By 2016, all Virginia boat operators will need a Virginia boating license. This applies to all operators of motorboats with a motor of 10 hp or greater as well as operators of personal watercraft (PWC). When the requirement goes into effect, all Virginia boaters will need to have a boating safety education course completion card on board when they operate their craft.
About the Virginia boating license regulations
The first phase of the new Virginia boat license law requires that effective July 1, 2013, all boat operators age 40 or younger must complete a boating safety course. By July 1, 2014, all boat operators age 45 and younger must have completed the course. By July 1, 2016, all boat operators (of any age) will need to complete the safety course.
Experienced boaters may opt out of the safety course requirement by taking a boating license test to show their mastery of boating safety regulations. Exempt from the safety course requirement are commercial fisherman, those who have previously taken a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and those who have a boating license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
To learn more about the Virginia boat license regulations, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Website.
Where to find boating safety courses in Virginia
A number of private and public groups are offering the authorized boating safety course. There are both classroom and online options. Some are free; others charge a fee. Just a few of the available courses are:
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries - Free classroom course; various locations; pre-registration suggested
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Classroom course; $25-$40 for materials
- U.S. Boat Foundation - Free online course
Boating in Virginia can be a fun and relaxing way to spend the summer. Make sure that you're legal by taking the required boat safety course.
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