Washington State Mandatory Boate

Washington State 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.

Starting January 2008 Washington State law requires the operator of a PWC or any boat of 15 hp or more, to pass a Boating Safety Education Course. This includes hunters and anglers.

The Washington state law will have a phased-in period for compliance. The following table has the schedule for compliance:

Boater Education Card Required:	For Boat Operators age:
by January 1, 2008	20 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2009	25 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2010	30 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2011	35 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2012	40 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2013	50 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2014	60 yrs old and younger
by January 1, 2015	70 yrs old and younger

If you have already passed a NASBLA approved course, then all you will need to do is fill out an application.

For more information, visit the Washington State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered.asp