Washington state marine course certification ?

I heard briefly on the radio that in 2008 boaters may be required to provide proof of some sort of certification. Has anyone else heard of this in Washington?

Here is a link, I guess they are just going to start enforcing it. http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered.asp

For those who don't like links.

Like the Oregon law, the Washington law will have a phased-in period for compliance. By Jan. 1, 2008, boaters 20 years of age and younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. Then by Jan. 1, 2009, it will be boaters 25 years of age or younger will be required to obtain their Boater Education Card. The phased-in period for compliance will continue until 2016 for various age groups. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt from having to obtain a Boater Education Card.

Operators without a Boater Education Card may operate a boat provided they are under the supervision of an adult with a Boater Education Card. Purchasers of new and used boats may operate their boats immediately and have 60 days after their purchase to obtain a Boater Education Card so long as they are carrying their Bill of Sale or vessel registration document. Boater Education Cards issued by other states will be recognized in Washington and the Washington Boater Education Card will be recognized in other states and Canada.

The Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission's Boating Safety Program will administer the provisions of the new law. The administration of the law is totally supported by the $10 Boater Education Card user fee. The program is funded by boaters for boaters

I busted my but for six weeks, and earned my Power Squadron certificate when I first got into boating. I've always wanted others I share the water with to have to go through the same type of certification.

With that phase in I won't have to worry about it until 2015. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Since I've been in boats since I was in diapers, was a coast guard auxillary and have owned and driven one since 16, I think that's fair.

All said I'd gladly go tomorrow if it was enforced that everyone have one. I think it's a great idea.

awesome news! now we need to get cali to put that into law and enforce it!

when i first heard about this i laughed but then i thought about all the idiot boat drivers who come to close to my dock and too close to me while im ridin, some people really should have to take a test. ive also had some close calls with jet skiers and boat drivers almost hitting the riders behind my boat

Like Cliff, I too, went out and got a certification a few years ago because when I was buying my boat. Oregon had just started the law and there was talk about this going on in Washington. I think it is very much needed, but I don't think it will occur for a few more years.

*And the class I took was focused more on open water boating not lakes. I feel if you are going out into the Sound, you need a different course than a lake and yet another one for rivers. Different types of boats and different types of activities dedicate different things you should know. I took an overview, which was helpful, but getting in the boat with others that were involved in the activity I was helped ALOT more than the course.

(Message edited by tcluv85 on April 16, 2007)

I have been driving boats since I was 10 and pulling people unsupervised since age 15 with no problems. It's unfortunate that you can't teach common sense. I am all for boater licensing but this law is pointless. People who just bought their boats are exempt for 60 days. These are the people that need it most. bsflower is right about the training for open water not translating to lakes and rivers very well. If only they would add no powerturning to their requirements.

Do these courses teach people how to back a trailer up and launch a boat? If so, I think that I'll hand out a few fliers this summer to the weekend warriors in their jean shorts ;)

I’m so glad that I am set up at a private launch this summer and don’t have to deal with the lines. Although it can be entertaining to watch someone push on the bow of their boat for ten minutes and then realize that they forgot to take off the straps.

I agree with otiswunguy. I don't understand how people can be so retarded on the water. I agree if you just bought a boat and you know you are a first time boater training is needed. Some people have been on the water for years and years, including myself who has been driving a boat since i was in the womb. I guess it is a good idea for those folks that seem to be in the way all the time but kind of a hassle for the rest of us. I also think that trailer lessons should be included, It should not take more than 3-5 min to launch a boat!