Email from State Parks on Boating requirements - HIN, and other things
Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 6:32 pm
Boater's Bulletin August 29, 2017
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Update from the State Parks Boating Program
Greetings, Boaters!
The 2017 Legislature enacted legislation that affects recreational boaters. And U.S. Coast Guard regulations regarding Hull Identification Numbers have been a source of angst among many boaters. We wanted to give you an update on these hot topics.
2017 Legislative Changes
marine patrolVessel impound authority. The Legislature passed House Bill 1605, giving marine law enforcement officers the authority to impound a vessel if they arrest the operator for boating under the influence and cannot find another qualified operator to take control of the vessel. This law created due process and protections for boaters as well as officers. The law went into effect on July 23, 2017. The Department of Licensing is currently working on developing the Vessel Impound Authorization and Vessel Foreclosure forms.older text.
Some key provisions in the new law (RCW 79A.60.045) include:
Officers must exhaust reasonable alternatives before they impound the vessel–such as calling friends or relatives of the operator to come take control of the vessel.
Officers have the authority to trailer a vessel if the operator is incapable.
Officers must have the permission of the facility where the vessel will be stored prior to leaving it there.
The impounding officer must provide a vessel impound authorization and inventory form to the legal and registered owner or owners within one business day following the impound.
If an impounded vessel is not redeemed within 15 days, then a foreclosure process can begin.
Flare gunVisual distress signals exempted from the definition of a firearm. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 5552, amending Washington’s firearm law. Flare guns or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices are now excluded from the definition of firearm. (RCW 9.41.010)
Verification of Hull Identification Numbers
In 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard passed a regulation requiring all agencies registering or titling vessels to verify that Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) conform to federal regulations during the re-registration process. The Department of Licensing (DOL), and their agents, is responsible for implementing this regulation. We are providing a few facts and tips to help inform boaters about the issue.
In 1972, the U.S. Coast Guard began requiring all vessel manufacturers to permanently affix the HIN on all vessels. The purpose was to give the Coast Guard an easier way to recall unsafe vessels. It also helps law enforcement track stolen vessels.
There are three approved formats of the HIN. A vessel’s HIN format must conform to the standard that was in effect the year the vessel was manufactured. DOL is responsible for verifying this when a boat is registered.
Boaters are responsible for verifying the HIN on their boat matches the HIN on the vessel registration documents. If it does not, we recommend taking a picture of the HIN and bringing it to a registration office.
Earlier this year, the DOL sent letters to 19,000 vessel owners they identified as potentially having non-conforming HINs. If you received this letter, you may need a new HIN issued.
The State Parks Boating Program has no oversight of the HIN regulation or process. Please work directly with DOL. If you have questions, contact the DOL customer help line at 360-902-3900. TTY users, please call 360-664-0116.
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For more information about the State Parks Boating Program, including safety tips, how to get your Boater Education Card, find a pump out location and more, visit www.goboatingwa.com.
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Update from the State Parks Boating Program
Greetings, Boaters!
The 2017 Legislature enacted legislation that affects recreational boaters. And U.S. Coast Guard regulations regarding Hull Identification Numbers have been a source of angst among many boaters. We wanted to give you an update on these hot topics.
2017 Legislative Changes
marine patrolVessel impound authority. The Legislature passed House Bill 1605, giving marine law enforcement officers the authority to impound a vessel if they arrest the operator for boating under the influence and cannot find another qualified operator to take control of the vessel. This law created due process and protections for boaters as well as officers. The law went into effect on July 23, 2017. The Department of Licensing is currently working on developing the Vessel Impound Authorization and Vessel Foreclosure forms.older text.
Some key provisions in the new law (RCW 79A.60.045) include:
Officers must exhaust reasonable alternatives before they impound the vessel–such as calling friends or relatives of the operator to come take control of the vessel.
Officers have the authority to trailer a vessel if the operator is incapable.
Officers must have the permission of the facility where the vessel will be stored prior to leaving it there.
The impounding officer must provide a vessel impound authorization and inventory form to the legal and registered owner or owners within one business day following the impound.
If an impounded vessel is not redeemed within 15 days, then a foreclosure process can begin.
Flare gunVisual distress signals exempted from the definition of a firearm. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 5552, amending Washington’s firearm law. Flare guns or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices are now excluded from the definition of firearm. (RCW 9.41.010)
Verification of Hull Identification Numbers
In 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard passed a regulation requiring all agencies registering or titling vessels to verify that Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) conform to federal regulations during the re-registration process. The Department of Licensing (DOL), and their agents, is responsible for implementing this regulation. We are providing a few facts and tips to help inform boaters about the issue.
In 1972, the U.S. Coast Guard began requiring all vessel manufacturers to permanently affix the HIN on all vessels. The purpose was to give the Coast Guard an easier way to recall unsafe vessels. It also helps law enforcement track stolen vessels.
There are three approved formats of the HIN. A vessel’s HIN format must conform to the standard that was in effect the year the vessel was manufactured. DOL is responsible for verifying this when a boat is registered.
Boaters are responsible for verifying the HIN on their boat matches the HIN on the vessel registration documents. If it does not, we recommend taking a picture of the HIN and bringing it to a registration office.
Earlier this year, the DOL sent letters to 19,000 vessel owners they identified as potentially having non-conforming HINs. If you received this letter, you may need a new HIN issued.
The State Parks Boating Program has no oversight of the HIN regulation or process. Please work directly with DOL. If you have questions, contact the DOL customer help line at 360-902-3900. TTY users, please call 360-664-0116.
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For more information about the State Parks Boating Program, including safety tips, how to get your Boater Education Card, find a pump out location and more, visit www.goboatingwa.com.