It's the Law!: Before Going Out
Operator Age and Boater Education Requirements
Operators must obey laws that require boater
education and regulate a vessel’s registration and operation.
Current requirements are as follows and will remain in
effect.
- You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a
personal watercraft legally.
- It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to
anyone under 16 years of age.
Future requirements have been set by a Washington
boating safety
education law
that was passed in
2005.
- This new
law will be phased
in as shown here
so that all boaters,
unless exempted,
must obtain a
Washington Boater
Education Card by
January 1, 2014.
The law applies
to operators of vessels that are powered by motors of 15
horsepower or more.
- Under the new law, no one may operate or permit the operation of a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft, unless the operator:
- Is at least 12 years of age if the vessel is not a personal watercraft or is at least 14 years of age if the vessel is a personal watercraft and …
- Has in his or her possession a boater education card (if required) or is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person at least 16 years of age who has a boater education card or who is not yet required to have the card.
For details on the mandatory boating safety education
law and information on who is exempt from this law,
visit: www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatsafefaq.asp on the
Internet.
Persons required
to have a Boater
Education Card
must carry it on
board whenever
operating.
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Washington Boater Education Card 
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