The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla offers boaters opportunities to take an online Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.
The course is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power boat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone born after Jan. 1, 1955.
The class is National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved for mandated boater education. Successful completion qualifies the participant for a Washington state Boater Education Card – issued by the Washington State Parks Boating Program (separate application and $10 fee). Cost: $15 registration plus separate downloaded e-book for $4.99 – or pay $25 registration and receive a printed book. The books may be shared.
The eight-hour course is broken into two-hour sessions over four days and will be online using Zoom. At the end of the final class, there is a closed book test.
Monday, March 10 through Thursday, March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours.
Monday, April 7 through Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours.
Monday, May 5 through Thursday, May 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours.
Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours.
More information is available on our website: www.BLIaux.com.
For reservations or any questions, please email boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.