WASHINGTON BOATER EDUCATION CARD,
We Make it Simple
Your Official Washington Boater Education Card in 3 easy steps.
Start the boating course now and be on the water today.
Step 1
TAKE THE BOATING COURSE ONLINE
Take the official BOATsmart! Course online and watch, listen and learn on any device. Our animated, narrated and brilliantly illustrated boating course puts you right in the Captain’s seat. Everything you need to pass the Washington Boating Safety Test and boat with confidence included.
- Made for boaters, by boaters
- Designed for all ages and abilities
- Study at your own pace, your progress is tracked automatically
- Optimized for all devices, including mobile
Step 2
PASS THE OFFICIAL TEST
The Washington Boating Safety Test is open-book and available to boaters who are at least 12 years of age.
- State Approved Washington Boating Safety Test
- Must be 12 years of age to register
- Unlimited free test retries included
Step 3
PRINT YOUR TEMP CARD
Yeah buoy! You’re a captain now! You’ve now gained the knowledge to boat with confidence. Immediately upon passing the test, you’ll be able to print a temporary Washington Boating Safety Certificate. Your permanent card is mailed at no charge.
- Print your Washington Course Completion Certificate
- Receive your permanent card within 6 weeks of submitting your course completion certificate
- Your Washington Boater Education Card is good for life
WASHINGTON’S OFFICIAL ONLINE BOATING SAFETY COURSE
The BOATsmart! Course is approved by the Washington State Parks Boating Program and includes all the knowledge required to obtain your Washington Boater Education Card. Take the boating course online at your own pace with easy-to-understand, step-by-step lessons.
Excellent!
Step Inside the
Boatsmart! Course
The BOATsmart! Course includes all required NASBLA syllabus standards in an easy-to-navigate and understandable format, organized into 6 learning modules and practice quizzes that help you test your comprehension prior to the final test.
1.
BOATING BASICS
- The Boating Basics
- Parts of a Boat and PWC
- Boating Terminology
- Washington Age and Horsepower Restrictions
- Washington Mandatory Education Requirements
- Washington Registration and Titling Requirements
- Boat Capacities
- Reciprocity Regulations and Federal Documentation
- Boat Theft Prevention
- Module 1 Summary and Quiz
2.
BOATING EQUIPMENT
- Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Life Jacket Classifications
- Flotation Aids and Throwable Devices
- Washington Life Jacket Laws
- Life Jacket Laws for Children
- Fire Extinguishers and Federal Requirements
- Navigation Lights and Requirements on Boats
- Sound Signal Devices and Requirements
- Visual Distress Signals and Requirements
- Module 2 Summary and Quiz
3.
GETTING ON THE WATER
- Local Weather and Water Conditions
- Weather Reports and Stormy Weather
- Boat Maintenance
- Developing a Float Plan
- Boat Storage
- Towing and Trailering
- Launching and Loading
- Fueling a Boat or PWC
- Docking and Casting
- Anchoring your Boat
- Module 3 Summary and Quiz
4.
SAFE BOAT OPERATION
- Environmental Laws and Regulations
- Toxic Substances
- Washington Waste Disposal Laws
- Washington Aquatic Nuisance Species
- Alcohol and Drug Use
- Washington Laws for Operating Under the Influence
- Boater Common Courtesy
- Washington Laws for Negligent/Reckless Boat Operation
- No Wake and Limited Wake Restrictions
- Homeland Security Measures
- Washington Muffler and Noise Level Laws
- Washington Law Enforcement Authority
- Module 4 Summary and Quiz
5.
NAVIGATION THE WATERWAYS
- Navigation Rules
- Washington Boat Speed Limits and Restricted Areas
- Position and Course of Direction
- Right-of-Way
- Navigation Sound Signals
- Navigating at Night
- Navigation Lights
- Lateral Marking System and Buoys
- Red Right Returning
- Non-Lateral Marking System
- Intracoastal Waterways
- The Western Rivers System
- Module 5 Summary and Quiz
6.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
- Diving, Snorkeling, Towed Sports
- Use of Hand Signals
- Boating Hazards and Dangers
- Safe PWC Operation
- Safety Tips for Paddlers
- Capsizing and Person Overboard
- Running Aground
- Fire Emergencies
- Hypothermia and Cold Water Immersion
- Hunters and Anglers as Boaters
- Rendering Assistance and Reporting Emergencies
- Washington Boat Accident Reporting Requirements
- Module 6 Summary and Quiz
“GREAT COURSE! COVERED EVERYTHING NEEDED. HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOATSMART!”
– Glenn R, Aberdeen, WA –