The new Washington state law requiring a boat operators card to operate a boat goes into effect January 1 2008. This is a year later than originally announced. This law, signed into effect in 2005 by Governor Christine Gregoire, will be phased in from 2008 until 2016, with the youngest boaters being required to get their cards first. Boaters from age 12 to 20 will be required to get cards by January 1, 2008. The age will shift up to 25 by January 1, 2009 and by 5 year increments every year after that. For those of you who were born before 1955, smile! You’re exempt! See, there are benefits of getting older!
To get a boat operators card, you need to complete a boating safety course. Courses are offered locally by the U.S. Power Squadron and by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Courses range from 8 hours, 1 day, basic classes to 7 week, 14 hours, and 13 week, 26 hour, more detailed courses. There are also on-line courses available.
Even if you do not need to get a card, the courses are highly recommend. They teach things all boaters should know. Those new to the sport will learn a lot. Those who think they know all they need to will find out if they really do. And it may get you a reduction on your boat insurance.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is getting set to start a 13 week Boating Safety and Seamanship course on January 17. Contact John Thompson johnanddora@comcast.net for more information.
The Power Squadron frequently teaches the 1 day course. To contact them send an email to Bill Walker bnrwalker@comcast.net.
On-line courses are available at www.parks.wa.gov/boating/couseoptions.asp.
If you have already taken a course, no matter how long ago, and remembered to keep your certificate, you can get your boating safety card by filling out the form available at www.parks.wa.gov/boating/getapplication.asp, and paying $10.
John Thompson, Star 5870