Washington State Requires Boater Safety Training

If you are a boater in the state of Washington, state law requires operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater to take a safety education course to operate a boat. The safety course can be taken in a classroom, online, or at home.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s program promotes safe and responsible recreation on Washington's waterways. 

Match your age group with the year you are required to possess your certification card.

Year                     Age Group
2008                    12 years to 20 years old
2009                    25 years and under
2010                    30 years and under
2011                    35 years and under
2012                    40 years and under
2013                    50 years and under
2014                    59 years and under

After 2014 All boat operators need to have received this training except those people that fit in the groups below.

Group	Exemption
People born before 1/1/1955		No card needed.
Operators of commercial fishing boats		When operating a recreational vessel must have valid commercial license or Boating Safety Education Card.
Operators with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) marine operator license		When operating a recreational vessel must have valid USCG operator license or Boating Safety Education Card.
Operators of exempt vessels		When operating a recreational vessel must have Boating Safety Education Card.
Operators of rented, leased or chartered vessels		When operating a livery vessel, must have a copy of the Commission-approved educational checklist in lieu of Boating Safety Education Card.
An operator who is a resident of another state or country		Does not need card for first 60 consecutive days. After this must have Washington Boater Education Card.
An operator who is a resident of another state or country who has a valid card from that state or country		Does not need card for first 60 consecutive days. After this must have Washington Boater Education Card.
A person purchasing a vessel		For the first 60 days after purchasing a vessel, the bill of sale showing date of purchase is valid in lieu of a Washington Boating Education Card.
A person not yet required to have a card		No card needed until date of phasing in. See above table on phase-in dates.

One location for training can be found at the Adventures in Boating-Washington with hands-on training web site by following the link below.

Course Description

The above link talks about one option to complete the training but you have a few options so pick the best one for you and not only become legal but earn some additional skill.