Washington requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The card is mandatory for all boat operators operating a powered boat with an engine of 15hp or greater. The boating safety regulations will be implemented in a phased manner from 2008 to 2015.

There is a restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 12 years of age, you are not allowed to operate a powered boat and you must be at least 14 to operate a Personal Watercraft. You must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult, at least 16 years old who has a Boater Card or is not required to have one yet as per the phased program.

The boating laws of the state 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 such 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.
• Those boat operators who have been born before 1/1/1955.
• Operators with commercial fishing boats.
• Those operators who are residents of another State or country will not have to show a boater education card for the first 60 days. This will apply even if the operator has a valid card issued by another State.
• A person who has purchased a boat will not need to show a boater education card for the first 60 days after the purchase.
• Those who are not yet required to have the card as per the phased program of the government.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 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. Three classroom options offered by the U.S Power Squadron , the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, America's Boating Course or the Adventures in Boating Washington Classroom Course.
   • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours and fees vary.
   • 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 once you complete the application form.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. Six approved online options offered by Boat Ed- Washington, America's Boating Course, Boater Exam Washington, Boat U.S. Foundation, PWC Safety School 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.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a proctored exam. After you are done studying the Adventures in Boating Washington-Home Study Course, you may take the exam.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, complete the application form and mail it to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Boating Programs, P O Box 34333, Seattle, WA 98124-1333 with proof of course completion. The fee is $5 for a replacement card.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Washington, 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 Washington.
• Check the contact information of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.