Washington Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Washington boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
You need boater education if you are operating, or will be operating, a powered watercraft of 15 horsepower or more in Washington.
Boater education is not required if:
Your vessel has an engine under 15 horsepower.
You were born before January 1, 1955.
You hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator’s License.
Available courses
Washington courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart!
Boat-Ed+
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 + $10.00 state fee | $54.95 + $10.50 state fee | $74.95 + $10.50 state fee | $49.95 | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN | EN | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units | Interactive | 6 Modules | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed | Interactive, 3 hours |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 5-15 questions, 70% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Retake module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | 12 | 12 | 12 | No | 12 |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender, eye color, hair color, identity verification, and attestation | Gender, hair color, and eye color | Gender | N/A |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 6 weeks from the state. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 6 weeks from the state. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 6 weeks from the state. | Print temporary certificate immediately. No card is sent automatically. Student must apply for a card through the state. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Card arrives in 6 weeks from the state. |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state | Handled by the state |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Washington course may be required to provide additional information during registration. This may include:
Gender
Eye color
Hair color
Identity verification and attestation
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Course expiration and extensions
Most Washington courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
BoatSmart! does not expire and does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 5-15 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the unit. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 75 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must retake the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed+: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Washington course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
For Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, Ilearntoboat, and Boat-Ed+, the card typically arrives in 6 weeks from the state.
For BoatSmart!, a card is not sent automatically. Students must apply for a card through the state after completing the course.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled by Washington State Parks.
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Washington Boater Education Card, students can contact Washington State Parks:
Boater Safety Card Email: Boating.Safety@PARKS.WA.GOV
Boater Safety Card Phone: 360-790-7308
Students may also need to complete a replacement card affidavit through Washington State Parks. A check or money order for $5 must accompany the affidavit. There is no temporary card available while waiting for a replacement card, and there is no online or electronic process available for replacement cards.
Replacement cards may take about 4 weeks to process.