Boating Mandatory Education
State law requires operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater to take a safety education course to operate a boat in Washington. Boaters can take an education course in a classroom, online, or at home.
Classroom Courses
Classroom courses in boating safety vary in length and cost, depending on the course provider. Classes offer students the chance to interact with an instructor who is an experienced boater as well as learn specific local boating information and network with other boaters. For a variety of classroom options visit the State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program Web page.
Online Boating Classes and Home Study
Learn the rules of the water in the comfort of your favorite chair. Several groups offer online courses in boating education. Visit the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program Web page and scroll down the page to select a vendor and class.
The home study course helps boaters meet requirements of the state's mandatory boater education law. The course includes the Adventures in Boating Washington Handbook manual and certification exam booklet. Upon successful completion of the exam, a certificate of accomplishment is issued. (course description)
To order a free copy of the boaters’ guide and exam booklet:
By mail: Send completed order form to
Washington State Department of Printing
P.O. Box 798
Olympia, WA 98507-0798
By phone: (360) 570-3062
Online: Order the Adventures in Washington Boating Home Study course book through the Department of Printing Fulfillment Center Web site at https://fortress.wa.gov/prt/printwa/wsprt/default.asp.
Obtaining a Boater Education Card
After taking the boater education course, you must submit your certificate of completion together with a completed application and a check for $10. Then you will receive a Boater Education Card. State law requires most operators of motorboats with a 15 horsepower or greater motor to get a boater education card. Boat operators who were born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt. Boat operators of other ages are being phased in. To see when you are required to carry a boater education card, visit the Washington State Parks and Recreation Web site at http://parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/?subject=faq.
If you take the course online, a limited number of vendors allow you to purchase a Boater Education card online after you pass the exam. State law requires that the education card be carried with you when you operate a vessel (15 horsepower engine or more). The card is good for a lifetime. To download a copy of the application, visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/A-430%20Boater%20Education%20Card%20Application.pdf
Note: If you already have taken an approved boating class, you only need to send in an application with supporting documents and check for $10 to get a Boater Education Card.
Read more about the state’s boating program
http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s boating program promotes safe and environmentally responsible recreation on Washington's waterways. A citizen advisory committee guides program activities. Where possible all boating safety activities occur at the county and city levels. The state program assists local groups that provide the public with boating safety education and law enforcement activities.
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