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  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official West Virginia Boater Education Certificate.

Buy For One

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Per Boater

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“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Morgantown, WV

BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the West Virginia Boater Education Certificate Test online

Take the official West virginia Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

West Virginia Boater Education Card

Get Your Official Boater Education Certificate

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks. 

Boating In West Virginia

LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CERTIFICATE?

Official West Virginia Boater Education Certificate Replacements

Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your West Virginia Boater Education Certificate or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.

 

West Virginia Boater Education Card

ONE CARD

$12.95

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

Lost West Virginia Boater Education Certificate 3 Pack Bundle

3 CARD BUNDLE

$7.51 EACH

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

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CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the West Virginia boating safety practice test now.

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West Virginia Boater Education Card

WEST VIRGINIA BOATER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a West Virginia Boater Education Certificate?

The West Virginia Boater Education Certificate is proof that a boater has successfully passed the West Virginia Boating Safety Test. All boat operators born on or after December 31st, 1986 are required to get certified to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft within the state.

Is the West Virginia Boater Education Certificate the same as a Boating License?

The West Virginia Boater Education Card is proof of successful completion of the West Virginia state-approved boater education course. The card is commonly referred to as a “boating license” However, unlike a license the Boater Education Certificate does not expire, and does not need to be renewed.

Who needs a West Virginia Boater Education Certificate?

All boat operators born after December 31st, 1986 are required to obtain a West Virginia Boater Education Certificate in order to legally operate any motorized boat or PWC within the state. The certificate must be carried on board the boat at all times during operation. 

Who is exempt from having to obtain a North Carolina Boater Education Card?

  • Non-residents who are visiting the state for 60 days or less in a motorized boat or PWC from another state, so long as that person is 15 years of age or older and has been issued a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Education Certificate by his or her state of residence.
  • Persons visiting the state for 90 days or less in a motorized boat or PWC from a country other than the United States.
  • A person operating a motorized boat or PWC which was purchased by the person within the previous 45-day period and who has not been previously charged with a boating violation.

What is the fine for not having a certificate?

Boaters caught without a Boater Education Certificate may receive a fine of up to $1000. Keep in mind that certified boaters must carry the card on board their boat at all times during operation.

How do I get a West Virginia Boater Education Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Education Certificate from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! West Virginia Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the West Virginia Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Temporary Certificate  immediately.

How do I prepare for the West Virginia Boater Safety Test?

Boaters can prepare for the official West Virginia Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated, and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour West Virginia Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! West Virginia Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your West Virginia Boater Education Certificate.

Will my West Virginia Boater Education Certificate ever expire?

No. Your West Virginia Boater Education Certificate is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply in your state.

How do I replace my West Virginia Boater Education Certificate?

You can easily purchase a replacement West Virginia Boater Education Certificate from BOATsmart!. Call us at 1-877-655-7778 to order, or login to your BOATsmart! Account to order online.

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in West Virginia?

No. The state of West Virginia does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, if you were born after December 31st, 1986 you are required to obtain a boater education certificate in order to legally operate any motorized boat or PWC within the state. The Certificate must be carried on board the boat during operation.

Do I need a Boater Education Certificate for all types of boats?

Yes. Depending on your age, the West Virginia Boater Education Certificate is required to operate any motorized boat or PWC within the state of West Virginia. There are no exemptions for horsepower.

How long does the West Virginia Boater Education Course take?

The state of West Virginia requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! West Virginia Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.

Is my West Virginia Boater Education Certificate valid in other states?

Yes. The  West Virginia Boater Education Certificate is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, to deliver the official West Virginia Boater Education Certificate Course and Boating Safety Test.

 

West Virginia Natural Resources Police Badge

West Virginia DNR

324 Fourth Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303
http://www.wvdnr.gov/

Trusted from coast-to-coast, West Virginia approved

The official BOATsmart! West Virginia Boating Safety Course is approved by the West Virginia DNR, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

NASBLA logo.
US Coast Guard logo.