Developed by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the annual Spring Aboard campaign informs and motivates boaters and paddlers to prepare for the boating season by providing information on how to enroll in a boating safety education course.
- Why be certified in boating safety? For many boaters, it’s the law. In Washington state, boaters who operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower engine (or greater) must be certified and carry a Boater Education Card to prove they passed an accredited boating safety education course.
- How do boaters get certified? Boaters have three options. Each course gives a strong foundational knowledge of boating safety, emergency procedures and navigational rules.
- an instructor-led virtual classroom course
- an online self-study
- a home study and equivalency exam (recommended for boaters who already have a lot of boating experience)
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How do boaters obtain a Boater Education Card? After completing and passing a state-approved boating safety course or equivalency exam, students must apply for a Boater Education Card with their proof of certification. Many online course providers will complete this step and charge a third-party fee. If boaters apply directly with the State Boating Program, the one-time fee for the card is $10. More information about courses and the boater education card can be found at www.boatered.org.
- Some important things to know:
- U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 80 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.
- Boat operators born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt from the Washington requirement but may choose to get a card if they plan to go boating in Canada or Oregon, which require proof of having completed a boating education course. The Washington State Boater Education Card is valid in those two areas.
- Forty-nine states and U.S. territories require proof of completing of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels.
- When required by law, the minimum fine for not carrying a valid Boater Education Card in Washington state is $99.
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