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Recent legislation changed the approach distances and speeds around Southern Resident orcas. Before heading out on the water, visit Be Whale Wise. Learn about the latest regulations and guidelines in the US and Canada. These changes aim to reduce the noise and disturbance the orcas experience around boats, allowing them to better:
You don't need a permit to be on Washington waters for up to 60 days, as long as your boat:
If you'll be on Washington waters for more than 60 days, you must apply for a permit on or before the 60th day of your visit.
To apply for a permit, visit a vehicle/boat licensing office and bring along:
You may renew the permit once for an additional 60 days. When the renewed permit expires, you must either register your boat in Washington or remove your boat from Washington waters.
To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, decontaminate your boat, trailer, and gear before entering Washington. For details, see Aquatic invasive species (Department of Fish and Wildlife).
* Boats owned by a corporation, LLC, partnership, etc. that are at least 30 feet in length but not more than 164 feet in length:
You don't need a permit to be on Washington waters for up to 60 days, as long as your boat:
If your vessel is at least 30 feet or not more than 164 feet in length, you must apply for a permit on or before the 60th day of your visit. If your vessel is outside of these lengths, you must either register your boat in Washington or remove your boat from Washington waters
1. Submit an Nonresident Vessel Permit Approval Application to the Department of Revenue (DOR) for approval.
2. Visit a Vehicle/Vessel licensing office and provide:
You may renew the permit once in a 36 month period for an additional 60 days. When the renewed permit expires, you must either register your boat in Washington or remove your boat from Washington waters.