| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Washington Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Washington, many operators must carry a Washington Boater Education Card to legally operate a motorboat on Washington waters. Washington’s boater education law requires operators of motorboats powered by 15 horsepower or more to carry a Boater Education Card, unless exempt. Washington does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boating safety education for operators under specific conditions.
To obtain a Boater Education Card, you must take a boating safety course approved by the Washington State Parks, pass the course exam, and apply for the card. The card is issued for a $10.00 fee and never expires.
Washington law includes the following requirements and restrictions:
Washington’s Boater Education Card requirement applies to persons born on or after January 1, 1955, who operate a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more.
Operators required to have a Boater Education Card must carry it on board and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
You can earn your Washington Boater Education Card by completing a Washington State Parks–approved boating safety course, passing the course exam, and applying for the card.
Approved formats include:
You may take a agency-approved boating safety course online. After passing the course exam, you can apply for a Washington Boater Education Card. The card fee is $10.00.
Washington also allows approved boating safety courses in classroom and home-study formats. After passing the approved course exam, you can apply for a Washington Boater Education Card. The card fee is $10.00.
Washington also offers an equivalency exam option for experienced boaters with a good working knowledge of the U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules and Washington boating laws. Those who pass may apply for a Boater Education Card and pay the $10.00 fee.
A Washington Boater Education Card never expires.
Washington’s Boater Education Card requirement applies to operation on Washington waters. When boating in another state, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages may differ.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Washington boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive a Washington State Parks-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Education Card.
Washington State Parks
PO Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504
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 Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety 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 CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Washington’s boating safety certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.
Get a Quote
Are you going on a trip to the Evergreen State? Or maybe you're a local looking for new hot spots? Whichever the case, Washington offers a wide variety of boating experiences across thousands of lakes, reservoirs, and waterways. With so many options for getting out on the water, it’s easy to see why boating and watersports are popular throughout the state.
Washington has over 7,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs and is known for recreation that includes everything from cruising and paddling to fishing, kayaking, surfing, and whitewater rafting. The state is also a popular destination for anglers, with fishing opportunities for salmon, rainbow trout, flounder, bullhead, and more, along with fishing tournaments held across the region.
Lake Crescent
Located in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is known for stunning views and deep blue water. It’s a popular boating destination for cruising and sailing, with boat launches available for access to the lake.
Lake Chelan
A large lake with more than 50 miles of water to explore, Lake Chelan offers boating opportunities for personal watercraft, cruising, tubing, and kayaking. It’s also popular for fishing year-round and provides access to North Cascades National Park.
Cle Elum Lake
Cle Elum Lake is a scenic boating destination with a largely undeveloped shoreline near the mountains. It’s known for its depth and is popular for boating and fishing.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands offer a unique boating experience with strong opportunities for wildlife viewing. Boaters may see species like orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles; and the area is also popular for kayaking.
Lake Washington
Located between Bellevue and Seattle, Lake Washington is known for boating access, parks, launches, fuel docks, and areas for anchoring and moorage. It’s a popular destination for boating and fishing.
