Washington

Age Requirements:

All boat operators, unless specified below in exemption, are required to have a Washington State issued Boater Education Card indicating that a boating safety education class or equivalency exam has been successfully completed by the card holder.

Exemption:

• persons who have a U.S Coast Guard vessel operator's license
• persons visiting Washington State.
• All boat operators born before 1/1/1955 will not be required to have a boat operator education card.

Age/Horsepower Requirements:

To operate a motor driven boat of 15 horsepower or greater, a person must be at least 12 years of age or older and complete a boating safety course that is accepted by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. No person under 12 years of age can operate a motorboat of 15 or more horsepower.

Persons who do not have a boater education card and are 12 years of age or up can operate a vessel with more that 15 HP if accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person 16 years of age who has a boater education card.

Other Information:

Operators who are required to have a boating education card and want to rent a vessel, must present the card to livery (rental) operators. If the person, required to have a boating education card, does not have a boating education card, the livery operator must complete an operation and safety checklist with the vessel renter prior to the renter being allowed to use the vessel on the water.

1. After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately for the next 60 days.

2. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission requires that you purchase a safe boating card for $10.00. The card can be purchased by filling out the Washington State form and enclosing it with a copy of your certificate and a check. The card will be mailed in 3-4 weeks.