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EMERGENCY VESSELS AND POWERS

SEA-MC tit. 16, ch. 16.48
in effect

Seattle Mun. Code § 16.48.010 Exemption to authorized emergency vessels.

16.48.010 - Exemption to authorized emergency vessels. The provisions of this title shall be applicable to the operation of any and all vessels in the harbor of the City except that they shall not apply in the following cases: To any authorized emergency vessel actually responding to an emergency call or in immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, within the purpose for which such emergency vessel has been authorized; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not relieve the operator of an authorized emergency vessel of the duty to operate with due regard for the safety of all persons using the City harbor, nor shall it protect the operator of any such emergency vessel from the consequence of a reckless disregard for the safety of others; provided further, the provisions of this section shall in no event extend any special privilege or immunity in operation of an authorized emergency vessel for any purpose other than for which the same has been authorized. (Ord. 120023 § 79, 2000; Ord. 87983, § 56, 1959.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 16.48.020 Emergency powers.

16.48.020 - Emergency powers. The Chief of Police and the officers of the Police Department are authorized to direct all waterborne traffic, either in person or by means of visible or audible signal in conformance with the provisions of this title; provided, that where necessary to expedite waterborne traffic, or to prevent or eliminate congestion or to safeguard persons or property, such officers, or in the event of a fire or other emergency such officers and other authorized officers of appropriate governmental agencies or authorities, may direct waterborne traffic as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of this title. Vessels authorized to anchor pursuant to this section shall comply with applicable navigation rules, and no vessel so anchored shall be left without some person on board and in charge of it by day and by night. (Ord. 120023 § 80, 2000; Ord. 87983, § 58, 1959.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT16HACO_CH16.48EMVEPOFetched: 11/1/2026

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