Boating Safety & Education
All PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating safety course. Once you complete the course, the course completion certificate or card that is provided by the course provider is what is required to operate a vessel.
Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement
Boating Safety Replacement Cards and Lifetime Boater’s Card
Required Equipment for Your Boat
Personal Watercraft ( PWCs )
Lowhead Dams and Safety
Additional Information:
- Boat Safe Without Drugs and Alcohol!
- Outdoor Activities Weather Safety
- Operating Near Commercial Vessels: Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life
- America’s Waterway Watch
- © 2024 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Header photo: Meghan Marchetti
- Web Policy | Freedom of Information (FOIA)