District of Columbia Boating Regulations and Laws
The District of Columbia Boating Safety Certificate (also referred to as the
District of Columbia boating license) is proof that a boater has taken and passed an
approved boater education course. The District of Columbia Harbor Patrol currently has a mandatory education requirement that requires all
boaters on District of Columbia waters to carry a Boating Safety Certificate with them while they are on the water.
Many boating fatalities occur because boaters aren't educated about boating safety. The District of Columbia Harbor Patrol believes that an educated boater is a safer boater.
Where can I take my safe boating exam and get my Boating Safety Certificate?
You can write your safe boating exam directly on the Internet at BOATERexam.com®.
Once you pass the exam your boater education card is mailed to
your home. In the meantime, you can print off a Certificate of Completion
that can be used as a temporary license to satisfy the District of Columbia boating
regulations until your permanent boating safety certificate arrives.
Where can I get the boater safety education course material?
All the required safe boating training
material to get your boating safety certificate is available
at BOATERexam.com®. Simply visit
our District of Columbia Safe Boating Course section
to gain access to the training material. The District of Columbia
Safe Boating Course is accredited by the District of Columbia Harbor Patrol.
Where can I get more information about District of Columbia boating regulations and the District of Columbia boater education card?
Answers to most of your questions about the District of Columbia boater's license can
be found on our Frequently
Asked Questions page. You may also visit The District of Columbia Harbor Patrol
for additional information, or you can contact
us and we will be glad to answer any of your questions.
Did you know?
Many boaters incorrectly use the term "District of Columbia
Boating License" when referring to their Boating Safety Certificate. The
Boating Safety Certificate is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your
Boating Safety Certificate cannot be revoked and is good for life.
Education Requirement
Anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways is required to have a Boating Safety Certificate.
District of Columbia Boating Safety
An Educated Boater is a Safer Boater. By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance 10-15%!