It's the Law! Mandatory Boater Safety Education

Operators of vessels with 15 horsepower or greater who were born after January 1, 1955, must complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. This card is valid for life and recognized in Canada and many other states. Temporary cards may be issued for rentals or new purchases, but after 60 days, a permanent card is required.  Any boating education program must be in compliance with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and a Washington State-approved boating education course. 
 
To receive a Boater Education Card, boaters must complete the course and then submit a copy of their course certificate along with the State Parks application.

In addition to the "Adventures in Boating Washington" class, boaters also have the option to fulfill boater education requirements online. The following organizations offer online courses that are approved by Washington State Parks and meet state mandatory boater education requirements:

• Online provider: Adventures in Boating – Washington
  • Study material needed: Adventures in Boating Handbook
  • Practice test available: Yes. Practice quizzes are offered after each section and allow unlimited free practice tests.
  • Pay online for the education card: Yes. The card costs $10 plus a 50-cent handling fee.
  • Cost: $15 for exam. $15 to retake exam.
  • Customer Service: (800) 830-2268
• Online provider: BoaterExam.com
  • Study material needed: Washington Safe Boating Course
  • Practice test available: No
  • Pay online for the education card: Yes. The card costs $10
  • Cost: $24.95 for exam results, exam retake is free.
  • Customer Service: (866) 764-2628

Other online courses can be located in the link.