How To Get A Sailing License In Virginia?

Virginia boaters can obtain their license by taking an online course and passing an exam. After passing the exam, a temporary license can be printed out and an official card will be sent in about four weeks. Experienced boaters with good knowledge of navigation rules and Virginia boating laws can take an 80-question challenge exam. These exams are scheduled throughout Virginia and are closed book, with no reference material allowed. The BoatUS Foundations Online Course is the only free online boating safety course approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. As of 2016, all Virginia residents are required to possess the necessary boat certification to legally operate any type of personal watercraft (PWC). In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law establishing a boating safety education compliance requirement. In Virginia, all motorboat operators with a 10 hp motor or greater, regardless of age, and all PWC are required to take a boating course. If you lose your boating card, you must ensure it was issued to you.