Whale-safe Boating In The Salish Sea

Whale Safe Boating photo - Continuing Education at Seattle Central College

Class Overview

Encountering whales while you're boating is a thrilling experience. Learn about the current regulations for boating around whales and other marine mammals in the Salish Sea. For many people, seeing marine mammals is one of the highlights of a boating excursion. Although it's tempting to try to get a close look, there are laws and regulations that specify safe viewing distances for marine mammals. There are also stiff penalties for violating these laws. In this class you will learn not only the current rules and regulations--both state and federal--for operating vessels around mammals, but also non-regulatory best practices. You will also learn how to identify common whale species in the Salish Sea, and techniques for safe watching if you do encounter whales. Discover how to report whale sightings, strandings, entanglements, and violations. Enjoy being a good steward of the Salish Sea, keeping yourself and other mammals safe while boating.

Learning Outcomes

In this class you will learn:

  • current rules and regulations regarding vessel operations around marine mammals
  • guidelines for non-regulatory best practices for operating vessels around marine mammals
  • watch techniques for areas where you are likely to encounter whales
  • how to identify common Salish Sea whale species
  • how to report whale sightings, strandings, entanglements, and violations

Who Should Take This Class?

  • Recreational boaters
  • Anyone interested in learning about best practices for whale-safe boating

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Class Details