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How to Apply For a Boating License in District of Columbia

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

District of Columbia requires a Boater Education Card/Certificate for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department Water Safety - Harbor Patrol. The card is mandatory for all boat operators who want to operate a powered boat here.

There is a restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult.

The laws also require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of similar convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

  • Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the District of Columbia Harbor Patrol or pass an approved equivalency test. In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience. There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:
  1. The classroom options offered by the MPDC Harbor Patrol Unit.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
  2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
  3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
  4. Approved online options by Boater Exam District of Columbia , Boat U.S. Foundation and American Boat Operators' Course.
  5. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
  6. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
  7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, write to DC Harbor Patrol with proof of course completion. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in District of Columbia, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
  • Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
  • See how to register your boat in District of Columbia.
  • Check the contact information of DC Harbor Patrol.