Recreational Boating Information for the Northwest
Washington State Boater Education Card
Mandatory Boater Education
In 2005, a law was passed requiring boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington state. The law applies to operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater.
Boaters can take an education course in a classroom, online or at home. Once the course is completed and test passed, boaters need to send a completed application for their card. Note that most on-line courses will provide all necessary doc filings, payments and card distribution.
Here are some recommended on-line courses:
If boaters already have taken an approved boating class, they only need to send in their application with supporting documents to get a Boater Education Card. View links below for more detailed information.
Wash St Parks & Rec:
Visit our Education | Classes page for more boat training information along with captains training. Under our Charters | Lease page, you'll find charter companies that offer hands-on training as well.
