Tahoe Boat Inspections
Boat inspections are mandatory before you launch your watercraft on Lake Tahoe
Click here to locate boat inspection stations and see current inspection fees.
Minimize your inspection time by arriving to the inspection site clean, drained, & dry. Click here to find out how to CLEAN, DRAIN, AND DRY.
Sign up here to recieve the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Newsletter
Why the need for inspections?
Watercrafts are the largest vectors for spreading Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) into new waterways. Inspections are an essential part of preventing this inadvertent transport of alien species into our pristine waters of Lake Tahoe.
Invasive species have devastating environmental and economic impacts on industries, communities and native species populations. Most invasive species do not have predators to keep their populations in balance and, once introduced, are very hard if not impossible to eradicate. Two of the ANS that we are most concerned with are Zebra and Quagga mussels. They have only recently (Jan 07) been found west of the 100th Meridian and are spreading rapidly throughout Nevada, California and other western states. These mussels attach themselves to practically any hard surface wreaking havoc on boats, marinas and water delivery systems.
Many kinds of aquatic pests, including both plants and animals, are easily carried by trailered boats and checking obvious places may not be enough. Aquatic Nuisance Species can hide anywhere! Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft after every use to ensure you are not transporting any nasty nuisances. After all, We’re All in This Boat Together!
What's new about watercraft inspections?
Clean boating at Lake Tahoe is a commitment all boaters share. This year, watercraft inspections are being broadened from checking for aquatic invasive species to include reducing pollution from emissions, noise, and sewage discharges. By taking watercraft inspection services to the next level and addressing all pollution sources, we'll be protecting Lake Tahoe to a higher degree and will do so with a one-stop-shop inspection program. The 2010 inspection program is designed to promote clean boating practices and reduce pollution and excessive noise from boats. For a full list of facts about the changes to the program, download the latest Watercraft Inspection News.
Changes to Fees
A single annual fee for Blue Boating certification plus unlimited inspection services are part of the upgrades to the inspection program this year. Once certification is complete, you will receive one of the Tahoe Blue Boat certification stickers pictured here to be displayed on your motorized vessel.
Inspection seals intact from last year will be honored and qualify for the annual Tahoe-Only boat sticker provided you continue to only boat at Lake Tahoe. Tahoe-Only stickers range from $20-$60 per year, depending on horsepower, with the most common boats in the $30-$40 range. Watercraft in boat storage facilities may also qualify for the Tahoe-Only sticker. Contact your boat storage facility for information.
The Tahoe In-and-Out sticker applies to you if your boat doesn't have an intact inspection seal or if you plan to visit other lakes throughout the year. These fees range from $30-$125 per season and include unlimited invasive species inspections. Three-day passes are available for a $20 discount from the Tahoe In-and-Out rate for one-time visitors.
For additional information on the Blue Boating program and regulations, please visit the TRPA Boat Certification information page.
- Find out what you can do to help and how to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY
- Map of infested waterbodies
- Current control projects
- See Lake Tahoe's ‘original' simple food web and introductions from the past 100 year
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