Introduction
Welcome to the Virginia Basic Boating Safety Course. This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, and accepted by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Successful completion of this course satisfies Virginia's boating education compliance requirements and may entitle you to a discount on your marine insurance.
In order to receive your Boating Safety Certificate, you must progress through the seven chapters of course material, in order, and pass a 10 question test at the end of each chapter. The score required is 90%, meaning you can only miss one question on a chapter test. If you pass the test, you are directed to the next chapter. If you do not pass the test, you will have to study the chapter again and take another test. The test questions are randomly generated from a large pool of questions, so the tests will never be the same. There is no final exam.
Upon successful completion of all course material, you can apply online for your Boating Safety Certificate. There is a fee of $24.95 for these documents. There is no charge until you pass. A temporary certificate can be printed online, while your permanent documents will be mailed to you. The state of Virginia is then notified of your successful completion.
This course covers basic boating safety concepts that you need to know if you intend to participate in water sport activities. It has been designed by marine educators to provide information to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to receive it. You can progress at your own pace and on your own time schedule.
This Basic Boating Safety Course gives only the minimum requirements for safety equipment and general information. To obtain a greater knowledge of boating skills and seamanship, we encourage you to attend more in-depth boating courses or refer to advanced boating references such as Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, or The Practical Encyclopedia of Boating.
For Virginia boating information, contact:
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
4010 W. Broad St.
PO Box 11104
Richmond, VA 23230-1104
804-367-1125
| VA |
Boating Basics Glossary