Boater Safety Education Bill Signed by Governor Gregoire
Legislation that will require boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington State was signed into law by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire May 11, 2005.
The legislation was developed by the Washington Alliance for Mandatory Boater Education (WAMBE). WAMBE is comprised of representatives from a variety of boating-related organizations. The alliance includes representatives of the boating industry, representatives of recreational boating groups, as well as government, law enforcement, and marine safety groups. WAMBE was formed in September 2002 to improve recreational boating safety in Washington state.
The law is patterned after similar legislation in Oregon and will require completion of a basic boating class, or passage of an equivalency exam, to obtain a Boater Education Card. The Boater Education Card will be required for operation of a boat with 15 horsepower or more.
Washington joins 36 other states that have some sort of educational requirements for operating a boat. The Boater Education Card is not like a driver's license. It is obtained once and is good for life. The Card indicates that the boat operator has a basic level of boating safety knowledge, like a diploma.
Washington State Parks' Boating Program will begin issuing Boater Education Cards in the spring of 2006. For the many thousands of Washington boaters who have already received a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard Auxiliary or U. S. Power Squadron boating safety class (or similar class), they need only complete a simple one page application which will be available by on-line or mail in the spring of 2006. Then, supply a copy of their certificate of completion along with a $10 administrative fee to receive their lifetime Boater Education Card under the new law. We are encouraging boaters to apply early for their Boater Education Card.
Like the Oregon law, the Washington law will have a phased-in period for compliance. By January 1, 2008, boaters 20 years of age and younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. Then by January 1, 2009, it will be boaters 25 years of age or younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. The phased-in period for compliance will continue until 2016 for various age groups. Boaters born before January 1, 1955 will be exempt from having to obtain a Boater Education Card.
Operators without a Boater Education Card may operate a boat provided they are under the supervision of an adult with a Boater Education Card. Purchasers of new and used boats may operate their boats immediately and have 60 days after their purchase to obtain a Boater Education Card so long as they are carrying their Bill of Sale or vessel registration document. Boater Education Cards issued by other states will be recognized in Washington and the Washington Boater Education Card will be recognized in other states and Canada.
The Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission's Boating Safety Program will administer the provisions of the new law. The administration of the law is totally supported by the $10 Boater Education Card user fee. The program is funded by boaters for boaters.
The Boating Safety Program has prepared an information sheet containing frequently asked questions concerning the Boating Safety Education bill. The information sheet and any questions concerning the new law can be directed to Dona.Wolfe@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 586-6599.
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