
boating safety enforcement
City
Police
boating safety enforcement
Volunteer organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadron also
conduct vessel safety “checks” as a courtesy to recreational boaters. These safety checks are NOT an
inspection, and participation is voluntary. Vessel Safety Checks are encouraged because they provide
you an opportunity to ask questions to learn more about safe boating practices. The information
gathered from a vessel safety check is not shared with law enforcement agencies. Also, these checks
are not conducted on the water but at the ramp, dockside, or at other pre-determined locations. If
you’re interested in a voluntary Vessel Safety Check you can inquire on line at www.safetyseal.net or
contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron representative. For an
inspection by a Local Marine Law Enforcement Agency, visit www.parks.wa.gov and click on
Boating Programs. Then click on Boat Accident Reporting and you will see a hyperlink in the text for
local and county law enforcement agencies.
Vesel Inspection Fact Sheet - 2015
1111 Israel Road SW | Tumwater, WA 98504 | (360) 902-8555 | email: [email protected]
www.parks.wa.gov/boating
Why was I inspected more than once in a season or a day?
Each agency that patrols our waterways has a unique mission and a different reason for contacting
boaters. For example, federal agents are responsible for protecting our international borders, and state
Fish and Wildlife Officers are focused on enforcing natural resource regulations, but both may patrol
the same bodies of water. If you are fishing or cruising near the Canadian border, either or both of
these agencies may stop you. All agencies are engaged in boating safety and have the authority to stop
a vessel if a violation is observed.
What is an inspection decal and why do I want one?
An inspection decal is a sticker that shows that your boat has passed a safety inspection. All state and
local marine law enforcement agencies in Washington issue the inspection decal shown in figure 1,
below. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron will issue you the decal shown in
figure 2. In either case, you should display the decal where it is easily visible. Also, law enforcement
agencies may issue you an inspection form as a record of the inspection results. You are urged to keep
those on board and provide them to officers who may stop you in the future.
Figure 1: Inspection decal of state
and local law enforcement
agencies in Washington - 2014.
Figure 2: Vessel safety check decal of
the U.S. Power Squadron & U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary - 2014.
I displayed a decal but I was still stopped.
The decal tells an officer that your boat passed an inspection, but it does not guarantee that you will not
be stopped. An officer may stop you if he/she observes you violating a law or regulation or to make
sure there is enough life jackets on board for all passengers. Remember that each agency has a unique
mission - so you may be stopped for reasons other than boating safety.
What is State Park’s role?
State Parks administers Washington State’s Recreational Boating Safety Program. The program is
carried out by state and local marine law enforcement officers throughout Washington. State Parks
administers state funds generated by vessel registration fees and federal grants to support the 50 local
agencies. State Parks also administers the Washington’s Mandatory Boater Education Law, provides
outreach and education to boaters, and manages the boating accident reporting system.
Vesel Inspection Fact Sheet
1111 Israel Road SW | Tumwater, WA 98504 | (360) 902-8555 | email: [email protected]
www.parks.wa.gov/boating