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• <br /> Vessel operators—Age restriction—Boater education cards – Penalties. <br /> A. It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of motor-driven boats <br /> and vessels with a mechanical power of fifteen horsepower or greater unless the person: <br /> 1. Is at least twelve years of age, except that an operator of a personal watercraft shall <br /> comply with the age requirements of Section 21 of this Ordinance; and <br /> 2. (a)has in his or her possession a boater education card, unless exempted under <br /> subsection B of this section; or(b) is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision <br /> of a person sixteen years of age or older who is in possession of a boater education card, <br /> or who is not yet required to possess the card as provided in the program phase in RCW <br /> 79A.60.630(2)(a). <br /> B. The following persons are not required to carry a boater education card: <br /> 1. The operator of a vessel engaged in a lawful commercial fishery operation as licensed <br /> by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife ("Department") under Title 77 <br /> RCW. However,the person when operating a vessel for recreational purposes must carry <br /> either a valid commercial fishing license issued by the Department or a boater education <br /> card; <br /> 2. Any person who possesses a valid marine operator license issued by the United States <br /> Coast Guard("USCG") when operating a vessel authorized by such USCG license. <br /> However, the person when operating a vessel for recreational purposes must carry either <br /> a valid marine operator license issued by the USCG or a boater education card; <br /> 3. Any person who is legally engaged in the operation of a vessel that is exempt from <br /> vessel registration requirements under Chapter 88.02 RCW and applicable rules and is <br /> used for purposes of law enforcement or official government work. However, the person <br /> when operating a vessel for recreational purposes must carry a boater education card. <br /> 4. Any person at least twelve years old renting, chartering, or leasing a motor-driven boat <br /> or vessel with an engine power of fifteen horsepower or greater who completes a <br /> Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approved motor vessel safety <br /> operating and equipment checklist each time before operating the motor-driven boat or <br /> vessel, except that an operator of a personal watercraft shall comply with the age <br /> requirements under Section 21 of this Ordinance; <br /> 5. Any person who is not a resident of Washington State and who does not operate a <br /> motor-driven boat or vessel with an engine power of fifteen horsepower or greater in <br /> waters of the state for more than sixty consecutive days; <br /> 6. Any person who is not a resident of Washington State and who holds a current out-of- <br /> country certificate or card that is equivalent to the rules adopted by the Washington State <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission; <br /> 12 <br />