At Bridgewater Marina, safety comes first. Our goal is to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our renters and everyone on the water. To operate a rental boat in Virginia, all operators must meet Virginia's boating safety requirements. Below you'll find information on obtaining a permanent NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate or completing Virginia's temporary Dockside Safety Checklist.
PERMANENT NASBLA APPROVED BOATING SAFTY COURSE
A Permanent NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved boating safety certificate is accepted for all eligible renters and is recommended for anyone who plans to boat regularly or operate a private watercraft. To obtain your permanent boating safety certificate complete an approved classroom or online course. Most courses take between 4 and 8 hours.
Classroom Courses:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
See Virginia Class Schedules Here
Check with your sates wildlife or natural resources agency for more information on classroom courses
Online Courses:
Boat Ed 1-800-830-2268
Boat US Foundation 1-800-245-2628
Boater Exam 1-866-764-2628
Aceboater Boating Safety Course 1-800-607-2329
TEMPORARY RENTAL BOAT SAFETY CHECKLIST
Virginia law requires renters who do not already possess a qualifying permanent boating safety certificate to complete a Dockside Safety Checklist before operating a rental boat.
Bridgewater Marina now utilizes the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources' Dockside Safety Checklist program through Go Outdoors Virginia.
Before your rental:
- Visit Go Outdoors Virginia and log in or create an account.
- Click "License Catalog"
- Under "Miscellaneous" Add To Cart the "Rental Boats/PWC – Dockside Safety Checklist".
- Click Checkout
- Watch the required safety video and complete the required information.
- Business Name: Bridgewater Marina
- Business phone number: (540) 721-1639
- Rental Business Address: 16410 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121
- Submit, Checkout, & Process Order
- Save or print your completed Dockside Safety Checklist to present at check-in.
RENTALBOATSAFETY.COM COURSE (ACCEPTED THROUGH THE END OF THIS BOATING SEASON 2026)
If your schedule doesn't allow for attending a traditional course, you may find www.RentalBoatSafety.com convenient. This platform offers a series of brief educational videos on general boating safety, with a boat-specific segment addressing safety concerns for popular boat types. After completing the test, provide your name and email address to receive and either print or save your certificate to bring with you when you pick up your rental. It's important to note that this certificate is valid only during your rental period, and upon arrival, you must also obtain a temporary boater safety certificate from one of our associates.
WATCH ALL VIDEO SEGMENTS & TAKE THE TEST
Please Note: This option is being phased out and is only accepted through the remainder of the current boating season. After that time, renters will need to complete the Virginia Dockside Safety Checklist through Go Outdoors Virginia or possess a valid permanent NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate when they arrive.