WAC 296-115-060   Operations.  (1) No person will rent, lease, or hire out a charter boat, carry, advertise for carrying, or arrange for carrying, more than six passengers on a vessel for a fee or other consideration on state waters unless the vessel meets the requirements of this chapter.

     (2) Notice of casualty.

     (a) The owner or person in charge of any vessel involved in a marine accident or casualty involving any of the following must report the incident immediately to the department:

     (i) Damage to property in excess of one thousand five hundred dollars.

     (ii) Major damage affecting the seaworthiness or safety of the vessel.

     (iii) Loss of life or an injury to a person that requires medical treatment beyond first aid.

     (iv) Fire on board the vessel.

     (b) The report must be in writing to the assistant director. Upon receipt of the report the assistant director may request an investigation by a marine dock inspector.

     (3) Miscellaneous operations.

     (a) In the case of collision, accident, or other casualty involving a vessel the operator, must:

     (i) So far as possible without serious danger to the vessel or persons aboard, render any necessary assistance to other persons affected by the collision, accident, or casualty to save them from danger.

     (ii) Provide the name and address of the vessel owner and the name of the vessel to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged.

     (b) The person in charge of the vessel must see that the provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to. This will not limit the person in charge from taking any action in an emergency judged necessary to help vessels in distress or to prevent loss of life.

     (c) The operator of a vessel must comply with the provisions of the USCG Navigation Rules International/Inland, Commandants Instruction M16672.2D.

     (d) The operator of a vessel must test the vessel's steering gear, signaling whistle, controls, and communication system before getting under way for the day's operation.

     (e) Vessels using fuel with a flashpoint of 110°F or lower must not take on fuel when passengers are on board.

     (f) All vessels must enforce "no smoking" provisions when fueling. Locations on the vessel where flammable or combustible liquids are stored must be posted "no smoking."

     (g) All vessels must prepare and post emergency check-off lists in a conspicuous place accessible to crew and passengers, covering the following:

     (i) Man overboard.

     (ii) Fire.

     (h) The persons in charge must conduct emergency drills to ensure that the crew is familiar with their duties in an emergency and must document the drills.

     (i) Carrying hazardous substances is prohibited on vessels. However, the assistant director may authorize a vessel to carry specific types and quantities of hazardous substances if the assistant director approves the type, quantity, and manner in which it is carried.

     (j) All areas accessible to passengers or crew must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. All walking surfaces must be free of slipping or tripping hazards and in good repair.

     (4) First aid.

     (a) All passenger vessels at all times must have a person holding a valid certificate of first-aid/CPR training.

     (b) A first-aid kit or first-aid room must be provided on all vessels. The size and quantity of first-aid supplies or equipment required must be determined by the number of persons normally dependent upon each kit or equipment. The first-aid kit or supplies must be in a weatherproof container with individually sealed packages for each type of item. The location of the first-aid station or kit must be posted or marked "first aid" on the container.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, 49.17.210, and 88.04.005. 08-20-123, § 296-115-060, filed 10/1/08, effective 11/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and 1999 c 111. 00-23-100, § 296-115-060, filed 11/21/00, effective 1/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 91-03-044 (Order 90-18), § 296-115-060, filed 1/10/91, effective 2/12/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. 80-17-014 (Order 80-20), § 296-115-060, filed 11/13/80.]