Boater Safety Education in Washington
Washington's Mandatory Safety Education Program
Washington’s mandatory 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 and older
operating any type of vessel powered by 15 horsepower or more.
The law will be phased in by operator age over several years.
Beginning January 1, 2009, boat operators 12 to 25 years old will
be required to have passed a boating safety exam and carry a Boater
Education Card when operating a vessel.
This card is issued by the Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission for $10.00, and is good for a lifetime. For additional
information about obtaining a Boater Education Card or other
details on the Mandatory Boater Safety Education Program,
visit the State Parks website at www.parks.wa.gov/boating or call
360-902-8844.
You can take
a boating safety education course one of three 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 to purchase a copy of the Adventures in Boating course
manual. Equivalency exams are available by
contacting the Washington State Parks Boating Programs office.
3. In a classroom
Share the learning experience with other interested students and
a qualified instructor. For a list of approved courses, their times,
and their locations, contact Washington State Parks at 360-902-8844 or visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating.
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