Steps to Meeting the Requirement
There are several ways you can meet Virginia's boating safety education requirement. You can take a classroom course, internet course, or a challenge exam. Please see the information below about these steps. Additionally, if you have already taken a classroom or internet course, and that course is NASBLA approved, you do not have to take another course, just have your course completion documentation on board.
Classroom Course
There are many classroom courses offered throughout Virginia, many of these are offered for no charge through our agency. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons also offer courses that are accepted by our agency. These classes are generally taught by members of the local community by instructors who have a good knowledge of general boating skills, navigation rules, laws in Virginia and local conditions.
Internet Courses
If you prefer to take the course via the internet, there are several courses that meet our requirement. While these courses are accepted by our agency, they are run through commercial vendors and there is a fee associated with these courses. Although Virginia allows online testing, many other states do not. If you intend to operate your boat or PWC in another state that requires proof of boater education, you should consider taking a classroom course.
Challenge Exam
If you are an experienced boater and have a good working knowledge of the navigation rules and Virginia boating laws, you may opt to take an 80 question challenge exam. These exams will be scheduled throughout Virginia. The exam is closed book, no reference material is allowed in the examination room. Virginia's Watercraft Owner's Guide may be utilized for study material.
Lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Card
If you have already taken a boating safety class in the past, you are likely to be in compliance. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, or other NASBLA approved courses meet our requirement. Make sure you keep your course completion card on board with you. An optional Lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Card is available to those who meet the boating safety education requirement. This durable, drivers license styled card is available for a fee of $10.00.