BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 04 - Safe Responsible Boat Operation
Obeying No Wake/Limited Wake Restrictions
As the boat operator, you are responsible for the wake and wash that your boat produces and for obeying the ‘No Wake’ or ‘Limited Wake’ restrictions that some waterway areas will have in place. These restricted waterways might include narrow channels, swimming areas or fragile shorelines that are at risk of breaking away.
- Wake:
- The ‘wake’ is created by the movement of your boat—the hull displaces the water that it travels through, leaving a ‘wake’ in its path.
- Wash:
- The wash is the disrupted water that flows out from the stern of the boat and is caused by the motion of the propeller.
Reducing the Effect of Wake and Wash
Your boat’s wake and wash can cause damage to the shoreline by crashing against it. Large wakes may also swamp smaller boats, putting them at risk of capsizing. You must understand the effect of your boat’s wake on the following:
- Swimmers and beach areas.
- Docks.
- Wildlife.
- Shoreline erosion.
- Smaller craft (such as fishing boats).
- Human-powered boats (such as canoes and kayaks).
- Waterskiers.
- Divers.
- Areas of anchorage.
- Other anchored or grounded boats.
Get your Official North American
Boating License
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Get your Official North American
Boating License
The Official NASBLA and State-Approved Canada Boating
Course, Test & License.
