Sailing the Northwest

Washington State passed legislation in 2005 requiring all boaters to carry a Washington Boater Education Card if they are operating a sailboat or powerboat with a 15HP or larger engine.   This card is not like a drivers license, however, in that it does not need to be renewed - once you obtain your knowledge of basic boating safety and obtain your Washington Boater Education Card, it is yours for life.

When do I need the Washington Boater Education Card?

The requirement did not go into effect until January of this year for Washington boaters twenty years old and younger.  You will need to carry your Boater Education Card based on the folowing schedule that will be phased in through 2016:

January 1, 2008 - All boat operators twenty years old and younger;
January 1, 2009 - All boat operators twenty-five years old and younger;
January 1, 2010 - All boat operators thirty years old and younger;
January 1, 2011 - All boat operators thirty-five years old and younger;
January 1, 2012 - All boat operators forty years old and younger;
January 1, 2013 - All boat operators fifty years old and younger;
January 1, 2014 - All boat operators sixty years old and younger;
January 1, 2015 - All boat operators seventy years old and younger;
January 1, 2016 - All boat operators over 12 years of age
(All persons born before January 1, 1955 are exempt)

How do I get the Washington Boater Education Card?

The card requires completion of a basic boating safety course or passing an equivalency exam in order to obtain your Washington Boater Education Card.  Both the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons offer a variety of boater saftey courses. 

If you’ve already received a certificate of completion from an approved boating safety course (such as one by the USCG or US Power Squadron), you just need to complete the Boater Education Card application form, and supply a copy of your certificate of completion.

Online boating safety courses are available as well.  Adventures in Boating -Washington offers an online boating safety course and charges you $24.95 to take the online examination, after which point you can print out a certificate of completion and apply for your card. Best of all, they only charge you if you pass your exam!

How much does the Washington Boater Education Card cost?

There is a $10 application fee to obtain your Boater Education Card the first time.  Replacement cards are available for a $5 replacement fee.

For more information regarding the Washington Boater Education Card and boating safety, visit the Washington State Parks Boating Program website.