Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 79A.60 - Regulation of Recreational Vessels.
79A.60.510 - Findings—Sewage disposal initiative established—Boater environmental education—Waterway access facilities.

RCW 79A.60.510
Findings—Sewage disposal initiative established—Boater environmental education—Waterway access facilities.

The legislature finds that the waters of Washington state provide a unique and valuable recreational resource to large and growing numbers of boaters. Proper stewardship of, and respect for, these waters requires that, while enjoying them for their scenic and recreational benefits, boaters must exercise care to assure that such activities do not contribute to the despoliation of these waters, and that watercraft be operated in a safe and responsible manner. The legislature has specifically addressed the topic of access to clean and safe waterways by requiring the 1987 boating safety study and by establishing the Puget Sound partnership.
The legislature finds that there is a need to educate Washington's boating community about safe and responsible actions on our waters and to increase the level and visibility of the enforcement of boating laws. To address the incidence of fatalities and injuries due to recreational boating on our state's waters, local and state efforts directed towards safe boating must be stimulated. To provide for safe waterways and public enjoyment, portions of the watercraft excise tax and boat registration fees should be made available for boating safety and other boating recreation purposes.
In recognition of the need for clean waterways, and in keeping with the Puget Sound partnership's water quality work plan, the legislature finds that adequate opportunities for responsible disposal of boat sewage must be made available. There is hereby established a five-year initiative to install sewage pumpout or sewage dump stations at appropriate marinas.
To assure the use of these sewage facilities, a boater environmental education program must accompany the five-year initiative and continue to educate boaters about boat wastes and aquatic resources.
The legislature also finds that, in light of the increasing numbers of boaters utilizing state waterways, a program to acquire and develop sufficient waterway access facilities for boaters must be undertaken.
To support boating safety, environmental protection and education, and public access to our waterways, the legislature declares that a portion of the income from boating-related activities, as specified in RCW 82.49.030 and 88.02.650, should support these efforts.

[ 2011 c 171 § 117; 2007 c 341 § 57; 1999 c 249 § 1506; 1989 c 393 § 1. Formerly RCW 88.12.295, 88.12.360, and 88.36.010.]
NOTES:

Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.


Effective date—2007 c 341: See RCW 90.71.907.


Severability—1999 c 249: See note following RCW 79A.05.010.

Structure Revised Code of Washington

Revised Code of Washington

Title 79A - Public Recreational Lands

Chapter 79A.60 - Regulation of Recreational Vessels.

79A.60.010 - Definitions.

79A.60.020 - Violations of chapter punishable as misdemeanor—Circumstances—Violations designated as civil infractions.

79A.60.030 - Operation of vessel in a negligent manner—Penalty.

79A.60.040 - Operation of vessel in a reckless manner—Operation of a vessel under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug—Consent to breath or blood test—Penalty.

79A.60.045 - Vessel impoundment—Procedure—Forfeiture.

79A.60.050 - Homicide by watercraft—Penalty.

79A.60.060 - Assault by watercraft—Penalty.

79A.60.080 - Failure to stop for law enforcement officer.

79A.60.090 - Eluding a law enforcement vessel.

79A.60.100 - Enforcement—Chapter to supplement federal law.

79A.60.110 - Equipment standards—Rules—Penalty.

79A.60.120 - Tampering with vessel lights or signals—Exhibiting false lights or signals—Penalty.

79A.60.130 - Muffler or underwater exhaust system required—Exemptions—Enforcement—Penalty.

79A.60.140 - Personal flotation devices—Inspection and approval—Rules.

79A.60.150 - Failure of vessel to contain safety equipment—Owner/operator may be cited for applicable infraction or crime.

79A.60.160 - Personal flotation devices required—Penalty.

79A.60.170 - Water skiing safety—Requirements.

79A.60.180 - Loading or powering vessel beyond safe operating ability—Penalties.

79A.60.190 - Operation of personal watercraft—Prohibited activities—Penalties.

79A.60.200 - Duty of operator involved in collision, accident, or other casualty—Immunity from liability of persons rendering assistance—Penalties.

79A.60.210 - Casualty and accident reports—Confidentiality—Use as evidence.

79A.60.220 - Boating accident reports by local government agencies—Investigation—Report of coroner.

79A.60.230 - Vessels adrift—Owner to be notified.

79A.60.240 - Notice—Contents—Service.

79A.60.250 - Posting of notice.

79A.60.260 - Compensation—Liability on failure to give notice.

79A.60.270 - Disputed claims—Trial—Bond.

79A.60.280 - Liability for excessive or negligent use.

79A.60.290 - Unclaimed vessel—Procedure.

79A.60.300 - Vessels secured pursuant to chapter 79A.65 RCW.

79A.60.400 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Purpose.

79A.60.410 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Whitewater river outfitter's license required.

79A.60.420 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Conduct constituting misdemeanor.

79A.60.430 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Safety requirements.

79A.60.440 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Operation of vessel—Exemptions.

79A.60.450 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Use of alcohol prohibited—Vessel to be accompanied by vessel with licensed outfitter.

79A.60.460 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Rights-of-way.

79A.60.470 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Designation of whitewater river sections.

79A.60.480 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Whitewater river outfitter's license—Application—Fees—Insurance—Penalties—State immune from civil actions arising from licensure.

79A.60.485 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—Rules to implement RCW 79A.60.480—Fees.

79A.60.490 - Vessels carrying passengers for hire on whitewater rivers—License sanction for certain convictions.

79A.60.495 - Designation as whitewater river—Rules—Schedule of fines.

79A.60.498 - Uniform regulation of business and professions act.

79A.60.500 - Uniform waterway marking system.

79A.60.510 - Findings—Sewage disposal initiative established—Boater environmental education—Waterway access facilities.

79A.60.520 - Identification and designation of polluted and environmentally sensitive areas.

79A.60.530 - Designation of marinas, boat launches, or boater destinations for installation of sewage pumpout or dump units.

79A.60.540 - Contracts for financial assistance—Ownership of sewage pumpout or dump unit—Ongoing costs.

79A.60.550 - Development by department of ecology of design, installation, and operation of sewage pumpout and dump units—Rules.

79A.60.560 - Boater environmental education program.

79A.60.570 - Grants for environmental education or boat waste management planning.

79A.60.580 - Review of programs by commission.

79A.60.590 - Allocation of funds.

79A.60.595 - Commission to adopt rules.

79A.60.600 - Liquid petroleum gas leak warning devices—Findings.

79A.60.610 - Recreational boating fire prevention education program.

79A.60.620 - Small spill prevention education program.

79A.60.630 - Boating safety education—Commission's duties—Fee—Report to the legislature.

79A.60.640 - Requirements to operate motor-driven boats/vessels—Exemptions—Penalty.

79A.60.650 - Boating safety education certification account.

79A.60.660 - Operating motor-driven boat or vessel for teak surfing, platform dragging, bodysurfing—Prohibition—Exceptions—Penalty.

79A.60.670 - Boating activities program—Boating activities advisory committee—Adoption of rules.

79A.60.680 - Study of boater needs—Funding recommendations.

79A.60.690 - Boating activities account.

79A.60.700 - Refusal to submit to certain tests—Not admissible as evidence—Penalty.

79A.60.710 - Vessels for hire—Requirements—Application of section—Penalty.