Virginia Boating License
vs. Virginia Boating Safety Education Course Certificate
Don't these two terms mean the same thing?
No and yes. Many boaters use the term "Virginia Boating License" when referring to their Boating Safety Education Course Certificate.
However, the Boating Safety Education Course Certificate is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your
Boating Safety Education Course Certificate does not have yearly renewal fees, cannot be revoked, and is good for life.
Referring to it as a license is incorrect.
Why is "Boating License" used so often if it is wrong?
Most boaters are familiar with a Driver's License and it is natural for them to extend this concept
onto the Boating Safety Education Course Certificate (and incorrectly refer to it as a Virginia Boating License).
This is misleading and we are all therefore encouraged to correct our fellow boaters when
they make this common mistake.
The table below shows the differences between a License and a Boating Safety Education Course Certificate:
| Driver's License | Boating Safety Education Course Certificate |
| Must be renewed on a regular basis | Good for life |
| Must pay renewal fee each year | One time fee payment |
| Can be suspended or revoked | Can never be suspended or revoked |
Next time you are asked about the Virginia Boating License, respond:
"It's not a boating license; it's a Boating Safety Education Course Certificate!"