I'm figuring there are at least a few individuals responding to that question with one of those "deer in the headlights" looks. It's for that reason I'm posting this second reminder (I posted the first one in May 2012) that Virginia is one of more than 40 states with educational requirements for operating a boat or personal watercraft (PWC).
The first three phases of this law already have been phased in, starting July 1, 2011, when all PWC operators 50 years old and younger and motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger had to have met the requirements. By July 1, 2012, all PWC operators, regardless of age, and motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger had to have met the requirements, followed July 1, 2013, when motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger had to have met the requirements. Here's the remaining schedule for the phase-in period:
* By July 1, 2014, motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger have to meet the requirements.
* By July 1, 2015, motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger have to meet the requirements.
* By July 1, 2016, all motorboat operators, regardless of age, have to meet the requirements.
Vessel operators must carry the Boater Education Card on board their craft and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
All states that have mandatory boater-education requirements accept the Virginia card. Likewise, Virginia accepts those cards issued by states that meet the National Association of State Boating Law Administration (NASBLA).
The Boater Education Card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating-safety course. Since this card doesn't expire and does not need to be renewed, it's not called a Virginia Boating License. Nevertheless, it is the law, and all boaters are expected to comply. Not carrying your card can result in a fine.
For complete details, go to http://www.boat-ed.com/virginia/boating_law.html.
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