photo of vessel rental equipment checklist and other paperwork

Boat Rentals

Learn about how you can be a responsible boater.

Motor vessel safety checklist

Washington's Mandatory Boating Education law requires organizations that rent, charter, or lease vessels with a 15 horsepower or higher engine, must review the contents of the checklist with every renter / operator.  Ensure each statement about operation and safety equipment is understood and rental agency staff must initial each item on both sides of the checklist.

For more information or to learn how to use the checklist, review the checklist instruction sheet (PDF).

Boaters must carry their signed checklist with them. Operators of rented vessels who do not have a checklist may be ticketed by marine law enforcement.

Washington State Parks will make the checklist available free of charge to each requesting organization. It is recommended that rental agencies provide a water proof container to store the signed checklist in.

To get copies of the motor vessel rental safety checklist, contact the Boating Program at boating@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8555. Allow two to four weeks for delivery.

Rental boat responsibility

Law enforcement officers may cite the operator and owner of a rented vessel for not having required safety equipment.  The owner of the vessels must ensure that the boat is properly equipped.   These rules are governed by  RCW 79A.60.

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