Virginia Boating Laws and
Regulations
The Virginia Boater Safety Course teaches key boating safety for state waters. CertifiedBoater makes learning simple with easy guides and practice tests to help you pass fast
Table of Contents
Other Resources
- Florida Boater Safety Course
- Florida Course Comparison Guide
- Florida Boating License Guide
- Florida Boat Rental Certificate
Virginia Boating Laws and Regulations
Age and Operator Restrictions
Beginning July 1, 2016, all motorboat operators of 10 hp or greater, regardless of age, and all PWC operators 14 years old or older must take a boating safety course
No one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. Operators 14 and 15 years old must show proof of completing education.
PWC may be operated by a person 18 years old or older without education or supervision requirements.
The certification is not required for operators who:
Enforcement
Virginia law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Reciprocity
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
