Virginia Boating Regulations and Laws

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.

Virginia law places restrictions on PWC operation for those under 16 years of age. Passing an approved boating safety course allows youth to operate a personal watercraft. The Boat Virginia course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Virginia classrooms.

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 can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

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

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Virginia online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is mailed to your home.
• Video at Home: Study at home with the Virginia video home-study course. Then take the Certification Exam at home and mail it in for grading and certification.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat Virginia online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Virginia safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

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.

Who needs a Virginia boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boating safety education certificate ?

Virginia's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.