Boating, paddling, and water safety in Colorado
Boat inspections and Clean, Drain, Dry in Colorado
How Colorado's ANS stamp, inspection stations, decontamination, launch checks, and gear cleaning fit together.
Before the launch
Settle the ANS steps before the ramp
Stamp
All motorboats and sailboats must have a current ANS stamp before launching in Colorado.
Inspection
A watercraft that is trailered, motorized, or both must be inspected before entering the water. Colorado checks for many aquatic nuisance species. Zebra and quagga mussels are a central focus. Confirm the station and its hours before towing there.
Seal and receipt
A green seal can speed up the next check, but it does not let you drive past the station. Stop and show the matching receipt.
Decontamination
Follow the inspector's direction when standing water, attached material, or travel history calls for treatment.
Clean, drain, and dry more than the hull
Colorado law requires motorized boats, personal watercraft, and sailboats to be clean, drained, and dry. CPW asks paddlecraft users to follow the same habit because boards, paddles, shoes, and wet gear can also move invasive species.
- Remove plants, mud, animals, and debris from the craft, trailer, anchor, lines, and gear.
- Drain every compartment and water-holding space allowed by the craft's instructions.
- Dry the boat and wet gear before entering another water when possible.
- Clean waders, paddles, boards, boots, and fishing gear that moved through the water too.
The return trip is part of the launch plan
Some waters add exit inspections or seals. Read the exact property's directions before launch so the group has time to complete the check on the way out.
Take this with you
Before entering the inspection line
- ✓ The current stamp is ready, and the mandatory inspection is part of the plan.
- ✓ The station location and operating hours fit the trip.
- ✓ The craft, trailer, compartments, and gear are clean and drained.
- ✓ The group knows whether an exit inspection or seal is part of the return and has kept the matching receipt.
Official sources and review
Check the current rule before you act
These links go to the agencies that control this part of the trip. Use the exact page, license, listing, map, order, or confirmation for your situation.
Use this carefully: Inspection locations, hours, water classifications, and decontamination steps can change. Follow the current CPW program and the inspector at the exact launch.
Keep going
The other parts of boating, paddling, and water safety in colorado
Registration and equipment
How the craft, motor, sail, operator, and trip affect registration, the ANS stamp, life jackets, and required onboard gear.
Life jackets and cold water
A practical water-safety plan for life-jacket fit, cold-water shock, changing weather, falling in, and helping from shore.
Paddling and launch rules
What paddlecraft users should check about markings, life jackets, sound devices, inspections, leashes, launch access, and local water rules.