PDFWAC 220-460-070

Whale watching operator and paddle guide license requirements.

(1) A person may operate a motorized or sailing vessel engaging in commercial whale watching only if:
(a) The person holds a valid commercial whale watching operator license issued from the department;
(b) The vessel is designated in a valid commercial whale watching business license issued from the department;
(c) The operator is designated on the underlying commercial whale watching business license; and
(d) The person has both the commercial whale watching business license listing the vessel and their individual operator license for the current calendar year in physical possession.
(2) A person may lead a guided paddle tour on behalf of a paddle tour business only if:
(a) The person holds a valid paddle guide license issued from the department;
(b) The paddle tour business has a valid paddle tour business license;
(c) The paddle guide is designated on the underlying paddle tour business license; and
(d) The person has both their individual paddle guide license and the paddle tour business license for the current calendar year, or a printed or digital scan thereof, in physical possession.
(3) Only an individual at least 16 years of age may hold an operator license or paddle guide license.
(4) An individual may hold only one commercial whale watching operator license. Holders of an operator license may be designated on an unlimited number of commercial whale watching business licenses.
(5) An individual may hold only one paddle guide license. Holders of a paddle guide license may be designated on an unlimited number of paddle tour business licenses.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.65.615, 77.65.620, 77.15.020, 77.15.160, 77.04.012, 77.04.55 [ 77.04.055], and 77.15.740. WSR 25-06-001 (Order 24-14), s 220-460-070, filed 2/19/25, effective 3/22/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.65.620. WSR 24-14-067 (Order 23-15), § 220-460-070, filed 6/27/24, effective 7/28/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.65.615 and 77.65.620. WSR 21-23-070, § 220-460-070, filed 11/15/21, effective 12/16/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.65.615, 77.65.620, 77.15.020, 77.15.160, 77.04.012, 77.04.55 [ 74.05.055]. WSR 21-01-216 (Order 20-264), § 220-460-070, filed 12/23/20, effective 1/23/21.]