As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Buoy" is any waterway marker designed to float on the water while anchored in a fixed position so as to be clearly visible to operators of an approaching vessel and used to convey an official message.

(2) "Lateral system" is a system of waterway markers prescribed in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, part 62, employing an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers, and light characteristics to indicate to a vessel operator the preferred direction of travel for safe passage.

(3) "Sign" is any device designed to carry an official message which is attached to another object, such as a piling, buoy, pier, or the land itself.

(4) "Uniform state waterway marking system (USWMS)" means the system of aids to navigation including regulatory markers, buoys, and signs prescribed in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, subpart 66.10, which are used to provide vessel operators guidance for safe navigation and to identify water areas where vessel operation is restricted or controlled.

(5) "Vessel" means every watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, other than a seaplane.

(6) "Waters of Washington state" means any waters within the territorial limits of Washington state.