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 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Virginia Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWCs	Boats Less than 16'	Boats 16' and Longer
Boater Education Certificate	Required for those 14 and 15 years of age.	n/a	n/a
Certificate of Number on Board
Validation Decal Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V (one per person)	Those on PWCs must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times.
PFD: Type IV (one per vessel)	n/a
A Type IV PFD is required on all vessels with the exception of PWCs, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts.
Type B-I Fire Extinguisher(s)
Two Type B-I fire extinguishers or one Type B-II fire extinguisher required for vessels 26 feet in length or longer.
Ignition Safety Switch		n/a	n/a
Backfire Flame Arrestors		Required on inboard and stern drives only.	Required on inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only if operating on coastal waters.
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	Required only if operating on coastal waters.	Required only if operating on coastal waters.
Navigation Lights	n/a