Boating Certification Washington State: A Comprehensive Guide

Boating is a popular activity in Washington State, with over 1,000,000 registered boats. In order to operate a boat safely and legally, it is important to have a boating certification.

Who Needs a Boating Certification?

In Washington State, anyone born on or after January 1, 1955 must have a boating certification to operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more.

Types of Boating Certifications

There are two types of boating certifications available in Washington State:

• Boater Education Card (BEC): The BEC is a basic boating certification that is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1955 to operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more.
• Washington State Boater Education Certificate (BEC): The BEC is a more advanced boating certification that is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

How to Get a Boating Certification

There are several ways to get a boating certification in Washington State:

• Online: You can take an online boating certification course from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC). The cost of the course is $25.
• In-person: You can take an in-person boating certification course from a variety of providers, including the WSPRC, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the American Red Cross. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider.

What to Expect in a Boating Certification Course

Boating certification courses typically cover the following topics:

• Boating safety
• Boat handling
• Navigation
• Rules of the road
• Emergency procedures

Benefits of Getting a Boating Certification

There are many benefits to getting a boating certification, including:

• Safety: Boating certification courses teach you the skills and knowledge you need to operate a boat safely.
• Legality: It is illegal to operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more in Washington State without a boating certification.
• Insurance: Many insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who have a boating certification.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have the skills and knowledge to operate a boat safely can give you peace of mind when you are on the water.

Additional Resources

The following resources can provide you with additional information about boating certification in Washington State:

• Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: https://parks.state.wa.us/
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary: https://www.cgaux.org/
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to take a boating certification course if I was born before January 1, 1955?

A: No, you do not need to take a boating certification course if you were born before January 1, 1955. However, it is still recommended that you take a course to learn about boating safety.

Q: How long is a boating certification valid for?

A: Boating certifications are valid for life.

Q: Can I get a boating certification from another state?

A: Yes, you can get a boating certification from another state. However, you will need to make sure that the certification meets the requirements of Washington State.

Q: What happens if I get caught operating a boat without a boating certification?

A: If you get caught operating a boat without a boating certification, you could be fined.

Conclusion

Getting a boating certification is a great way to learn about boating safety and to ensure that you are operating your boat legally. If you are planning to operate a boat in Washington State, it is important to get a boating certification.