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Course Outline

The Virginia boating safety education law has provisions allowing for operation of a boat or PWC without meeting the education requirement. These provisions include exceptions for an operator who:

  • Has a rental agreement listing the operator as the authorized operator of the boat or PWC, and the operator also has completed the “Dockside Safety Checklist” or…
  • Is operating under the onboard, direct supervision of another person who meets the boating safety education requirement or…
  • Is a registered commercial fisherman, according to the Code of Virginia, or is under the onboard, direct supervision of a commercial fisherman while operating his or her boat or…
  • Is returning the boat or PWC to shore because the initial operator is ill or physically impaired or...
  • Is a nonresident who:
    • Is temporarily using Virginia waters for a period of 90 days or fewer and…
    • Is operating a boat or PWC not registered in Virginia and…
    • Meets the boating safety education requirements of his or her home state or holds a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
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