Boater Safety Training

[h2ofowlr]

I let it slip and now tomorrow fishing opens.  Do you dare go out without the card on the salt?  What is the ticket for not having the safety card?  I have been operating a boat for 30 years and now I am going to have to pull some late nights to try to get the card by this weekend.

[Kola16]

Maybe take someone with you that has the card 

[92xj]

Do it online tonight. 

[Mfowl]

I agree, do it online tonight! You can print out a verification that you completed it to use until your card arrives in the mail. I am not sure what the fine is but they will escort you to the ramp and make you take your boat out of the water, seen it happen.

[kisfish]

pm sent

[Mfowl]

Pm sent as well.

[shoot-em-dead]

Do it online like already said. It will take a few hours but then it will be all over. Kinda like a visit to the dentist only the pain stops as soon as you hit print.

[Kola16]

When I took mine, it took way longer than 1 night  I don't know what courses you guys took, but mine made me wait through the stupid videos  I would tell you which one I took, but I don't remember  I guess what I am saying is ask other members which one they took, and if it is shorter than the one I took....
I seen a free one on another forum that I will find. I didn't know about it at the time....


Edit: here it is    http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/Washington.asp

[kisfish]

Kola, I must have taken the same course you did. It will not let you fast forward or anything. I made the mistake of going through the study guide  first, then taking the test online. When you take the exam you get to see the exact material again. Oh well got mine done though.

[Greenhorn]

I am unfamiliar with who is required to have a boaters safety card.  I know my kids had to take the test to operate a jet ski.  Are there age limits or horsepower limits?

[smdave]

Both

•January 1, 2013 – All boat operators fifty years old and younger

Beginning January 1, 2008 and as phased in by age, boat operators 12 years of age or older, on boats with 15 HP or more, are required to have a Washington State issued Boater Education Card

[gaddy]

in 2014 it will be 59 & younger. after 14 anyone born after 1/1/1955

[smdave]

Mandatory boater safety education will be phased in as follows:

•January 1, 2008 – All boat operators twenty years old and younger;
•January 1, 2009 – All boat operators twenty-five years old and younger;
•January 1, 2010 – All boat operators thirty years old and younger;
•January 1, 2011 – All boat operators thirty-five years old and younger;
•January 1, 2012 – All boat operators forty years old and younger;
•January 1, 2013 – All boat operators fifty years old and younger;
•January 1, 2014 – All boat operators sixty years old and younger;
•January 1, 2015 – All boat operators who are required to have a card will be phased in.
•All boat operators born before 1/1/1955 will not be required to have a boat operator education card.
Age/Horsepower Restrictions

•No person under 12 years of age can operate a motorboat of 15 or more horsepower.
•Persons who do not have a boater education card and are 12 years of age or up can operate a vessel with more that 15 HP if accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person 16 years of age who has a boater education card.

[DoubleJ]

So, anybody can operate a boat less than 15hp without a card?

[smdave]

So, anybody can operate a boat less than 15hp without a card?

That is the way I read it.

[Greenhorn]

You guys always come through.  Thanks for the info.  I am 45 and didn't realize I needed one to operate a boat.  Now I need a boat!

[Bone_Collector]

Coast Guard License holders don't have to take the test as well.

B_C

[aaronoto]

Waste of time and money of you ask me...  I'm guessing with the start of boating season they'll be out in full force, but I've never been checked nor has my dad.

[lokidog]

This is such crap and a simple money grab, once again....  I passed boater safety in 1974 in WI, and have my card.  This isn't good enough for this stinking state, I'm supposed to turn it in to get a WA one, I'm sure that'll cost me.   

[Bofire]

Last weekend and last year I saw some folks get tickets, I got inspected but passed. No whistle and fire extinguisher expired got tickets. Saw them stop a jet ski and tow him in and not let him move until someone came and picked up his passenger. I think they are serious about enforcing this.
Carl

[92xj]

I've been checked during the dummer when there are tons of folks out.  I've been checked fishing in Fabruary when I am the only boat on the water.  I've been checked at 3am running to a duck blind breaking ice and it snowing.  Everytime I have passed and had no issue or ill feelings to the folks stopping me and checking everything.  I could not afford to chance getting a ticket and having to pay that instead of the license fee right after taking the test. 

[smdave]

I agree it is kind of a money grab, but at least it is a one time fee thing for now. and it is good in all states and Canada the way I understand it.

$10.00 is way cheaper then the $124.00 tickets.

[DoubleJ]

So, anybody can operate a boat less than 15hp without a card?

That is the way I read it.

Now the question I have is, can I troll for salmon with a 15ft aluminum boat and a motor less than 15hp?

[kisfish]

There is a boats safety course being offered on May 19. 8:00 am until 5:00pm at the Montesano fire hall located at 310 . E Pioneer st. in Montesano. The cost is $10 for the card.

[smdave]

So, anybody can operate a boat less than 15hp without a card?

That is the way I read it.

Now the question I have is, can I troll for salmon with a 15ft aluminum boat and a motor less than 15hp?

I would imagine not if it has a bigger motor on it.

Just get the card

[Dirty Mike]

Just get the card. Its easy that way you never worry bout it

[NWHydroprint]

I still can't understand why someone born before 1955 is exempt are they a better boater? or is it age discrimination?
This state is so jacked up.

[CP]

I still can't understand why someone born before 1955 is exempt are they a better boater?
...

Usually, they are.

[NWHydroprint]

I still can't understand why someone born before 1955 is exempt are they a better boater?
...

Usually, they are.

So if I have had a boat for the last 10 years and someone that's 65 years old decides they want one for the first time they automatically a better boater? thats BS

[Arnbo]

More money to make up for budget cuts.......
  A person with no experience can go  out and get in trouble with a small engine
 And boat and be legal.20 years Commercial Fishing and now I need a card to go
 Out on the waterHmmm?   No real complaint ,But it does not make much sense to me.

[Special T]

Good reminder... I HAVE to do it this year... rolled the dice last year.

[smdave]

More money to make up for budget cuts.......
  A person with no experience can go  out and get in trouble with a small engine
 And boat and be legal.20 years Commercial Fishing and now I need a card to go
 Out on the waterHmmm?   No real complaint ,But it does not make much sense to me.

You have already satisfied the requirements of this card with your license.

No card needed.
Operators of commercial fishing boats    When operating a recreational vessel must have valid commercial license or Boating Safety Education Card

[smdave]

.