Quality Affordable Education for your Washington Boaters License

Since 1914 experienced boaters from local squadrons have presented introductory courses to more than 3 million people.  Learning to boat well is important; the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.

Our classes qualify for the Washington Boater Education Card, sometimes referred to as a boating license, certificate or boaters permit.  Insurance premium discounts are available from many insurers.  The card may help you with boat rentals.  The Washington requirement is being phased in depending on your age.  It is now required for ages 12 to 50, and to age 59 next year.

This classroom course was developed by our National organization to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman or water skier in an outboard, or a day sailor, to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat.  All boaters at the helm are subject to nautical rules and regulations.  Skippers should learn good operating practices and techniques which will enhance your confidence and fun on the water.  Classes are given in the Seattle area, and we tailor them to the lakes, Puget Sound, San Juan and Southern BC marine environment.

The courses have proven to be of interest to the entire family; everyone age 12 and up is welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group.

We conduct America's Boating Course twice yearly in a 6-evening (12 hour) format plus 7th test and graduation night.  We also offer the class in a one day (8 hour) format, which covers almost the same material except for reading charts, plotting courses and some details.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced boaters with Pacific Northwest knowledge provide instruction as a civic service.  There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.

While the content of the student manual serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the course work is completed. The course and instructors meet the educational standards of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and features a proctored examination as required by many states and insurance companies.  For more on the class content see America's Boating Course.

As your boating range expands, we encourage students to follow this basic course with additional boating education such as the advanced courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons.

Register for a Class:

Classes are held in the Lake Union area.  Directions to the class location will be available from the registrar.

The next one-day course will be Saturday 16 March from 9 am to 5 pm.

Everyone is welcome, especially families, however pre-registration is required.  To make your classroom day most effective books will be available a week or two ahead of time, locations to be specified when you pre-register.  The cost is $40 for a book and CD for the first person.  Additional family or crew members can share that book for $5 each.

To pre-register for the one-day class and arrange early book pickup contact Janet Ray at 206-300-8559 or janetluray@gmail.com

The spring 7-week evening course started 5 February.

Everyone is welcome, including families, however pre-registration is required so we can be sure to have room and to have your course materials ready!  You can choose to have your own book for $45.  Additional co-skippers, family or crew members can share that book for $10 each.

To pre-register for the 7-week class contact
1st/Lt Jordan Zundell at 425-269-3034 or Jordan.Zundell@gmail.com