Boater Safety Education in Washington

Washington's Mandatory Safety Education Program

Boating safety education has proven to be successful in reducing boating accidents, injuries, and conflicts among boaters, shoreline property owners, and others interested in enjoying Washington's waterways. When the state legislature passed a law in 2005 that requires boat operators to take boater safety education, Washington joined 36 other states that also have an education requirement for boat operators.

Washington's boater education law will eventually require all Washington recreational motorboat operators to carry a Boater Education Card, which shows that they have completed a basic boater education course. This applies to operators 12 years of age and older operating any type of vessel powered by 15 horsepower or more.

The law is being phased in by operator age over several years as shown on the phase-in schedule. In 2011, all persons who are 12 to 35 years of age and who have not passed a boating safety education course previously must take an approved course and pass the course exam before they can operate a boat legally. After passing the exam, the operator applies for a Boater Education Card.

• The card is issued by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for $10.00.
• The card shows that the boat operator knows the basics of safe boating and how to share the waters safely.
• Unlike a driver's license which must be renewed, a Boater Education Card never expires.

You can take a boating safety education course one of four ways:

1. Over the Internet

Learn what you need to be a safe boater online! The convenient and self-paced Washington boating safety course awaits you online. Interactive graphics help you learn and retain information on boating safely in Washington. Successfully complete the online test and you will receive your official Certificate of Course Completion, which qualifies you to apply for your lifetime Washington Boater Education Card.

2. Home-study course

Complete the correspondence course, and follow the directions on the enclosed test. Contact the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission at 360-902-8555 to request a free copy of the Adventures in Boating course manual.

3. In a classroom

Share the learning experience with other interested students and a qualified instructor.

4. Equivalency exam

Take an equivalency exam without taking a course. This exam is available for experienced boaters who have a good working knowledge of the U. S. Coast Guard's navigation rules and Washington's laws and regulations for recreational boats.

By taking a boating safety course and applying the lessons you learn, you help to ensure that our waterways are the safest they can be. In addition, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance by 10% to 15%. Be sure to ask your insurance agent.