Whistle on small boats???

[Kola16]

My uncle told me that he knows a kid that got a ticket for not having a whistle in a small aluminum boat Can someone find this law for me? I have never heard of this, and neither did my uncle. I know almost every boat on the small lakes fishing for trout would get a ticket 

[lokidog]

One of the boating laws is you have to have a noise making device, not sure of the exact law.  Might depend on boat size as well.

[Dhoey07]

It's a smart idea to have one anyway but was he on the Columbia or lake Washington?

[carpsniperg2]

Yes I am pretty sure any boat has to have some kind of noise device.

[Kola16]

It's a smart idea to have one anyway but was he on the Columbia or lake Washington?

No. A small lake in Snohomish County.

[Mfowl]

Not sure of the exact law but I believe its part of the Coastguard required safety equipment, (noise making device.) If they were on navigable waters the rule would apply. Small lakes where small boats aren't required to have vessel registration might not apply. I have my gear with me where ever I take my boat so I am not familiar with which waters might be excempt. I have been inspected by the Coastguard and Marine Patrol enough that I don't take any chances.

[Wa hunter]

I was inspected by a game warden on riffe lake at the boat launch and the only thing he had a problem with was I did not have a whistle.  He gave me a 5 minute dissertation on why I should have one.   I was in a 12' boat with a 9.9 hp. 

[KFhunter]

I like those cans of compressed air myself - over a whistle.


They'll sure wake your fishing partner up in a hurry if the fishing is slow and they nod off.

[KFhunter]

lot's of other uses too 

[splitshot]

  my son got a warning ticket last year on williams lake.  a good idea.  i carry several as everyone does that i go with.   mike w

[JLS]

Any vessel is required to have a sound producing device, i.e. whistle, air horn, etc.  It does not matter what body of water or propulsion type.

[Kola16]

Hmm.......never heard of this rule....have to go buy a rape whistle now 

lot's of other uses too 

Oh hell ya!!!! I am sooooo doing that Or better yet, tape it to the floor just in case they don't open the door all of the way 

[KopperBuck]

My horn shorted out on my bass boat but have a whistle for emergencies. Got checked that day and BOOM.. Passed inspection.

[tony04]

i got checked one day and showed them the small air horn i had. they recommended a whistle because the air horns have an expiration date i guess.

[KopperBuck]

^^^ same with fire ext. just a reminder