Motorcycle Safety

HSWL Seattle

Effective 01 March 2002, ALCOAST  591/01 requires all personnel to present proof of completion of an approved motorcycle training course.  This is in addition to proper driver's license endorsement, registration and proof of insurance, to obtain a motorcycle decal for access and parking on Coast Guard facilities.

Motorcycle safety courses are offered through-out Puget Sound. All of the course taught are recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and meet the requirement of ALCOAST 591/01.  Safety  courses include the Basic Rider Course, Experienced Rider Course, and the Sidecar/Trike Program.  All of these courses are in high demand through out the Puget Sound.  Students who successfully complete the Basic Rider Course or the Experienced Rider Course will be presented a course completion card.  This card  not only meets the requirement of ALCOAST 591/01 but also entitles the graduate to an insurance discount with most insurance companies.  Further, you may use the completion card to waive both the licensing skills and written test for your Washington State motorcycle endorsement if the card is presented to one of the Washington Licensing Services Offices within 180 days of completing the course.

This Basic Rider Course and Experience Rider Course are offered free of charge at Naval Sub Base Bangor ((360) 396-4269), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island ((360) 257-8738), and Naval Station Everett.  To enroll in the basic rider course on the military bases you must be an active duty member or a family member and own your own motorcycle.  The course is recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP).  This course meets the requirement of ALCOAST 591/01.

The Washington State Department of Licensing, WMSP is nationally recognized by MSF.  The WMSP is funded by fees on all motorcycle learner permits, endorsements and student tuition.  WMSP offers the Basic Rider Course, Experienced Rider Course and the Sidecar/Trike Program. The cost is $100.00 per class; to enroll in the Basic or Experienced rider course contact one of these training sites.  Motorcycles are provided for Basic Rider and the Sidecar Course.  You must be 16 years of age and have a valid drivers license. 

Basic Rider Course  is the most popular motorcycle safety course.  It is aimed at individuals with little or no riding experience.  The course is designed to provide the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle safely and competently.  The training includes classroom instruction and a minimum of 8 hours ON-CYCLE training and the entire course is at least 16 hours long.

Experienced Rider Course is designed for the rider with a minimum of one-year experience and 3,000 miles riding experience.  It is a 5 hour course completed on your motorcycle riding on a range under the watchful eye of a MSF Rider Coach.

Sidecar/Trike Course is designed to teach riders how to handle a motorcycle with a sidecar attached or how to handle a trike.  The class is 16 hours in length and is structured for the beginner.  It progresses from simple to the more difficult.