Jun 11, 2025 16:27 EST

Protecting Southern Resident Orcas from Vessels State of Washington Senate Bill 5371 Protecting Orcas Washington Senate Bill (SB) 5371 governs this event (see the definition Rule (g)). SB5371 states: Operators of motorized vessels, non-motorized vessels and paddle crafts must stay 1,000 yards (approximately one-half nautical mile) away from southern resident killer whales (SRKW) in all directions. If the SRKW approaches within 400 yards of any vessel, state law requires that the vessel disengages the transmission, luffs sails, or stops paddling (if it is safe to do so) until the animal(s) moves away. Boaters who think they may be closer than 1,000 yards to SRKW, but not within 400 yards, should attempt to navigate out of the path and away from SRKW at a speed of 7 knots or less. However, for this event the requirements of SB 5371 shall apply to all orca whales; not just SRKW. Boats may be protested for breaking Rule 20. If an orca is seen by the crew of a boat, the boat shall not enter the circular area within 1000 yards of the orca (therefore, that area is an obstruction.); and if the boat is within 400 yards of an orca, she shall, as soon as reasonably possible, luff (or, if motoring before or after racing, disengage her transmission) to slow to the slowest safest speed, which may be to stop, until they are no longer within 1000 yards of any orca. Add to RRS Rule 32.1: if an individual orca or orca pod is found to be in, near, or approaching the race area. Add to RRS Rule 61.4 (b): reasonable actions she took to comply with NOR / SI X. ...