Exceptions to the Boating Education Requirement

The Virginia boating safety education law has provisions allowing for operation of a boat or PWC without meeting the education requirement. These provisions include exceptions for an operator who:

• Has a rental agreement listing the operator as the authorized operator of the boat or PWC, and the operator also has completed the “Dockside Safety Checklist” or…
• Is operating under the onboard, direct supervision of another person who meets the boating safety education requirement or…
• Is a registered commercial fisherman, according to the Code of Virginia, or is under the onboard, direct supervision of a commercial fisherman while operating his or her boat or…
• Is returning the boat or PWC to shore because the initial operator is ill or physically impaired or...
• Is a nonresident who:
  • Is temporarily using Virginia waters for a period of 90 days or fewer and…
  • Is operating a boat or PWC not registered in Virginia and…
  • Meets the boating safety education requirements of his or her home state or holds a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.