Official Virginia Boating Safety Course Online
Take this Virginia–approved course to complete your online boating safety education.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card Do you need Virginia Boating education?
All PWC operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators of 10 hp or greater regardless of age need to take a boating safety course.
Get boater certified in 3 steps.
Study and pass the $34.95 online course.
Print your online course completion document.
Get ready to go boating!
Virginia Boating Education Requirements
Anyone under the age of 14 years may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC). Anyone between the ages of 14 and 15 years may operate a PWC only if he or she has successfully completed an approved boater safety course. Anyone 14 years of age or older must have the Virginia Boater Education Card to operate a PWC or to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 or more horsepower.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to take this online course.
Learn MoreWhat to Expect From Boat Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Instruction in Virginia Boating Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Virginia. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
We’re people, not robots.
Our customer service team, made up of real people with real Boat Ed experience, is here to provide assistance through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
9:00 a.m. to midnight EST, seven days a week.
Get help seven days a week from professionals like Katy, Heidi, Josh, Misty, Liz, Allen, and Thomas.
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Virginia Approved
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
7870 Villa Park Drive, PO Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Virginia Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Virginia Boater Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
Get Started →Need help? Here are the answers to the questions Virginia Boating students most frequently ask.
Virginia Frequently Asked Questions