Course options • Getting a card • New card application • Replacing a card
Frequently asked questions about the Boater Education Card program
Am I required to carry a Boater Education Card to operate all types of boats?
Unless you are exempt, you need to carry a card when operating boats with motors of 15 horsepower or greater, which
includes all personal watercraft. Although the law does not require the operator of a manually powered boats such as
canoes, kayaks, rowboats, drift boats and sail-only boats to carry a card, one is recommended for all boat operators.
Who is exempt from having a Boater Safety Education Card?
Exemptions are listed in RCW 79A.60.640. The following people are exempt from carrying a card:
| Group |
Exemption |
| People born before 1/1/1955 |
|
No card needed. |
| Operators of commercial fishing boats |
|
When operating a recreational vessel must have valid commercial license or Boating Safety Education Card. |
| Operators with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) marine operator license |
|
When operating a recreational vessel must have valid USCG operator license or Boating Safety Education Card. |
| Operators of exempt vessels |
|
When operating a recreational vessel must have Boating Safety Education Card. |
| Operators of rented, leased or chartered vessels |
|
When operating a livery vessel, must have a copy of the Commission-approved educational checklist in lieu of Boating Safety Education Card. |
| An operator who is a resident of another state or country |
|
Does not need card for first 60 consecutive days. After this must have Washington Boater Education Card. |
| An operator who is a resident of another state or country who has a valid card from that state or country |
|
Does not need card for first 60 consecutive days. After this must have Washington Boater Education Card. |
| A person purchasing a vessel |
|
For the first 60 days after purchasing a vessel, the bill of sale showing date of purchase is valid in lieu of a Washington Boating Education Card. |
| A person not yet required to have a card |
|
No card needed until date of phasing in. See above table on phase-in dates. |
When will I be required to have my Washington Boater Education Card in my possession when operating
a boat? The card requirement is being phased in from 2008 to 2014. All operators of boats having motors
of 15 horsepower or greater are required to have their Boater Safety Education Card with them when operating
a boat as follows:
| Year |
Age Group |
| 2008 |
12 years to 20 years old |
| 2009 |
25 years and under |
| 2010 |
30 years and under |
| 2011 |
35 years and under |
| 2012 |
40 years and under |
| 2013 |
50 years and under |
| 2014 |
59 years and under |
| After 2014 |
All boat operators except those exempted elsewhere in RCW 79A.60.640 |
Do I have to wait to get my Boater Education Card until the year it is required?
No. If you have taken an approved boating safety education course, you may apply for your card now. The Washington State
Boating Programs encourages boaters to get their cards as soon as possible.
What do I need to do to qualify for a Boater Education Card?
You must take a course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. You can find an approved boater education courses in the
classroom,
classroom/hands-on,
online or at
home.
A copy of your course completion certificate must be
submitted with your Boater Education Card application
(PDF Download).
How much does a Boater Education Card cost?
Your lifetime Boater Education Card will cost $10, payable by check or money order. However, an online course provider
can charge a $.50 handling fee.
How can I get my Boater Education Card?
Complete and submit a Boater Education Card application (PDF Download), along with a check or money order for $10 and a
copy of your course completion certificate, to the address given on the
application (PDF Download).
When will I receive my Boater Education Card?
Once your application, check and supporting documents are received, it takes between four and six weeks to process
and send your lifetime Boater Education Card.
Do I have to wait six weeks before I can operate a motorboat?
Boaters who have completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) course and passed
the course exam may operate a motorboat for up to 60 consecutive days with a dated Certificate of Course Completion.
It is recommended that boaters immediately apply for their Boater Education Card after completing a course.
Is the Boater Education Card a license?
No. Once you apply for and receive your Boater Education Card it is good for lifetime and cannot be taken away from you.
Is there a fine for not having a Boater Education Card in my possession when operating a motorboat?
Yes. The fine is $87.
Is my Boater Education Card good in other states and Canada that have mandatory boating education requirements?
Yes. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept a Washington Boater Education Card.
Through an agreement between Canada and NASBLA, we have reciprocity for United States boater education cards that
are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements.
Is an Oregon Boater Education Card valid in Washington?
Yes. If you are visiting Washington for less than 60 consecutive days, your Oregon card is valid. If you become a
Washington resident, your Oregon Boater Education Card can be used to obtain a Washington Boater Education Card.
This also is true for other state’s cards that meet the reciprocity requirements.
Is there any reason to get a Boater Education Card if I am not required?
Yes. Many older boaters are still getting cards anyway because they boat in Canada and Oregon. Canada and Oregon do not exempt
people born before Jan. 1, 1955.
What do I do if my Boater Education Card is lost or damaged?
You can get a replacement card for $5. See the
Card Replacement Affidavit
(PDF Download) form for directions on applying for a replacement card.
What is the history of the Boating Safety Education Bill?
Legislation requiring boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington state
was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire on 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 requires completion of a basic boating class, or passage of an
equivalency exam, to obtain a Boater Education Card. The Boater Education Card is required for operation of a motorboat with
15 horsepower or more. Like the Oregon law, the Washington law will have a phased-in period for compliance. The Boater Education
Card is not like a driver's license. It is obtained once and is good for lifetime. The card informs law enforcement that the boat
operator has a basic level of boating safety knowledge.
Washington joins 36 other states that have some sort of educational requirements for operating a boat. The Washington State Parks
and Recreation Commission's Boating Safety Program administers the provisions of the law. The administration of the law is fully
supported by the $10 Boater Education Card user fee. The program is funded by boaters for boaters.