Online District of Columbia
Safety Course
Get your official District of Columbia Boating Safety Education I.D. Card with a convenient,
affordable online course. 44.95$
Official Course Approved By the District of Columbia Harbor Patrol Division
This course has been developed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia Boating Safety Education Certificate. Website: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/boating-safety Address: 300 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by the D.C. Harbor Patrol and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this District of Columbia boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local D.C. boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boating Safety Education Certificate (commonly referred to as the D.C. Boating License).
Who Should Enroll?
Who Needs This Course?
It’s the law in the District of Columbia! In D.C., if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and plan to operate a motorized boat with an engine of 10 hp or more, you must complete a boating safety course.
- You must be at least 12 years old to complete this online course.
- You do not need to be a resident of the District of Columbia to take this course
Helpful Resources
- Study Guide
- District of Columbia Boater Education Card
- District of Columbia Boating Laws and Regulations
- Boating Courses for Other States
The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating
Register
5 Minutes
Complete the Course
3 Hours
Instant Certificate
1 Minutes
Go Boating
Instantly
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What You’ll Learn
What Is In TheDistrict of Columbia Boating Course?
This section provides an overview of boating safety fundamentals, including why safety is critical, basic rules, and how to stay safe on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.
Learn key boating terms and phrases to communicate effectively on the water. This section ensures you understand the language of boating, from parts of a boat to navigation terms.
Discover the essential equipment required for safe boating, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and more. This section ensures you’re fully prepared and compliant with safety regulations.
Get step-by-step guidance on planning your boating trip, from checking the weather to inspecting your boat and packing the right gear. Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.
Learn how to handle emergencies on the water, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and first aid. This section equips you with the knowledge to stay calm and act quickly.
Understand the “rules of the road” for boating, including right-of-way, speed limits, and how to avoid collisions. This section ensures you navigate safely and responsibly.
Explore the purpose and use of buoys, markers, and other navigation aids. This section helps you interpret these tools to stay on course and avoid hazards.
Learn how to safely coexist with other water activities like fishing, swimming, and water sports. This section covers etiquette and safety tips for shared waterways.
certifiedboater course features
Instant Certification
Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.
Affordable & Aboveboard
Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!
Safety with a Splash of Fun
This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click
Live Support
Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.
District of Columbia Boating Course FAQs
The District of Columbia Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95.
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of District of Columbia to take this online course
The District of Columbia Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Harbor Patrol.
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.
The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 2-3 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Education Certificate, go to ilostmycard.com.
Navigate with Confidence
Boating in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia offers unique boating opportunities along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, with scenic views of national landmarks. From the historic Georgetown Waterfront to the bustling Washington Channel, boaters can enjoy fishing, sightseeing, and cruising. Popular spots include the Tidal Basin, Kingman Lake, and Hains Point. Given the active boating community, D.C. requires a boating safety course and license to ensure safe navigation of its waterways.
Select the State to view resources
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Arkansas
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