PDFWAC 220-460-070
Whale watching operator and paddle guide license requirements.
(1) A person may operate a motorized or sailing vessel designated on the commercial whale watching business license only if:
(a) The person holds a valid commercial whale watching operator license issued from the department;
(b) The operator is designated on the underlying commercial whale watching business license; and
(c) 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 the commercial whale watching business only if:
(a) The person holds a valid paddle guide license issued from the department;
(b) The paddle guide is designated on the underlying paddle tour business license; and
(c) The person has their individual paddle guide license in physical possession and must have either the paddle tour business license for the current calendar year or a printed or digital scan thereof.
(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 77.04.012, 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.]