Mandatory Boater Education Course

[Machias]

Before this weekend I guess I was living in another dimension because I was unaware WA State had passed a law that ANYONE born after 1955 would have to complete a mandatory boater education course AND must have in their possession the boater education card whenever they are operating a boat or jet ski.  This year it is mandatory for anyone 20 and under, next year 25 and under, then 30 and under, etc...  You can take the 75 question test online, but it costs you $15 to take the test at most places and then another $10 for your lifetime card.

[robodad]

Could you send us a link to this regulation, It appears to have been lost amongst all the others !!

[Dman]

 I got my card two years ago, it's actually a really good test, as far as brushing up on safety stuff. If you've been boating any length of time you should pass.

 http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/default.asp

[Machias]

  Thanks Dman.

Here is some more information that may help:

Age and Horsepower Restrictions:
 
 Mandatory Boater Education

To operator a motor driven boat of 15 horsepower or greater, a person must be at least twelve years of age or older and complete a boating safety course that is accepted by both Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

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 indicating that a boating safety education class or equivalency exam has been successfully completed by the card holder. By January 1, 2016, all boat operators meeting the requirements must have an education card.

Exemption: persons who have a U.S Coast Guard vessel operator's license, or persons visiting Washington State.

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.
Boat Rental Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2008, those operators who are required to have a boating education card and wanting to rent a vessel, must present the card to livery (rental) operators. If the person, required to have a boating education card, does not have a boating education card, the livery operator must complete an operation and safety checklist with the vessel renter prior to the renter being allowed to use the vessel on the water.
 

[huntnphool]

I think I will wait until 2013, why sepnd the money now if I may not be around then