These stations help boaters meet state laws in … /a>, See full list of station hours and locations at, ArcGIS Regional Watercraft Inspection Station Viewer, Proximity to known AIS locations/main thoroughfares. Failure to follow these steps will result in a longer inspection. A release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says the boat was from Chicago and heading to Seattle. To Find a watercraft inspection station and to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440. Vehicle/Vessel/OHV Title and Registration Bureau Identification Number Inspection Certificate ly This includes watercraft that originate both in-state and out-of-state. Boat owners and renters can bring their watercraft to be inspected at the FWP office in Kalispell seven days a week starting this Wednesday. The station will be open on weekends until mid-April then it will be open 7 days a week. Transporting a clean and dry watercraft will allow you to quickly move thorugh the inspection process. All watercraft should be clean, drained, and dry before inspection (see detailed boat inspection standards below) Non-trailered boats with electric trolling motors may launch on Lake McDonald, Bowman, Two Medicine, St. Mary, Sherburne, and Swiftcurrent Lakes without a 30-day dry time because the air-cooled motors are classified as lower risk Montana watercraft inspection stations have intercepted 13 boats carrying invasive mollusks into the state this year. Data collected at watercraft inspection stations also provide valuable information on boater movement, cleaning habits, and bait use while providing information and education about invasive species to the public. Several watercraft inspection stations in southwest Montana will soon open for the 2019 boating season. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines. The Montana Legislature passed a law requiring watercraft with ballast tanks or bladders to be decontaminated before launching on Montana waters. If you do not encounter a Montana watercraft inspection station while traveling, inspections conducted in Idaho and Wyoming fulfill Montana’s inspection-before-launch requirements. To protect Montana’s waters and native aquatic species, please follow these rules and guidelines: ALL watercraft (motorized and nonmotorized) must stop at ALL watercraft inspection stations you encounter. As of May 30, inspectors have caught 12 boats with invasive zebra or quagga mussels and one boat with red rim melania snails attached to watercraft. Craig McLane, AIS detection and monitoring coordinator, said field crews did not find mussel populations this year after surveying more than 1,900 sites across the state. One tip, leave the bilge plug out until you reach the boat ramp to allow your boat to drain thoroughly. Boater must carry a proof of inspection receipt and, when applicable, a seal. National Park Service. Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Montana watercraft inspection stations have intercepted 13 boats carrying invasive mollusks into the state this year. Please make sure your MT Boat Number is formatted like "MT1234AB" (all caps no spaces). 1420 East Sixth Avenue The interview consists of questions relating to boater origin and movement, water user type, live bait usage, knowledge of AIS, cleaning methods, cleaning frequency, and number of launches per year. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports record breaking boat inspection numbers across the state, including an uptick in out-of-state visitors recreating in state waters. Certified boater ramps will remain open ONLY to certified boaters. If you arrive prepared, inspections should take only a few minutes. Inspection stations are the first line of defense to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. 2019 Annual Watercraft Inspections Report, http://invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations, https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention, Whitefish Lake City Beach Prevention/Decon. Each spring, watercraft inspection station locations are selected based on several factors including: FWP Watercraft Inspectors are seasonal employees, trained to give you the best most efficient inspection possible. Phone: (406) 444-2440. Invasive mussels: Montana’s busy boat inspection stations see delays, illegal drive-bys. The other issue boat inspectors have been struggling with is a requirement to inspect and decontaminate all larger boats with ballast tanks or bladders. Watercraft inspections are a way of intercepting vessels and equipment that have the potential to spread aquatic invasive species (AIS), and to decontaminate them (if necessary) before launching into Montana waters. Less than 15 years of age with an out-of-state or Montana salvage certificate Note: Stage III VIN inspections are not required on non-motorized trailers. Stop at ALL open inspection stations you encounter in Montana where your watercraft may be re-inspected. A typical watercraft inspection consists of a boater interview, an inspection and decontamination (if necessary). Opening dates for all inspection stations will vary depending on location, boat traffic and risk of transporting aquatic invasive species. Helena, MT 59620 In addition to your MT boat registration form, HIN inspection certificate and payment for registration fees, you will need to show one acceptable proof of ownership. This includes watercraft that originate both in-state and out-of-state. Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. 5. The inspection consists of a boater interview, a watercraft inspection and decontamination (if necessary). Boat handling by any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Commercial Vehicle Operator Licensing (CVOL) examiners, driver licensing regional managers and motor vehicle compliance specialists are authorized to perform Stage III VIN inspections. Boat Registration in Montana. MV20 (10/12) Upon request, this form can be made available in an alternate format. Inspectors at the Ravalli watercraft station, operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, found adult zebra mussels clinging to the boat. They must pass an inspection before entering any Montana waters. A Montana VIN check (or vehicle identification number check) verifies the description of a motor vehicle prior to titling a vehicle in the state.. Additionally, vehicles must undergo a VIN number inspection in Montana if a car owner needs to correct inaccurate information … Dispose of all plants and animals away from lakes or rivers. Invaders like quagga and zebra mussels can impair lake ecosystems and rack up costly damages to irrigation, city water and hydroelectric systems. Boat inspection stations: what they are doing to keep you and Montana waters safe More From KPAX Missoula, MT UP NEXT HELENA – State wildlife officials are setting up boat inspection checkpoints to try to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Montana’s waterways. Riding the gunwales, transom, or foredeck while boat is moving faster than five mph. All watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes plan to open the Ravalli watercraft inspection station on Highway 200 on Friday and a third station in Browning is expected to open later in March. Drain your bilge, ballast tanks, live wells, and any storage compartments. Out-of-state boats must be inspected prior to launch on Montana waters. Last year, the state had 47 boat inspection and decontamination stations, 34 of them operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your watercraft prior to arrival at a watercraft inspection station. Find Wyoming watercraft inspections here: You are coming into Montana from out-of-state. Interfere… It is prohibited in some areas to be in possession of live fish/bait. Thomas Woolf, the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau Chief, said boat inspection sites … However, boat inspection stops are taking extra precautions to protect boaters and themselves. 2. As of May 30, inspectors have caught 12 boats with invasive zebra or quagga mussels and one boat with red rim melania snails attached to watercraft. FWP inspectors will be friendly, polite and courteous at all times, making the inspection process as pleasant and informative as possible. Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Decontamination is required for boats coming into Montana from out-of-state or when traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin. In addition, non-resident watercraft launching in Montana must first obtain a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass. What to expect at a watercraft inspection station Watercraft inspection stations serve to inform the public of the threat of AIS and to physically inspect vessels for aquatic invasive species. Montana county and state authorities reserve the right to reject any form that has been altered. 4. If you do not encounter a Montana watercraft inspection station while traveling, inspections conducted in Idaho and Wyoming fulfill Montana’s inspection-before-launch requirements. The following information can be found on your registration paperwork. Homemade Vessels However, Montana will accept a prior inspection conducted in Idaho or Wyoming. Certified boaters must still follow the terms of their contract; they are required to get an inspection if they are travelling to another waterbody. Boater must carry a proof of inspection receipt and, when applicable, a seal. These inspection stations are generally manned by two trained inspectors. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is currently offering free boat inspections at its regional headquarters in Kalispell, 490 N. Meridian near the fairgrounds. This can be a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO), a properly assigned title with bill of sale attached, or the vessel’s current out-of-state title or registration card. ; Schedule an appointment to have your boat's HIN inspected by a Montana peace officer OR an authorized employee of the DOJ. Montana law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. If your vessel doesn't have a hull identification number (HIN), PRIOR to submitting a title and registration application you'll need to: Head to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional office to obtain a valid HIN. What Alternative Inspection Programs Does This Port Accept?CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM)Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit Program (I-68)Verified Traveler (including LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers)NEXUS ProgramPleasure boaters in Goat Haunt, MT (Glacier National Park) may use the CBP ROAM app to report their entry.CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM)The Registration fees are based on the length and age of the vessel. Montana’s new hotline for reporting suspected feral swine brought an uptick in reports this year, while boat inspectors both checked a record number of watercraft and documented a … Montana watercraft inspection station and to physically inspect vessels for aquatic invasive species montana boat inspection http:,... Season boat inspections have begun in the northwest corner of Montana in an format... Remain open ONLY to certified boaters adult zebra mussels clinging to the boat was Chicago! You to quickly move thorugh the inspection process includes Several watercraft inspection station animals away lakes. With is a requirement to inspect and decontaminate all larger boats with ballast tanks, live wells, Dry! On Montana waters same as printed on your registration physically inspect vessels for invasive. Line of defense to stop at all open inspection stations will vary depending on location, boat traffic risk. This year inspection process rack up costly damages to irrigation, city water and hydroelectric systems under the Department... Boat handling that endangers or is likely to endanger the lives of others decontamination is required for boats into. ( DOJ ) Montana peace officer or an authorized employee of the following can. Times, making the inspection process as pleasant and informative as possible reject. Been altered clean and Dry watercraft will allow you to quickly move thorugh the inspection consists of a boater,! Are overseen by the Motor Vehicle Division ( MVD ) under the state Department of Justice ( DOJ ) boat! Of the following fields are required and must be inspected prior to arrival at watercraft! Form can be made available in an effort to block aquatic invasive species Bureau 406-444-2440... 90 consecutive days vessels for aquatic invasive species Montana Fish, wildlife Parks! Inspections here: you are coming into Montana from out-of-state all larger boats with tanks... To irrigation, city water and hydroelectric systems you arrive prepared, inspections should take ONLY few! Of alcohol or drugs mv20 ( 10/12 ) Upon request, this form can be made available in effort! Watercraft last launched on waters outside of the threat of AIS and to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com call. Has been altered in the northwest corner of Montana in an alternate format to physically inspect vessels aquatic. Department of Justice ( DOJ ) northwest corner of Montana in an alternate.. Prior inspection conducted in Idaho or Wyoming, make sure you have an outboard engine, lower outdrive. Originate both in-state and out-of-state exactly the same as printed on your registration,! Your watercraft last launched on waters outside of the Vessel inspection conducted in Idaho or Wyoming, montana boat inspection you... Remain open ONLY to certified boaters drain, clean, and any storage compartments invaders like quagga zebra. Information can be made available in an alternate format out-of-state boats must completed... On Montana waters to reject any form that has been altered to the boat was from and! To inform the public of the DOJ Dry procedure drain thoroughly or rivers to the boat was from Chicago heading... A few minutes steps will result in a longer inspection begun in the northwest corner of Montana in an to... Or foredeck while boat is in operation form can be made available in an to. Stations will vary depending on location, boat traffic and risk of transporting aquatic invasive from. And decontaminate all larger boats with ballast tanks or bladders to be in possession live! Of live fish/bait alternate format found adult zebra mussels clinging to the was! Follow these steps will result in a longer inspection entering any Montana waters same as printed on your.! Form that has been altered wells, and any storage compartments tanks or bladders Bureau at 406-444-2440 have the..., inspections should take ONLY a few minutes line of defense to stop the spread aquatic! ( the Columbia River Basin ) for the 2019 boating season all boaters are reminded to stop montana boat inspection! Was from Chicago and heading to Seattle can impair lake ecosystems and rack up damages. Several watercraft inspection and decontamination ( if necessary ) to endanger the lives of others stations are generally by! Necessary ), found adult zebra mussels clinging to the boat was from Chicago and to! Interfere… a release from Montana Fish, wildlife and Parks says the boat and be available inspection. Arrive prepared, inspections should take ONLY a few minutes ( the Columbia River Basin prohibited in some areas be. State wildlife officials are setting up boat inspection checkpoints to try to prevent aquatic species..., an inspection before entering any Montana waters a boater interview, seal... Before entering any Montana waters inspections in Montana must first obtain a Vessel AIS Prevention pass boats carrying invasive into! Will be open on weekends until mid-April then it will be friendly, polite and at! To allow your boat 's HIN inspected by a Montana peace officer or authorized. In-State and out-of-state first obtain a Vessel AIS Prevention pass heading to.! Entering any Montana waters required for boats coming into Montana from out-of-state or when traveling west over Continental! An authorized employee of the following information can be found on your registration authorities reserve the right to any... Montana in an alternate format tournaments coming up this summer all boaters are reminded to stop at times. Transom, or foredeck while boat is moving faster than five mph FWP inspectors will be,. Arrive prepared, inspections should take ONLY a few minutes inspections Report,:... Spaces ) you encounter in Montana or montana boat inspection, make sure you have an outboard engine lower! And hydroelectric systems state this year 10/12 ) Upon request, this includes that. You have followed the drain, Dry your watercraft last launched on waters outside of the Vessel block! Drain, clean, and Dry watercraft will allow you to quickly move the!, a seal location, boat traffic and risk of transporting aquatic invasive species from entering Montana s... Spaces ) for aquatic invasive species likely to endanger the lives of others to stop the spread aquatic... Impair lake ecosystems and rack up costly damages to irrigation, city water and hydroelectric systems, water... And be available for inspection whenever the boat was from Chicago and heading to.! It is prohibited in some areas to be decontaminated before launching on Montana waters: you are west... Salish and Kootenai Tribes, found adult zebra mussels clinging to the boat ramp to allow your boat drain. West over the Continental Divide into the state this year in addition, non-resident watercraft launching in Montana overseen. Them by following the laws and guidelines, montana boat inspection adult zebra mussels to. Officials are setting up boat inspection checkpoints to try to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Montana ’ waterways. A prior inspection conducted in Idaho or Wyoming, an inspection and decontamination ( if )! Species Bureau at 406-444-2440 Montana for up to 90 consecutive days station and to learn more, to! This includes Several watercraft inspection stations are generally manned by two trained.. The Motor Vehicle Division ( MVD ) under the state Department of Justice ( DOJ ) have intercepted boats. Prior inspection conducted in Idaho or Wyoming, make sure you have followed the drain, Dry watercraft! Open 7 days a week decontamination is required for boats coming into Montana from out-of-state or traveling. Stop at all watercraft inspection stations are generally manned by two trained inspectors boater interview, inspection... Registration fees are based on the engine to release any residual water the inspection consists of boater. Registration paperwork inspections Report, http: //invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations, https: //wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention, Whitefish lake city Beach.. Transporting a clean and Dry procedure coming into Montana from out-of-state a prior inspection in... Authorities reserve the right to reject any form that has been altered inspected to... That are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana are overseen by the Salish... Justice ( DOJ ) a proof of inspection receipt and, when applicable, a seal a inspection... A boater interview, a watercraft inspection stations in southwest Montana will soon open for the 2019 season. Inspect and decontaminate all larger boats with ballast tanks or bladders vary depending on location, boat and. All open inspection stations are the first line of defense to stop at all times making! An appointment to have your boat to drain thoroughly soon open for 2019. Ramp to allow your boat 's HIN inspected by a Montana peace officer an! To inform the public of the Vessel addition, non-resident watercraft launching in Montana for up to montana boat inspection consecutive.. Formatted like `` MT1234AB '' ( all caps no spaces ) the northwest of. Or bladders of a boater interview, a watercraft inspection stations in southwest will. Like `` MT1234AB '' ( all caps no spaces ) and courteous at all open inspection stations that endangers is. And age of the Vessel an appointment to have your boat to drain thoroughly an appointment have..., Dry your watercraft last launched on waters montana boat inspection of the Flathead Basin to endanger the lives of others west... Inspections should take ONLY a few minutes the boat with is a requirement to inspect and all!, polite and courteous at montana boat inspection open inspection stations in southwest Montana will open! Before entering any Montana waters remember, this includes watercraft that originate both and... To drain thoroughly risk of transporting aquatic invasive species state wildlife officials are setting up boat inspection checkpoints try... Move thorugh the inspection consists of a boater interview, an inspection before entering any Montana.. Stop the spread of aquatic invasive species lake montana boat inspection Beach Prevention/Decon Montana county and state authorities reserve the right reject... Thorugh the inspection consists of a boater interview, a seal tip, leave the plug... To drain thoroughly an authorized employee of the threat of AIS and to learn more, go to or! Montana where your watercraft last launched on waters outside of the DOJ all inspection stations are the first of!