WHO NEEDS A WASHINGTON BOATER EDUCATION CARD
All boat operators in the state of Washington are required to obtain a Boater Education Card in order to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft.
OTHER PROVIDER 1
$34.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
$39.95
Lifetime Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Live In-Course Chat Support
- Phone Support
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 2
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 3
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Limited Phone Support
- Limited Satisfaction Guarantee
Excellent!
BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8167 ratings and reviews.
Your login and password situation was confusing. I ended up contacting your support team, where the issue was resolved. As there was a test at the end of each module it would have been more beneficial if the correct answers were provided on missed questions. Materials were presented well. Thank you
Stephen B
Posted
1 week ago
The course was very informative and helpful to know laws and regulations
Beau B
Posted
2 weeks ago
The video stopped working a few times, about 10 times throughout the course. It would be helpful If you could see the questions that were incorrect from the quizzes and final exam. There were only a few grammar issues. Finally, it would be nice if the Boat License/Card had a picture ID.
Chad L
Posted
2 weeks ago
Overall enjoyable and well organized course. I like the voice overs, and the size of the modules. Only issue I encountered was that all the videos except one said "This video is private and you do not have access to view it." The one video that did play was informative, so I feel like the others would have added to the course as well.
Erin M
Posted
3 weeks ago
Easy and very informative.
Omer B
Posted
3 weeks ago
Several questions on the California final exam, I would guess 10 or 15 % percent, were not covered in the subject matter. When a problem arrises, such as when one needs an application id or flunks the final exam, rather the just saying the process can not be completed or just exiting out, the reason for the problem should be stated.
John C
Posted
2 months ago
i read a book and the A,B,Cs of calif boating. it was giving to me at my lake core of enginers its called state of california resources agency department of boating and waterways it helped a lot .it covers a lot for the test .i took the test thanksgive morning i am 77 years old and have injoyed boating all my life. i have a small base boatand use it alot at lake mendocino.you realy need to put your nose in a book to pass this test the first time like i did. but not a problem you can take this boating exam over and over untill you pass with now extra charge. happy boating Ray
Raymond S
Posted
2 months ago
It would have been nice to be able to whatch the videos. The course kept saying that it was a private video and that we did not have permissions to view it. This is evan after signing into veimo. Otherwise I would have given a 10.
James D
Posted
2 months ago
Excellent content and very thorough. The main issue is wait time between each page. People who read quickly are left waiting 30sec-1m to hit the next button, this distrupts attention and makes the course take much longer.
Eliza M
Posted
2 months ago
Pretty good but some of the sections during the course made you wait too long to get to the next slide, and some of the other sections went too fast-- sometiems inconsistent. Also total course was 4 hours but I thought California only required 3 hours.
Roger S
Posted
3 months ago
Buy More, Save More
Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official Washington Boater Education Card.
1 Boater
“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”
– Jesse L, Seattle, WA
Watch, Listen & Learn
From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
Pass the official test
Take the Washington Boater Education Card Test online
Take the official Washington Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.
Get Your Official Boater Education Card
Print your Certificate of Course Completion
Print your official Certificate of Course Completion and application and submit it to Washington State Parks. They will send you a permanent Washington Boater Education Card in the mail within 6 weeks.
Boating In Washington
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CAPTAIN’S SEAT
FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST
Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the Washington boating safety practice test now.
WASHINGTON BOATER EDUCATION CARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Washington Boater Education Card?
The Washington Boater Education Card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the Washington Boating Safety Test. Boat operators in Washington are required to obtain the card in order to operate a boat or PWC powered by a motor of 15 hp or more.
Is the Washington Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?
A Washington Boater Education Card is proof of having successfully completed a state-approved boater education course. The Boater Education Card is commonly referred to as a ‘license’ however, unlike a license the boater card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
Who needs a Washington Boater Education Card?
All boat operators in Washington are required to obtain a Boater Education Card in order to legally operate a boat or PWC powered by a motor of 15 hp or more.
Who is exempt from having to obtain a Washington Boater Education Card?
- Any person born before January 1st, 1955.
- Operators of commercial fishing boats who have a commercial license.
- Operators who possess a Coast Guard Marine Operator’s License.
- Operators of rented, leased or chartered boats, who are carrying a commission-approved educational checklist.
- Operators from another state or country who are operating in Washington for less than 60 consecutive days.
- Operators from another state or country who possess a valid Boater Education Card from their state or country, and who are operating in Washington for less than 60 consecutive days.
- A person purchasing a boat can use the bill of sale for up to 60 days, in place of a Boater Education Card.
What is the fine for not having a card?
The fine for operators caught boating without the card is $87.
How do I get a Washington Boater Education Card?
You can obtain your official Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:
- Take the BOATsmart! Washington Boating Safety Course online.
- Pass the Washington Boating Safety Test online.
- Print a Temporary Card immediately.
How do I prepare for the Washington Boater Safety Test?
Boaters can prepare for the official Washington Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour Washington Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the Washington State Parks Boating Program and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! Washington Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Washington Boater Education Card.
Will my Washington Boater Education Card ever expire?
No. Your Washington Boater Education Card will be good for life. But don’t be a stranger – BOATsmart! offers free refresher lessons that will help you keep your boating knowledge up to date! Washington’s boating laws may change over time.
How do I replace my Washington Boater Education Card?
You can easily purchase a replacement Washington Boater Education Card from the Washington State Parks Boating Program by calling 1-877-902-8555 or visiting http://parks.state.wa.us
Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in Washington?
No. The state of Washington does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, boaters who wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, are required to get certified with their Washington Boater Education Card.
Do I need a Boater Education Card for all types of boats?
The Washington Boater Education Card is required for boats or PWCs which are powered by a motor of 15 hp or more.
How long does the Washington Boater Course take?
The state of Washington requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! Washington Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.
Is my Washington Boater Education Card valid in other states?
Yes. The Washington Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.
Who is BOATsmart!?
BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the Washington State Parks Boating Program, to deliver the official Washington Boater Education Card Course and Boating Safety Test.
Washington State Parks Boating Program
1111 Israel Road S.W.
Tumwater, WA, 98501
https://parks.state.wa.us/
Trusted from coast-to-coast, Washington approved
The official BOATsmart! Washington Boating Safety Course is approved by the Washington State Parks Boating Program, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.
BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.
