From Sea Lions to Licenses

Back from a good "road cruise" in our brand new Toyota RAV4 V6 to Southern California where we saw a grandson graduate from high school and a granddaughter celebrate her 21st birthday. Then up the California coast where we looked at adolescent California sea lions (those humongous critters with funny noses) basking and molting, driving up the Big Sur. More family visiting with sisters in Santa Rosa and then up the always spectacular and beautiful Oregon Coast with a turn east to Corvallis to see friends.

Now 2,600 miles later, home in Kingston and back to the world of boating, where stories, comments, and questions always abound.

Sea lions to Licenses almost sounds like an Alice in Wonderland episode, and as the Queen of Hearts might say, "speaking of questions" (yes, this is a really unimaginative segue), some we continue to receive run like these,

"Do I need a state license to operate my boat?"

"Do I need something to boat in Canada?"

"We're fairly sure we're old enough that we are never going to need it in the US, but what about Canada?"

and on it goes.

Let me see if I can help.

First of all, if you plan to operate a boat that is 15-horse power or larger in the Sate of Washington, you will need a Washington State Boater Education Card.

Second. The Washington State Boater Education Card is being phased in. The following chart shows who needs one, and when:

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, anyone who is or will be 25-years old or younger this year, 2009, must have a card. Next year, 2010, anyone who will be 30-years old or younger that year will need a card. And so forth.

Third. anyone born before January 1, 1955, is exempt from needing a card. So, if you are or will be 55 this year, 2009, or are older than that, relax and forget all about this card business, at least if you plan to stay in US waters.

Fourth. And this is very important. If you cruise into Canada and are there more than 45 days you must have the Washington State Boater Education Card. Canada is not concerned if you're there less than 45 days, but over 45? You must have a card.

Fifth. And this is very, very important. Canada does not recognize the "born before January 1, 1955" exemption. There is no age exemption in Canada! Of course, if you're there less than 45 days, no worries (as they say up 'there'). But over 45 days, even Old Skipper Methuselah needs a Card.

To get a card I suggest going to the BoatU.S. Foundation Online Boating Safety Course, which is free, except for the state's $10 card fee. The course is good and very user-friendly and successful passing will get you the card.

My own CruiseMasters Boating Instruction program does not include the Washington State Boater Education course. The state program includes both Inland and International rules, and covers sail and personal watercraft (PWCs) issues, while 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, get your card now, even before you're required to, and relax and be a safe and responsible boater. Summer is here, at long last, and as our favorite eatery waitperson says, "Enjoy."