Boater Education Exemptions

Some persons are exempted from the boater safety education requirement.

• Those who are exempted include:
  • Any person born before January 1, 1955
  • Any person 12 years of age or older who is operating a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more and is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person 16 years of age or older who has a Boater Education Card
  • Any person at least 14 years of age who is operating a rented, chartered, or leased power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more (other than a PWC) and who completes and carries on board an approved motor vessel safety operating and equipment checklist (valid during the rental period only)
  • Any person at least 16 years of age who is operating a rented, chartered, or leased PWC and who completes and carries on board an approved motor vessel safety operating and equipment checklist (valid during the rental period only)
  • Any person who is a non-resident and who operates on Washington waters for 60 consecutive days or less
  • Any person who is a non-resident and holds a current, approved out-of-state or out-of-country boater safety education certificate or card
  • Any person who has purchased the vessel within the last 60 days and has a bill of sale in his or her possession
  • Operators of government vessels, persons with a valid Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife commercial fishing license, and persons with a valid USCG marine operator’s license
• For a complete list of exemptions, visit the Washington State Parks Mandatory Boater Education website.