Stop at all inspection stations!
Be aware that boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and any other floating conveyance are required to stop at all inspection stations when they are open and operating. If an inspection station is not open, you still have a legal responsibility to effectively decontaminate your watercraft.
What you need to know
At inspection stations:
- An inspection technician will assist you and provide you with an inspection receipt. They may apply a seal to your boat or trailer indicating that the boat has received an official inspection.
- At some stations, on-site professional hot water decontamination may be available upon request, depending on staffing and the amount of boat traffic the station is experiencing.
- It is illegal to remove a seal from a boat prior to the boat meeting the required dry time (unless necessary for maintenance). We ask that boaters leave the seals on their boats and present their inspection and/or decontamination receipt to DWR staff at your next destination.
If the inspection station is not open:
- It is your legal responsibility to clean and drain your boat before leaving the waterbody, and to transport your boat with all drain plugs removed, including the sea strainer.
- Draining of ballast tanks can best be accomplished by activating the ballast pumps twice: once on an incline, and later on flat ground. Likewise, engine draining should be performed on both an incline and flat ground.
- Self-certify that you have followed the steps to clean, drain and dry your watercraft (including the required dry time for the season). Or, complete a professional decontamination.