Boater Ed card

[Angus]

Anyone ever been checked for the card? I've been checked twice on the Columbia by both a sheriffs boat and a CG boat and they've never asked to see it.
Seems pretty worthless if they're not going to enforce it.

[Ridgeratt]

There is an exemption if you are a Dinosaur also. Pre-1955

[jay.sharkbait]

There is an exemption if you are a Dinosaur also. Pre-1955

1955? Had they even invented the boat by then?

[Ridgeratt]

There is an exemption if you are a Dinosaur also. Pre-1955

1955? Had they even invented the boat by then?

I think they referred to them as ark. Most were held together with vines and pitch.

 I was an oarsman with Leif Erikson!

[h2ofowlr]

I took my course on line and it seemed to take forever.  I think I worked on it for a week plus.

[huntnphool]

They check all the time on Lake Washington and Tapps

[carpsniperg2]

I did mine awhile ago since I am a young pup and the way they phased it in.

I have been checked 2 times on the big c and glad I had it.

[MHWASH]

http://www.boatus.org/

 It was $10 when I did it, took about 5 hours.

Just went to start my course, but it's down because of unforeseen errors until tomorrow.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Took mine two years ago via booklet, much faster that way.  Waste of time and money.  It hasn't helped me on my sled on the river in anyway.  I really am trying hard to think of something useful it taught me and I really am drawing a blank.  Now hunter Ed, that was a good class.

[lokidog]

Anyone ever been checked for the card? I've been checked twice on the Columbia by both a sheriffs boat and a CG boat and they've never asked to see it.
Seems pretty worthless if they're not going to enforce it.

I've never been asked out here.

And as mentioned, it is entirely a money grab.  I took the course as a 12 yo kid and passed.  I have my card, but technically, the State won't accept it because it doesn't have WA stamped on it and I did not give them my $10.  How is it that my HS class cert works from out of state but this does not?

And... I wonder what the percentage of accidents/incidents is with people using a small boat with a 15hp or less vs someone that has spent, often tens of thousands of dollars for something larger?  Seems like all boaters should need this if anyone does.