Was talking to a friend that boats on the Potomac regularly and said their is a new Certificate or Certification that is required once you pass the Woodrow Wilson Bridge by the District of Columbia to navigate in their waters. Said it can be done on line, but the fine if stopped without it can be up to $1500. I havent gone up to Georgetown waterfront, or Old Town Alex. in a long time and probably wont. But with the new National Harbor drawing boaters right to the bridge, it may be tempting to take a cruise into D.C. Thought I would see if anyone has heard of such a Certification. Hate to see anyone get fined if its true.

Hey Randy,
Here is the web site that I took the test at. It takes about 30-45 min. http://www.boaterexam.com/

Thanks Gary.

Would have been nice if they had made this information more readily available other than forums like this.

Thanks Randy for bringing this topic up and Gary for the answer.

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.



I wonder if the one I have from MD would suffice????

Bill....you know its all about the money. D.C. gov. would rather you get the big fine, more money for them.

Just one more reason we don't head up north anymore.

We do need to do one trip this year up there though. Interested????

Thanks for the info. I run up to G-Town a few times a season.

A CG safety certificate is not good enough?

Before I shelled out the $30, I figured I'd call the DC Marine Police. I was told that the standard Coast Guard safety course card is acceptable. Or one issued by other state authorities.

I took the online course from BoatUS and got the certificate. I laminated it and keep it in the glovebox of the boat. As with most other things that you prepare for....I have never been asked to show it. If I hadn't gotten it, I surely would have gotten asked for it by now and got busted!!!