For Immediate Release Contact: Brian Berry, 202-777-3524
February 23, 2007
Jennifer Hall, 202-777-3503

Virginia Legislature Passes Mandatory Boater Education Bill
New Law Requires All Virginia Boaters to Carry Proof of Course Completion by 2016

Washington, DC - The Virginia General Assembly passed H.B. 1627/S.B. 1241 on Thursday, February 22, a bill that requires all boaters (including personal watercraft operators) to complete a boater safety education course. The following statement can be attributed to Maureen Healey, Executive Director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA):

"The Personal Watercraft Industry Association applauds Virginia’s elected leaders for requiring all boaters, regardless of age and level of experience, to pass a boater safety course. By approving this legislation, the Commonwealth has taken bold steps to help ensure capable and mature boaters are at the helm on Virginia waterways. The personal watercraft industry supports legislation such as this new boater education bill in Virginia because laws like this help to improve safety on the water.

"We believe an educated boater who is aware of the rules of the waterways is a more responsible, safety-minded boater. Considering most boating accidents occur on boats whose operator did not complete a boating safety course, this Virginia bill is a great step in the right direction. The personal watercraft industry thanks Virginia State Boating Law Administrator Charlie Sledd for working with the House of Delegates and the Senate for making this legislation a priority and a reality. It will go a long way in preventing personal tragedy on the state’s waterways."

About PWIA: As the trade association representing personal watercraft manufacturers in the U.S., PWIA advocates for states to adopt its model legislation for regulating PWC use. PWIA’s model legislation (viewable at www.pwia.org) encourages all states to set a minimum age of 16 years to operate a personal watercraft (18 to rent), along with other reasonable regulations such as mandatory boater education for all operators, use only during daylight hours, and operation at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore, anchored boats, piers, or swimmers.

About Virginia H.B. 1627/S.B. 1241: The legislation phases in boater education requirements for all resident boaters of the Commonwealth by the year 2016. Under the bill’s provisions, personal watercraft operators 20 years of age or younger would be the first group of boaters required to take a National Assocation of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved education course by July 1, 2009. The legislation has been passed by the Legislature and will now be sent to Governor Kaine for his signature, which he has indicated he will sign in the next 30 days.

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