Washington Boating Regulations and Laws

The Washington boater education card (commonly known as the Washington boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boater education course.

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 ... the person 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.

To legally operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft) on Washington waters, a person who is of legal age to operate, whether an Washington resident or a non-resident, and who is born on or after January 1, 1986, must have successfully completed an approved safe boating course and carry proof of certification when on board the vessel.The Adventures in Boating - Washington course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Washington classrooms.

Even if not required by law to get the Washington 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 Washington a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Adventures in Boating - Washington course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Washington?

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 Washington online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater education card issued by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Adventures in Boating - Washington online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Washington Parks and Recreation. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Washington safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Washington boater education card?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Washington boater's license;
• Contact the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Washington boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Washington boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater education card?

Washington'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.