Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirements
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is gradually phasing-in the mandatory boater education requirement that has been law since 2007. In 2010 all personal watercraft (PWC) operators 35 years and younger must meet the requirement. A new block of boaters will be added each year until July 1, 2016 when all boaters who are not exempt shall meet the requirement.
For Personal Watercraft:
- July 1, 2009 - Personal watercraft operators 20 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2010 - Personal watercraft operators 35 years old and younger
- July 1, 2011 - Personal watercraft operators 50 years old or younger
- July 1, 2012 - All personal watercraft operators, regardless of age
For Motorboats:
- July 1, 2011 - Motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2012 - Motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2013 - Motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2014 - Motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2015 - Motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger
- July 1, 2016 - All, motorboat operators, regardless of age
Age Restrictions
- No one under the age of 14 may operate any personal watercraft (PWC) on Virginia State Waters.
- Children under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) when onboard any vessel that is underway unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Important Note
The online boating safety course covers a wide range of operating laws in Virginia. For a complete listing of Virginia's boat operating rules and regulations, please consult the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov
Boating License or Boater Safety Education Certificate... is there a difference?
The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT a Virginia Boating License!