OTHER PROVIDER 1

$34.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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$29.95

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
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OTHER PROVIDER 2

$29.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries

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$29.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Limited Phone Support
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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8136 ratings and reviews.
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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.

Buy For One

1 Boater

Per Boater

Total Savings

Crew Pack Discount

“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Seattle, WA

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FREE PADDLERSMART! COURSE WITH PURCHASE

The PADDLERsmart! course is perfect for anyone participating in paddle sports including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’ve been paddling for years or just getting started, you’ll learn everything you need to stay safe on the water. 

$24.95 value. Get it free when you purchase your BOATsmart! Course.

439
The average number of drownings in the United States was 439 in 2019
30%
Of all drowning-related fatalities in the United States, 30% involved paddle activities like canoeing, kayaking or SUP.
100%
With the proper knowledge and understanding of risks, 100% of all watercraft-related drownings are preventable.
Free PADDLERsmart course tablet and certificate
BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

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.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

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.

Washington State Boater Education Card

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

YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

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.

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Washington State Boater Education Card

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:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! Washington Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the Washington Boating Safety Test online.
  3. 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 Badge

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.

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