Vessels currently in service with the
Okanogan County SHERIFF Marine Patrol:
1991 Almar 21
foot aluminum jet boat. The boat was provided by a grant from the
State of Washington Parks Department. The jet boat is generally
used on larger bodies of water, Columbia River and if needed the
Okanogan and Methow rivers.
The 12 foot aluminum boat is utilized on smaller
bodies of water and for emergency applications where time and inferior
launching areas are of concern.
The introduction of wave runners for use as marine
patrol vessels has become a welcome resource to the Sheriff’s Office.
The wave runners used by the Sheriff’s Office are supplied by Condotta’s
Motorsports Central, of Wenatchee. Condotta’s is able to provide this
special service to Law Enforcement agencies through a Law Enforcement
Loan Program offered by Yamaha. The costs associated with this program
are; fuel, general maintenance and any “other than normal” wear on the
vessel at the end of the program year. The wave runners are used on just
about every body of water that allows gasoline combustion engines.
Safe boating information
During the summer months there are two full time
Deputies acting as marine patrol officers. The boats we use are funded by the State of
Washington Parks Department from annual vessel registration tabs purchased
by boaters in Okanogan County. In return, the Deputies do routine patrol on all boat
able waters in Okanogan County, conduct vessel safety inspections,
investigate vessel collisions and enforce state and local boating safety
laws.
Our Marine Patrol boats are always staffed with at
least one fully commissioned Deputy Sheriff. Each year we begin
patrolling on county waters starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
weekend. The Sheriff’s Office has six Sheriff’s Deputies that are
certified marine officers who assist with routine patrol and emergency
response and rescues. The SHERIFF Marine Patrol also works closely with the County's
search and rescue dive team.
Marine officers present safety programs to children
at area camp programs and assist the U.S. Corp of Engineer in teaching
their safe boating curriculum.
We have a good working relationship with the Douglas
County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division and the other surrounding Law
Enforcement agencies.
Our marine patrol has assisted our department and
neighboring agencies with transporting investigators to remote crime
scenes, transporting firefighters and equipment to hard to reach fires as
well as protecting helicopters dipping water buckets in the Columbia
River, Lake Osoyoos and Palmer Lake.
The main goal of our marine patrol is to assist
boaters in enjoying our local waterways in a safe manner.
A courtesy safety inspection of your vessel by one of
our marine officers can be scheduled by calling (509) 422-7200.
(Marine Patrol Deputy Dave Yarnell)
Marine Patrol
