The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries requirements for online boating safety courses changed effective January 1, 2009 and the NEW Boat Virginia Online Course meets those requirements. The old Boat Virginia course and test does not meet those requirements and was discontinued on December 31, 2008.

• Take the NEW Boat Virginia Online Course!
• Or, you can order the Boat Virginia Video Course

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Virginia's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher, but not a boater education certificate.

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely
Casting Off

The directions that follow will be illustrated by diagrams and with Flash animations. (Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, follow this link to install the Flash Player.)

Before casting off:

• Keep your boat tied to the dock while you warm up the engine.
• Make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket.
• Check that the engine is running properly and the departure area is clear of traffic. Then begin to cast off.

If there is no wind or current:

1. Cast off the bow and stern lines.
2. Shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock.

If the wind or current direction is toward the dock:

1. Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock. Make sure fenders are in place on the bow.
2. Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock.
3. Cast off the bow line. Back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from the dock.

If the wind or current direction is away from the dock:

1. Cast off the bow and stern lines.
2. Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock.
3. Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.