As of January 1st, 2014, all vessel and personal watercraft operators born after January 1st, 1955 are required to have obtained their Washington State Boater Education Card. Operators without a Boater Education Card may operate a boat provided they are under the supervision of an adult with a Boater Education Card. Purchasers of new and used boats may operate their boats immediately and have 60 days from the purchase date to obtain a Boater Education Card, so long as they are carrying the notarized Bill of Sale or vessel registration document. Boater Education Cards issued by other states are recognized in Washington and the Washington Boater Education Card is recognized in other states as well as in Canada.