Virginia's
State Boating Laws
 

Introduction:

Welcome to the Online Boating Safety Course. This internet course is offered free to the boating public in an effort to increase awareness of boating safety, equipment, navigation, and survival skills. Each state has differing education requirements and you should contact your state for specific information. Below are some of the basic boating laws for the state as indicated in the Reference Guide to State Boating Laws (NASBLA, 1998).

Boating laws change with frequency. If you notice that there are any inaccuracies listed in this information, do not hesitate to contact BOAT/U.S. Foundation Online Course Program Manager, Chris Edmonston at cedmonston@boatus.com.

 

Contact Information for clarification of VIRGINIA boating laws:

Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
Boat Section
4010 West Broad Street
Richmond VA 23230-1104
804-367-1000

Alcohol and Boating:

Blood Alcohol Concentration Intoxication Level .08

Education & Operation Requirements:

Mandatory Safety Education? no
Mandatory Operator Licensing? no
Certify Minor Boaters? yes
Class Hours Required for Certification? 8
Course Proctoring Requirements? yes

Life Jacket Wearage Requirements:

Mandate Wearage of Life Jackets? yes
Circumstances:
Children 14 years and younger AND all Personal Watercraft users.

Waterskiing Requirements:

Require an Observer on Board? yes
Require a Rear View Mirror? no
Skier Required to Wear a PFD? yes
Skiing Prohibited:
From one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Requirements

Minimum Operator Age 14
Life Jacket Required to be worn by Operator? yes
Restrictions on Towing Skiiers:

The PWC must accommodate the skier without violating capacity.
Require a Kill Switch? yes

Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) Requirements

Prohibit Y-valve through hull discharge? yes
Require Y-valves to be locked? yes
Penalties for Misuse Class 1 Misdemeanor
Penalties for Illegal Dumping Class 1 Misdemeanor