District of Columbia Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for District of Columbia boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
All boaters must have a Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 15 horsepower or more in the District of Columbia.
Available courses
District of Columbia courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the District of Columbia course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
District of Columbia courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a District of Columbia course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
No one under 18 years old may legally operate a vessel over 16 feet in length unless they:
- Have a Boater Education Certificate showing successful completion of a boating safety course approved by the Harbor Master
- Are under the supervision of a person at least 18 years old who has successfully completed an approved boating safety course
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: