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District of Columbia Boating License vs. District of Columbia Boater Education Card
Don't these two terms mean the same thing?
Why is "Boating License" used so often if it is wrong?
Most boaters are familiar with a Driver's License and it is natural for them to extend this concept
onto the Boating Safety Certificate (and incorrectly refer to it as a District of Columbia Boating License).
This is misleading and we are all therefore encouraged to correct our fellow boaters when
they make this common mistake.
The table below shows the differences between a License and a Boating Safety Certificate:
| Driver's License | Boating Safety Certificate |
| Must be renewed on a regular basis | Good for life |
| Must pay renewal fee each year | One time fee payment |
| Can be suspended or revoked | Can never be suspended or revoked |
Next time you are asked about the District of Columbia Boating License, respond:
"It's not a boating license; it's a Boating Safety Certificate!"
District of Columbia Boating Safety
An Educated Boater is a Safer Boater. By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance 10-15%!