Over the years there have been questions about registering our dinghies. Lots of small boats carry registration numbers, but for most of us it isn't required.
http://www.wa.gov/dol/vehicles/vs-faq.htm#size "All vessels with propulsion machinery are required to be titled/registered, except vessels under 16 feet with a horsepower of 10 or less, used solely on non-federal waters. Ship tenders, with a horsepower of less than 10 are also exempt if used from ship to shore only. For information on other exemptions, please contact your local county auditor's office or closest vehicle licensing office."
Apparently registration of exempt vessels is permitted (for purposes of identification). We were told that exempt vessels should be marked with the registration number of the mother vessel plus "-1"; therefore: "WN 1234 JE - 1". This information seems not to have been on their web site at one time.
However, there are stories "out there" at present about new enforcements of this law: RCW 88.02.030 (6). It is fairly unambiguous, but still....There is another consideration to be factored into the decision about identifying one's tender. It is apparently a fairly common practice for criminals to assume that a dinghy on shore or at the dock indicates a vessel at anchor unattended. If your tender has a way of identifying your vessel on it ("T/T Ruby" or "WN 1234 JE -1", for example), they can use your own dinghy to reach and board your boat while you are enjoying your hot shower or cold drink on shore. Putting something identifying seems like a good idea, but it might best be something not so obviously linked with your vessel.
The state has taken that decision out of our hands.
Some years back, I tried to affix numbers to my new inflatable. I put sticky letters on a standard registration-number plaque, but found that the little number-plaque sleeves on my new dinghy were glued shut. Sticky letters adhered to the boat itself for about a week, so I removed the remaining numbers and forgot about it. My next attempt may be to hang the plaque from the dink's lifelines, or--and this just occurred to me--put them on the outboard. Boats without propulsion machinery are exempted from displaying any registration numbers.
I will not be happy about having a direct identifying link--a pointer!--between my unattended dinghy and my unattended boat, and it is rather difficult to imagine what problem the State believes that this law solves, but they do (according to some stories) seem intent on enforcement. The fine is real money, which few of us can afford to pay.
07 October 2009
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