Getting Licensed By the State

A few summers ago we were crossing Rosario Strait into Thatcher Pass. The sea was a little bumpy. Nothing extraordinary, just a 2-3 foot chop which meant taking a slow run approaching the pass entrance. There were quite a few boats, plus a westbound ferry, starting to squeeze together as the entrance narrows. The situation was not really bad with everyone seeming reasonably cautious and slow, even the ferry. Then, immediately off my port side came a 45+ cruiser, speeding by (to be first into the entrance?), kicking up a tremendous wake.

Another classic yacht further off our port side, complete with two couples relaxing on their aft deck in equally classic rattan deck chairs, and probably nursing refreshing glasses of ice tea, were thrown about like corks on an angry ocean. We throttled back but still took a good rolling from the wake. With no time, and no maneuvering room, there was nothing else to do except ride it. I don't think we had anything broken below decks; I suspect our neighbor's cool summer drinks were sloshed.

At too many times, too many of us out cruising have been horrified, angry, or scared to death - - perhaps all three - - at the behavior of other boaters, let alone our own actions.

One year ago, January 1st, 2008, to be exact, Washington State joined many other states and countries mandating that boaters 12-years and over pass an approved boating education course in order to operate a boat with a motor rated over 15 horse power. Although there are many approved courses available, Washington State also developed its own program, the Boating Safety Course, which actually launched in 2006. This is a big step forward, but it does have some limitations. The boating education courses are "class room" settings with no actual boat handling testing. It's very like being qualified to drive a car if you only take the written exam but not that anxiety-producing white-knuckled driving test. But it is a good start. 

The Washington State's Boating Safety course includes:

• having a knowledge of the different types of boats (power and sail)
•  types of engines
• float plans
  
• fueling
• trailering
• leaving the dock and docking
• navigation rules
• navigation lights and sound signals
• aids to navigation
• rivers, dams, locks and bridges
• charts and compasses
• legal requirements for boaters and boats
• boating emergencies

A good list, but as I mentioned, lacking any practical boat handling experience.

The program, soon into its second year, is mandated on a phased-in schedule.

Year	Age Group
2008	12 years to 20 year old
2009	25 years old and younger
2010	30 years old and younger
2011	35 years old and younger
2012	40 years old and younger
2013	50 years old and younger
2014	59 years old and younger
2015 and after	Any person born after January 1, 1955
A person born before Jan. 1, 1955, is exempt from needing a Boater Education Card in Washington

So, if you are between 21 to 25 this coming year, 2009, you'll need to successfully complete an accredited course and get a Washington State Boater Education Card.The card costs $10 and is good for life.If you're 54, or older, as of January 1st, 2009, you are exempt from needing a card.

If you cruise in Canada for more than 45 days, or in Oregon you will need a Boater Education Card. Washington has reciprocal agreements with Canada and Oregon and other states.

But a word of caution. Regardless of Washington's age exemption for those of us born before January 1st, 1955, Canada does not accept this exemption: All ages require a Card. Oregon State does not accept the exemption, either.

Where do you get this course, you ask? Go to the the Washington State boating program website for a list of approved boater education courses. Besides the Washington State course, there are other approved courses, most with a fee. My own recommendation would be the BoatU.S. Foundation Online Boating Safety Course, which is free, except for the $10 card fee. 

I had thought about merging the state's course into my CruiseMasters Boating Instruction program, but decided against it. The state program includes both Inland and International rules, and covers sail and personal watercraft (PWCs) issues. CruiseMasters focus is on powerboats (not sail or PWC) operating on International waters, i.e. all the salt water you see around the Northwest. It just is not feasible to combine the two. Having said this, I can provide the state's Boating Safety Course and I am authorized to issue the Boater Education Card.

So, just think. Six years from now, when you get swamped by an arrogant boater roaring close by, you'll be comforted knowing that at least they are aware that that's a big no-no. Unless, of course, they're very ancient mariners.

But, as I said, it's a good step forward. So, Happy New Year and get your Boater Education Card.