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

(1) "Aid to navigation" means any device external to the vessel intended to assist the navigator to determine position or safe course or to warn of dangers or obstructions.

(2) "Beacons" are aids to navigation structures permanently attached to the earth's surface. Lighted beacons are called lights; unlighted beacons are called day beacons.

(3) "Buoyage" means a system of buoys.

(4) "Buoys" are any waterway markers 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.

(5) "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. They may be either beacons or buoys.

(6) "Navigable waters of the United States." The term navigable waters of the United States is defined in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 62 means:

(a) Territorial seas of the United States;

(b) Internal waters of the United States that are subject to tidal influences that: Are or have been used, or are or have been susceptible for use, by themselves or in connection with other waters, as highways for substantial interstate or foreign commerce, notwithstanding natural or man-made obstructions that require portage.

(7) "United States Aids to Navigation System (USATONS)" means the system of aids to navigation including regulatory markers, buoys, and signs prescribed in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 62, which are used to provide vessel operators guidance for safe navigation and to identify water areas where vessel operation is restricted or controlled.

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

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