Virginia Boating Laws and Boat Course Requirements

The Virginia boating safety education certificate (commonly known as a Virginia boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

By July 1, 2009, passing an approved boating safety course is required of operators ages 20 or younger to operate a personal watercraft (PWC). The Boat Virginia course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Virginia classrooms.

In addition to the education requirement that takes effect on July 1, 2009, operators must meet age requirements in order to operate a motorized vessel.

• There is no minimum age for operation of vessels other than personal watercraft.
• Those 13 years of age and younger may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) under any conditions.
• Those 14 and 15 years of age may operate a PWC only if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). These operators must carry their proof of course completion on board whenever they operate a personal watercraft.
• Those 16 years of age and older may operate a PWC without boating safety course requirements.

Even if not required by law to get the Virginia boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Virginia a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Virginia course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Virginia?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more are covered in the online course in Unit 5: Virginia's Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

You can study over the Internet using the online boating safety course. Once you have completed the course online and passed each unit quiz, you may print a temporary course completion certificate from your computer. Your Virginia boating safety education certificate will be mailed to your home within 5-7 business days after you pass the exam.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the my.Boat-Ed.com Virginia online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Virginia Department of Game and Fisheries. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety education certificate is available online.

Where can I get more information about the Virginia boating safety education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Virginia boater's license;
• Contact the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Virginia boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.