NMTA Pilotage Bill (SB 5262) passes

SEATTLE - APRIL 24, 2017 - Washington state continues to roll out the welcome mat for bigger boats with Gov. Inslee's signing of the NMTA Pilotage Bill (Senate Bill 5262). 

The bill provides a path for superyachts up to 1,300 gross tons and 200 feet to enter Washington state without needing a pilot on board. Once successfully completing the exemption process, these vessels can receive a waiver and cruise Washington’s waters.

This success builds upon NMTA’s Marine Tourism Bill, which was passed in 2015 after being introduced 4 years prior. The Marine Tourism Bill allows yachts registered as an LLC to stay in Washington waters 180 days before a 10 percent tax on the value of the boat is imposed by the state of Washington. Previously, boats would owe about ten percent of their value on that 61^st day in Washington state.

“While small in number, these vessels pack a punch when it comes to boosting local communities,” said NMTA Dir. Of Government Affairs Peter Schrappen. “We are hustling to get these boats here and have them stay here in the Northwest. Our region can compete with any other area of the world for scenery and workforce. Now, we are succeeding on improving the legislation, too.”

The new law takes effect on July 23, 2017.