The Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish check stations are now closed for the 2024 season, however a valid 2024 permit is still required to boat on these lakes. Permits for the 2025 season go on sale January 2nd and the season starts April 26th 2025!

If boat owners do not plan on using their boat throughout the winter months, they are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed to ensure a speedy and efficient start to the 2025 boating season. If you happen to miss us at the boat launch, don’t worry! Our year-round staff are available (starting October 1st) Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM to meet you and seal your boat. Just be sure to call with advance notice.

To find out the most current hours of operation, to schedule an appointment, or to have your vessel wire sealed, please call the AIS Boat Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.

Thank you all and see you in 2025!

Since 2012, the Whatcom Boat Inspection and Aquatic Invasive Species program has worked to keep Zebra and Quagga mussels (ZQM) out of Washington State, one of the last strongholds in the country, as well as control the spread of documented invasive species already present. Every year, the program publishes an annual report detailing data like number of boats inspected, number of boats decontaminated, where boats are traveling from, and much more. Read the 2023 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report here.