In Washington State, operators must clean their PWCs and comply with regulations to protect waterways from invasive species.
Operators of personal watercraft (PWCs) in Washington State equipped with an engine cutoff must take actions to prevent the spread of invasive species. These include removing all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from the watercraft and associated equipment, draining and rinsing live wells, bilge areas, and coolers, as well as rinsing fishing and scuba gear with a hard spray from a garden hose.
Additionally, the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulate ballast water (BW) nationally, and nearly all commercial ships must submit a Ballast Water Report. Hence, PWC operators should comply with the state and federal regulations designed to protect waterways.