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State Boating and Boater Education Information
By 2015 all boaters operating a motorized watercraft with more than a 15HP engine will require a Washington State Boater Education card, unless they were born before 1955 or have a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operators License. As of 2011, all boaters 35 years old or less require the card.
According to the 2010 Recreational Boating Statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard, between 2006 and 2010 the number of reported boating accidents in Washington State decreased from 96 to 72, while boating-related fatalities decreased from 21 to 18.
While 2009 showed an unusual increase in boating accidents, overall, accidents and fatalities are down since 2005 when the State passed a law requiring operators of motorized watercraft to take boating safety education.
About the Washington State Boater Education Card
If you hear someone say that you need a Washington Boating License or a Washington Boat License to operate your boat, what they really mean is that you need the Washington State Boater Education Card.
U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics for Washington State
| |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
| Total number of accidents |
96 |
97 |
98 |
111 |
72 |
| Fatal accidents |
20 |
22 |
18 |
17 |
14 |
| Fatalities |
21 |
21 |
22 |
14 |
18 |
BOATERexam.com is approved by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission to issue the Washington State Boater Education Card. BOATERexam.com is narrated, interactive and provides visual aids in its testing, features that make learning interesting and passing easier. Boaters choose BOATERexam.com by more than 2 to 1 over the next leading competitor*.
Get your Washington State Boater Education Card today!
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Fact: Washington is in the Top Ten
With $298 million spent on new boats and accessories in 2010, Washington State ranked 9th in the U.S. Recreational Boating Industry's Top Ten States For Boating.
*2011 Responsive Management report.