Do I Need A Separate Boating License Or Safety Certificate

Many people are operating motorized boats on public lakes and don’t realize that they may actually be required to possess a separate boating license or safety certificate. They may also be subject to a fine for doing so.

It is common to be required to have passed a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) boating safety course to operate a boat over 10 horse power. It is far less common to be required to have a boating licence to operate a boat or personal watercraft.

The laws can vary widely between the different states, but be prepared to eventually need to pass a boater safety course in order to be allowed to operate a boat on public waters. You could be operating against the law now. Each state is adjusting their boating laws and you need to know what is required where you are boating.

This is why I am listing each state and their current boating requirements for age, safety, and license further down in this article. But don’t just jump to that section quite yet. There are some very important facts you must know first.

Boating License Vs Boating Safety Certificate

In most cases today, a boating “license” is no more than paying a fee to be allowed to go boating. The boating license is much like a fishing license. In most cases there is no test to prove your skills and abilities to perform a task safely. It is simply a revenue generator for the state.

A boating “safety certificate” on the other hand, does prove your knowledge about boating rules and regulations, the meaning of the different signs and markers, and many other things relating to boat operation and navigation. It may not prove your actual skill in operating the watercraft though.

Aside from taking a boating class that actually takes place out on the water and works on the actual boating skills along with teaching all of the boat safety information such as a NASBLA course does, the states are at least stepping up requirements to make boating a safer sport by requiring a boater safety certificate in order to be allowed to operate a boat or PWC on public waters.

Because of my age, there are not too many states requiring me to have a boater safety card to operate a boat on public waters at this time. However, I have been around enough to see that a requirement for boater safety knowledge is vitally needed for every boat operator.

It is my opinion that there will be far fewer boating accidents once all sates require EVERY boat operator to successfully complete a NASBLA certified boater safety course.

I also feel that all states should reduce the level of allowable BAC (blood alcohol content) for boat operators. While this may be unpopular with some of my readers, please let me give my reasoning.

There are no traffic signals or intersections out on the water. There are also no paved roads and controlled road conditions. It is also unknown if the other boaters have any knowledge of the boating navigational rules or the fact that different boats have different rights. And still another issue is, that boats are not equipped with turn signals or a braking system.

So it is MUCH more important for a boat operator to be VERY aware and alert of everything that is happening around them and be ready to act quickly to avoid an accident, no matter who’s fault it may be.

Setting some more ridged requirements won’t reduce the level of fun the sport offers. It actually should increase it. With the knowledge that every boat operator is educated in boater safety and is more responsible with alcohol, we can feel more comfortable knowing that there will be fewer accidents due to boater negligence.

License And Safety Requirements By State

Since the boater license and safety requirements vary from sate to state, I am going to list the current laws (at the time of this writing) below. I would recommend you look at all your surrounding states and anywhere you plan on boating, to see what is required of you to operate a boat in that state.

This is not only so you stay compliant when operating a boat, but also to see the trend of what is coming. I hope you’ll see that the trend for the near future, is weighted toward all boat operators needing to have at least a boater safety card to operate a boat.

There are several places online to take your boater safety course and receive your boater safety card. Remember, in most cases you don’t need a boating license. You need a boater safety certificate on board your vessel.

Boat-Ed.com is the most recognized course provider and a great choice for taking your required boater safety course. Depending on the course, I believe the tests range between $30 and $35 approximately. Your safety certificate is good for your lifetime.

There is another option that may be beneficial to you. You can actually take some STATE SPECIFIC BOATING SAFETY COURSES at BoatUS.org for “Free” (they do accept donations though, so please give)! Not every state can have there boating requirement satisfied through BoatUS, but some can, so check your state.

So beyond the option of taking your required test for free, Boat US offers a completely optional choice to donate to them, but only after you have completed your final exam and can get your safe boater certificate. You can donate whatever amount you want, if you choose to do so.

No matter how much you choose to donate, the funds go toward improving the overall safety of our sport of boating. Here are some of the ways that the BoatU.S. Foundation is using donated funds to make boating safer for everyone, including the environment:

Each year, the Foundation puts over 90,000 kids in life jackets with the Kids Life Jacket Loaner program.
The Foundation educates over 60,000 boaters a year in the comfort of their own home through the free online boating safety courses they offer.
It has tested hundreds of safety and environmental boating products and shared the results in Foundation Findings.
The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) rental program for offshore passage makers has saved 62 lives.
Foundation staff and volunteers have assembled and delivered over 1000 monofilament fishing line recycling bins, helping keep fishing line out of our waters.
Over $1 million has been distributed to deserving groups through the grassroots boating safety and clean water grant programs.
They are helping over 1,500 marinas across the nation keep small fuel spills — which add up over time — out of the water with the Help Stop the Drops clean refueling campaign.
The Foundation works with organizations such as the Coast Guard, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the National Safe Boating Council to develop standards and best practices for safe boating on a national level.
They are creating innovative and fun ways to educate boaters with free, online interactive games you can play any time of day.
All of this work helps keep you and your family more safe, so you can fully enjoy your boating experience.

Get Certified Anyway

As I mentioned above, I do not currently need to possess a safe boater card anywhere I go boating. I did however go through BoatUS to get a California Safe Boater Card. Why California, when I live in Illinois? Well oddly enough, since Illinois, nor Wisconsin require me to have a safe boater card, there is no test for me to take (at the time of this writing).

However, even though I’ve been operating a boat for 39 years, I wanted to practice what I preach. I also wanted to take a fairly difficult state’s test that is also NASBLA approved. The course took me several hours to complete, and that is considering my many years of boating knowledge.

The course had six segments. All with approximately 75 pages and a quiz at the end of each segment. You had to pass each quiz with an 80% or higher score (If you don’t, you can start the segment over again). I did read every page and scored 100% on each quiz, but the final was quite long and there were some questions worded incorrectly (that I am submitting for review so they can change the wording). I passed the final exam with a 96%.

I didn’t have to go through this, but I feel everyone should be certain of their boating safety knowledge. Since almost all states have a reciprocity law (visitors who already possess a NASBLA approved safe boater card from another state are legal to operate a boat while they are visiting), I am legal to operate a boat almost everywhere.

Check Your State’s Boating Requirements

Alabama License And Safety Requirements

An individual must be at least 12 years of age to operate a motorized vessel on Alabama’s waterways. They also must be “licensed”. A written examination is required for applicants, except those who were 40 or older on April 28, 1994, or those who have successfully completed boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron or the Alabama Marine Police “Boating Basics” course.

The vessel class “V” must be added to your license if you intend to operate a motorized vessel. This legislation, which also provides sanctions for drunken driving and other offenses, has been hailed as the toughest boating safety act in the country.

Applicants may apply and be tested as necessary at Department of Public Safety Driver License Offices across the state.

Under age 14, Vessel Learner License only. Must be accompanied by a Vessel Licensed driver that is 21 years old or older.

Even for those currently not require to possess an Alabama license, it is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Alaska License And Safety Requirements

There is no boater education requirement for operating motorized boats in Alaska. It is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Arizona License And Safety Requirements

There is no boater education requirement for operating motorized boats in Arizona. It is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Arkansas License And Safety Requirements

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat, must have successfully completed an approved boating education course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas waters.

To operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a person must be 12 or older, or be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18. To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 or older, be 12 to 15 years old and under the direct supervision of someone at least 18. People younger than 12 may only operate a personal watercraft while under the direct supervision of someone at least 21.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has offered an online course option (approximately $25) for many years, but participants were required to print a certificate at home and go to a testing site near them to complete their test. Thanks to recent legislation, the requirement of a proctored, in-person exam has been lifted to make it easier for people to get on Arkansas’s waters and stay safe while doing so.

It is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

California License And Safety Requirements

California is “phasing-in-by-age” a law that requires all boat and PWC operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry the California boater card. The law is being phased in over several years, and will cover all ages by 2025.

Currently, and as of the beginning of 2020, boat operators 35 years of age or younger are required to carry the California Boater Card.

January 1, 2020 Persons 35 years of age or younger
January 1, 2021 Persons 40 years of age or younger
January 1, 2022 Persons 45 years of age or younger
January 1, 2023 Persons 50 years of age or younger
January 1, 2024 Persons 60 years of age or younger
January 1, 2025 All persons regardless of age

For everyone currently not required to possess a safe boater card, it is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Colorado License And Safety Requirements

Any motorized boat operator 14 or 15 years old is required by Colorado law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. All 14 and 15 YOA (Years Of Age) boat operators must take and pass the boater education course in a classroom setting.

Other than being 14 or 15 YOA, there is no boater education requirement for operating motorized boats in this state. It is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Connecticut License And Safety Requirements

This state has very detailed and demanding boat licensing requirements. Connecticut has fairly lengthy demands for each specific activity when boating in their state. You can’t just take a NASBLA safety course and then be able to do every boating activity. You need a separate specialized certificate or endorsement for each activity.

They also only reciprocate with certain states also. I would not want to be a boater there and I certainly don’t foresee other states doing this, but here we go with their rules.

To legally operate any boat with a motor, or any sailboat 19 1/2 feet in length or longer, all

residents of Connecticut,
persons owning real property in Connecticut, or
persons with vessels registered in Connecticut

must have either

a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC),
a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) or
a valid vessel operator license* issued by the United States Coast Guard

Exceptions:

On inland bodies of water with a 10 horsepower limit and between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, a certificate is not required to operate a boat with an electric motor (rated at 106 lbs. of thrust or less). However, the vessel must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
* If you have a valid vessel operator license issued by the United States Coast Guard you are not required to have a Safe Boating Certificate to operate a vessel other than a personal watercraft (i.e. trademarked brand names Jet Ski, Wave runner, Sea-Doo). You must have the current license on board the recreational vessel you are operating.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) only (i.e. trademarked brand names Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea-Doo) Any person operating a personal watercraft must possess either

a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) issued by Connecticut or
a certificate issued by a state with a reciprocal agreement by Connecticut.

Connecticut recognizes certificates from New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island for use upon our waters.

Non-Resident Certificate Requirements

Connecticut recognizes a valid Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation issued by a reciprocal state (NY, MA, RI or NH) for those persons not residing in CT and wishing to operate a PWC in CT. Once a person holding a certificate from a reciprocal state makes CT their permanent residence, he or she must obtain a CT boating certificate within 90 days of becoming a CT resident. Personal watercraft (i.e. jet ski, wave runner, sea-doo) operators MUST have a recognized Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation to operate legally.

So keep in mind that if you want to operate a vessel in CT as a non-resident, you better have a a certificate from NY, MA, RI or NH, or you are going to be taking a CT boater education exam, according to CT.gov! (This is one state that doesn’t seem to reciprocate like most other states do.

Safe Boating Certificate

A Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) will allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel, except a personal watercraft on Connecticut’s waters. In order to meet the requirements for a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC), an individual must:

Pass an approved basic boating safety course; or
Pass the DEEP’s Equivalency Examination.

Note: Save the diploma from the course/exam. You will need it to apply for your Safe Boating Certificate in person.

Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation

A Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) allows an individual to operate any recreational vessel including a personal watercraft. Please see Age Restrictions below for operating boats with engines greater than 10 horsepower and personal watercraft. In order to meet the requirements for a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO), an individual must:

Pass an approved combination basic boating/personal watercraft course; or
Pass an approved basic boating safety course and an approved 2.5 hour personal watercraft course; or
Pass the DEEP’s Equivalency Examination.

Any person possessing a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC), a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) or a valid vessel operator license issued by the USCG needs to have the certificate and/or license on board at all times while operating a vessel.

A certificate is valid for the life of the person to whom it is issued and may be issued regardless of age.
The certificate may be suspended upon conviction of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Age Restrictions

No person under age 16, issued a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) or a certificate approved by the Commissioner, may operate a personal watercraft without the onboard supervision of a person at least age 18 who has a CPWO.
No person under the age of 16 may operate a vessel that is engaged in tubing or water-skiing.
A child under the age of 16 may be permitted to operate a vessel, other than a personal watercraft, without obtaining a SBC or CPWO, if the youth is under the direct supervision of a person at least age 18 who has had a boating certificate for at least two years.
A child under the age of 12 who has obtained a SBC or CPWO may not operate a vessel with greater than 10 horsepower, unless the youth is accompanied on board by a person at least age 18 who holds a SBC or CPWO.

Owners who knowingly permit an underage child to operate their vessel without a SBC or CPWO when one is required will be held accountable for the actions of the child.

Coastal Boater Endorsement Program

Boaters may obtain a Coastal Boater Endorsement for their Safe Boating or Personal Watercraft Certificate by completing a course in coastal navigation. This class is above and beyond what is taught in a basic boating course which provides an introduction to boating safety. A navigation course is especially critical for coastal boaters. Some topics include Longitude/Latitude, time, distance, speed calculations, chart plotting, GPS and more. After successful completion, the endorsement will be printed on your certificate.

Safe Waterskiing Endorsement

To operate a vessel that is engaged in tubing or waterskiing you must;

Be at least 16 years old;
Hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard-issued vessel operator license or a valid boating certificate issued by CT, MA, NH, NY or RI; and
Have a CT Safe Water Skiing Endorsement issued by DEEP.

Delaware License And Safety Requirements

Successful completion of a boating safety course is mandatory for persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, to operate a motorized boat on Delaware waters. (NOTE: Personal watercrafts are classified as boats.)

Florida License And Safety Requirements

Florida doesn’t have a boating license requirement. However, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.

Additionally, they must have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more.

Florida visitors must comply with the boating safety education requirements. If a non-resident can show proof of having successfully completed a boater safety course or equivalent exam that meets or exceeds Florida’s requirements (usually in the form of a certificate or card), a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is not required.

Georgia License And Safety Requirements

Those less than 12 years of age may not operate any vessel over 16 feet in length. They can only legally operate a vessel under 16 feet in length which is either non-motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less, and only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.

Those 12 through 15 years of age may legally operate any vessel less than 16 feet in length, “including a PWC” only if they:

Have passed a boat education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources, OR
Are accompanied by a competent adult

Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification onboard.
All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have card on board in order to operate any vessel.

Hawaii License And Safety Requirements

Any person operating a powered boat with over 10 horse power is required to posses a certificate of completion from a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course on the safe use and operation of a power driven vessel that contains a component on Hawaii waters approved by the department.

People who are visiting from outside of the state who remain within the state less than sixty calendar days are exempt from this requirement. A person under 16 YOA must possess a certificate of completion and be accompanied by a person over 21 YOA who also holds a certificate of completion.

Idaho License And Safety Requirements

Idaho does not require boater education for boat operators, however it does require it for PWC renters. Those who rent PWCs are required to carry the Idaho verification of education card.

Illinois License And Safety Requirements

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).

Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.

Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if:

They complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or…
They are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.

Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp.

Indiana License And Safety Requirements

All motorboat or PWC operators must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all Indiana public waters.

Any person who is at least 15 years old may operate a motorboat or PWC only if they successfully complete a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have onboard an I.D. issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

No one under 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC or a motorboat with greater than 10 horsepower.

Iowa License And Safety Requirements

Boater education is mandatory for any person 12 – 17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or personal watercraft (PWC). There are two ways that a person can earn an education certificate:

Take an Iowa DNR Home-study Boating Education Course. To request materials contact webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov
Take an online course from Boat-ed.com or the free course at http://www.boatus.org/courses/

It is still highly recommended that everyone else still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Kansas License And Safety Requirements

Any person under the age of 21 who wishes to operate a vessel designed to be propelled by a motor or sail (motorboat, PWC, sailboat, sailboard) without being under direct and audible supervision must complete an approved boater education course.

Direct and audible supervision is defined as a person on board the same vessel and in sufficiently close proximity of the operator’s station to enable such person to quickly and safely assume control of such vessel if needed.

The supervising adult must be at least 18 years of age and either have completed a boater education course or be exempt because they are over the age of 21.

No one under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel without direct and audible supervision regardless of boater education certification.

There is no minimum age to operate a sailboat if the operator has successfully passed an approved boating education course.

Kentucky License And Safety Requirements

No person under the age of 12 years old may operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft).

A person must be 12 years or older to operate a motorboat (including personal watercraft) 10 horsepower or over on Kentucky public waters. A person 12-17 years old shall possess a Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate Card or a certificate showing successful completion of a NASBLA approved boater education course.

Louisiana License And Safety Requirements

Those born after January 1, 1984, must successfully complete an LDWF-approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, unless you are accompanied by someone over age 18 who has a successfully completed an LDWF-approved boater education course.

In addition, if you were born after January 1, 1984, you must successfully complete an approved boater education course to operate a personal watercraft. You must also be age 16 or older to operate a personal watercraft.

Individuals must carry their certification of course completion while on the motorboat or personal watercraft.

Youth younger than age 10 can not be certified. In order to be certified, they must successfully complete an approved boater education course after reaching age 10.

Maine License And Safety Requirements

No person under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat propelled by more that 10 horsepower unless under the immediate supervision of who that is and they must be at least 16 years old.

To operate a personal watercraft (PWC), a person must be over the age of 16 years old. Anyone that is 16 or 17 years old may operate a PWC if they have successfully completed an approved boating education course and carry on board proof of age and course completion OR… they are accompanied by a person of at least 18 years old and are on board the PWC with them.

Maryland License And Safety Requirements

Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the student at all times while operating a vessel.

Anyone under the age of 16, operating a motorized vessel 11 feet in length or greater WITHOUT a valid boating safety certificate, must be under the supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid boating safety certificate or an individual born before July 1, 1972.

If an individual under the age of 16 is operating a motorized vessel LESS than 11 feet in length, a person of any age possessing a valid certificate of boating safety can provide supervision.

Massachusetts License And Safety Requirements

No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat, unless accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older. Personal watercraft (PWC) users must still be at least 16 years of age in order to operate, with no exceptions.

Youth who are between 12 and 15 years of age must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision.

Personal watercraft users who are 16 or 17 years of age must also complete such a boating course.

Michigan License And Safety Requirements

Those less than 12 years of age may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) without restrictions. However they may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp, but no more than 35 hp, only if they:

have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board; AND
are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.

Those less than 12 years of age may not legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 hp legally under any conditions.

Those born on or after July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board. Those born before July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat without restrictions.

PWC RULES:

Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) (ie. jet ski, wave runner).

Those 14 and 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC if they have obtained a boating safety certificate; and are accompanied on board by their parent, legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age.

14 and 15 YOA may also operate or ride the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from their parent, legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age.

This is interesting, because it suggests that the 14 0r 15 year old is supposed to operate their PWC closer that 100 feet from another watercraft. However, the way I read the Michigan boating statutes, “anytime you are within 100′ of another watercraft, the speed limit is SLOW/NO WAKE”.

Those at least 16 years of age and born after Dec. 31, 1978 may legally operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Those born on or before December 31, 1978 may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.

Minnesota License And Safety Requirements

No age restrictions or requirements on boats under 25 horepower. Persons less that 12 YOA may operate a boat from 25 HP through 75 HP if there is someone within immediate reach of the controls who is at least 21 YOA.

12 through 17 YOA have the same restriction as above, but may operate a boat of more that 25 HP unrestricted if they have successfully completed an approved boating education course.

PWC restrictions:

No person under 13 YOA may operate a PWC. A person 13 YOA may operate a PWC if there is someone who is at least 21 YOA on board OR have successfully completed an approved boating education course and be in visual supervision by someone at least 21 YOA.

A person 14 through 17 YOA may operate a PWC if there is someone who is at least 21 YOA on board OR have successfully completed an approved boating education course.

For all other boat operators, it is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Mississippi License And Safety Requirements

Any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat or PWC. Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 21 or older on board the boat in order to operate the boat.

For all other boat operators, it is still highly recommended that you take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Missouri License And Safety Requirements

The law states that any person born after January 1, 1984 must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating any motorized vessel ON THE LAKES OF THE STATE.

The operator of a boat must be 14 years of age unless accompanied by an adult on board the vessel. A child under 14 years of age operating a vessel (on the lakes of the state) with adult supervision would still need a boater identification card.

Montana License And Safety Requirements

Children 12 years old or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate or evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Nebraska License And Safety Requirements

Anyone born after December 31, 1985 is required to successfully complete a Boating Safety Course and possess a course certificate while operating a boat or personal watercraft.

Non-residents who have successfully completed a NASBLA approved boating safety course recognized by another state are allowed to operate a motorboat in Nebraska.

You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska.

Nevada License And Safety Requirements

Nevada Boaters born on or after January 1, 1983 are required to complete a Nevada Department of Wildlife approved boater education course before operating a boat on Nevada’s interstate waters, but NDOW recommends everyone get their boating education card before heading out on the water.

There appears to be no minimum age requirement.

I still highly recommended that everyone else still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

New Hampshire License And Safety Requirements

New Hampshire has a mandatory boating education law. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate.

New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:

A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.
An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire.

If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and you do not have any of the above certificates, you can Complete the New Hampshire Online Course. But, after you complete it you must register and successfully pass a proctored exam before receiving your certificate card.

This means that if you take the New Hampshire Online Course, you will then have to go to a location to take a proctored exam in person.

For instance, since I am a non-resident and successfully completed the California safe boaters course (which is NASBLA approved) through BoatUS.org (for free), I qualify to operate a boat in New Hampshire.

New Jersey License And Safety Requirements

This is one state that requires an actual boating licence on top of needing to have successfully completed a boater safety course and carry both cards on board.

A boat license and New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate are required to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft – jet ski or wave runner – on non-tidal waters of New Jersey. A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.

For any power motorboat operation on tidal waters, you must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) to receive a New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate. Visit the NJSP Marine Service Bureau website for full details.

To get an initial motorboat or jet ski license, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under the age of 17, you need to present a letter with parental or guardian consent.

New Mexico License And Safety Requirements

A person born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat (including a sailboat) on the states waters shall possess a division issued boater education card and have it on-board the motorboat during its operation unless the person:

Possesses and has onboard the motorboat a valid marine operator license issued by the US Coast Guard that covers the motorboat being operated.
Legally operating a motorboat that is exempt from vessel registration requirements and applicable rules and is being used for Law Enforcement or official government business.
Is not a New Mexico resident and possesses and has onboard the motorboat a current boater education card or certificate issued by another state or country whose requirements meet NASBLA minimum standards.
Has purchased the motorboat within the prior 30 days and possess and has onboard the motorboat the bill of sale or motorboat registration that documents the purchase date.
Is renting a motorboat for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, is an authorized operator of the rental motorboat and has reviewed and received the information listed in Subsection B of 18.17.4.13 NMAC from the rental agent.

A person that has successfully completed a boating safety course or correspondence internet course may use a boating education safety certificate in lieu of a division issued boater education card for up to 45 days from the certificates date of issue if the certificate is onboard the motorboat during operation.

A person that has moved to New Mexico may use a boater education card, certificate, or other document issued by a state or country in lieu of a division issued boater education card for up to 45 days after moving to New Mexico to operate a motorboat if the original certificate, card or document is onboard the motorboat during operation.

If you are a resident of New Mexico, you will need to specifically get a division issued boater education card. However, I still highly recommended that everyone still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

New York License And Safety Requirements

Under a new law, known as Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators:

Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

New York State provides boating safety certificates to those people who successfully complete a New York State Safe Boating Classroom Course. New York State also recognizes the safety certificates issued by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the US Power Squadron and the US Powerboating.

Boating Safety Certificates from several online course providers are approved for New York State residents as well.

Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (JetSki™, Wave Runner™, etc.) must have a boating safety certificate, and be at least 14 years of age or older.

If you are a New York resident, you will need to have a NYS boating safety certificate; if you are from out-of-state, New York recognizes the boating safety certificate issued by your home state.

I still highly recommended that everyone not currently required to carry a safe boater card, still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

North Carolina License And Safety Requirements

Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.

PWC rules:

No person under 14 years of age may operate a personal watercraft (PWC). A person at least 14 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate a PWC if:

The person is accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who occupies the PWC; or
The person possesses ID proof of age and a boating safety certification or card indicating satisfactory completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety education course.

A person at least 14 years old but less than 16 years old, can operate a PWC if: they are riding with a person who is at least 18 who occupies the PWC and is in compliance with G.S. 75A16.2; or the youth has first successfully completed a NASBLA approved boating education course (proof of age and safety course completion must be carried by the youth during operation of the PWC.)

ID and boating safety certification must be produced upon request of an officer. It is unlawful for the owner of a PWC or for a person who has temporary or permanent responsibility for a person under 16 to allow that person to operate a PWC except as provided in 1 and 2 above.

North Dakota License And Safety Requirements

No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat (includes personal watercraft, i.e., jetskis, etc.) propelled by more than a 10 horsepower motor unless the operator is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older.

No person 12 through 15 years of age may operate a motorboat (includes personal watercraft, i.e., jetskis, etc.) propelled by more than a 10 horsepower motor unless the operator is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older or the operator has taken and passed a boating course approved by the Department

Ohio License And Safety Requirements

Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete either a boating course or a proficiency exam in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.

The boating course must be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and the proficiency exam must be approved by the ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) Division of Watercraft. The law applies to any operator AND any supervising adult who was born on or after January 1, 1982.

Oklahoma License And Safety Requirements

Oklahoma law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators who are 12 to 15 years old and will be operating a vessel over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card (according to Boat-Ed.com).

The USCG at uscgboating.org states “All persons from 12 to less than 16 years of age.” are required to have a boater safety card. So between the two reputable sources, I believe it is probably the truth.

The Oklahoma state website is poorly done and very difficult to get information, so if you want to boat there, you should contact them by phone for the requirements to operate a boat.

Oregon License And Safety Requirements

All boaters who operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (hp) and youths 12-15 operating a motorboat of any size are required to take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved boating safety course and apply/carry a boater education card.

Youth must be 12 or older to get a boater education card. Youth ages 11 and under cannot operate a motorboat.
Youth 12-15 can operate a boat of 10 hp or less without an adult.
Youth 12-15 may operate a boat of more than 10 hp if accompanied by an adult 16 or older (18 or older for personal watercraft) who has a boater education card.
A person 16 or older will need a boater education card to operate a powerboat (including a PWC) greater than 10 hp.

Pennsylvania License And Safety Requirements

Boat operators of boats with greater than 25 horsepower and born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, may not operate unless they have obtained and have in possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.

All PWC (personal watercraft) operators must have obtained and have in possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.

Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate a boat with greater than 25 horsepower or a PWC.

Persons 12–15 years of age may not operate a PWC with any passengers on board 15 years of age or younger or rent a PWC.

Rhode Island License And Safety Requirements

No person born on or after January 1, 1986 shall operate a vessel that is fitted with propulsion machinery of more than ten (10) horsepower on the waters of this state, unless the person shall have successfully completed a boating safety education program as approved by the director of the department of environmental management.

The content of acceptable boating safety education programs shall meet the minimum standards and guidelines and be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Acceptable programs shall include those NASBLA approved courses offered by the state, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadrons or any other course approved by the director.

Upon completion of a boating safety course, a written test shall be administered under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. The test shall include at least twenty-five (25) questions, scored on a one hundred percent (100%) scale, and have a passing grade of seventy percent (70%) or better.

The exam may be administered to a candidate two (2) times. Failure of the examination on the second attempt will require the candidate to retake and/or complete the same and/or a different boating safety education program as provided for in this section.

Any person having in his or her possession a certificate of completion of any boating safety course approved by NASBLA shall be considered to be in compliance with this chapter and can request that a certificate be issued by the department.

The following persons shall be exempt from the educational provisions of this chapter provided that they can provide proof of exemption:

Non-residents temporarily using the waters of this state who meet the requirements of their state of legal residence.
New residents of this state will be given sixty (60) days to meet the requirements of this chapter.

South Carolina License And Safety Requirements

Boaters under 16 years of age are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating, without supervision, a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a boat powered by 15 hp motor or more.

SCDNR will accept any internet based boating safety course approved by National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators. The course provider is responsible for providing the student with a boating certificate upon successful completion of the course.

South Dakota License And Safety Requirements

Although a boating safety course is not required to operate a boat in South Dakota, I still highly recommended that everyone not currently required to carry a safe boater card, still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Tennessee License And Safety Requirements

Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) Boating Safety exam.

No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law. The Tennessee mandatory boating education law is similar to the driver’s license law. You acquire the study materials, study, and then take an approved boating safety exam administered by an approved representative of the TWRA.

The certification is not required if there is an adult (18 years old or older) on board to take immediate control of the vessel. However this adult, if born after January 1, 1989, must have the TWRA boating education certification.

Out of State Boaters who were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.

Texas License And Safety Requirements

Texas law requires all boat operators be at least 13 years old and born on or after September 1, 1993, who will be operating a PWC, a motorized boat over 15 hp, or a sailboat over 14 feet in length to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

A person born before September 1, 1993 is not required to be certified, but I still highly recommended that everyone not currently required to carry a safe boater card, still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

The TPWD (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) accept boater safety certification from these online course providers:

Utah License And Safety Requirements

Utah requires Mandatory Youth Personal Watercraft (PWC) Certification for all persons Ages 12-17.

Other than this one law, Utah doesn’t have a safe boater requirement. However, I still highly recommended that everyone not currently required to carry a safe boater card, still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

Vermont License And Safety Requirements

Anyone12 years old or older and born after 1-1-1974 must successfully complete an approved boating safety education course to legally operate any motorized vessel–including personal watercraft.

The Boat Vermont internet course by Boat-Ed is available for those Vermont residents unable to attend a classroom course.

Nonresidents of Vermont (reciprocity):

Your state’s NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved course as well as “any” NASBLA approved boating safety course is accepted by Vermont.

Virginia License And Safety Requirements

All operators of PWCs (Personal Watercraft such as jet skis, Sea Doos, Wave Runners) and operators of Motorboats with a 10 hp or greater motor, are required to have a boating safety education course completion card on board when operating a PWC or Motorboat.

No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC.

If you are operating a boat registered in another state and you meet the applicable boating safety education requirements of your state of residency, you are legal to operate a boat or PWC in Virginia.

Washington License And Safety Requirements

You are required to have a Boater Education Card if you fit the following criteria:

You operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower (or greater) motor.
You were born after Jan. 1, 1955.
You are 12 years of age or older.

You are exempt if you fit the following criteria:

You were born before Jan. 1, 1955.
You are an operator of a commercial fishing boat and able to show a valid commercial license.
You are able to show a valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License.
You are renting a boat, have completed a watercraft safety checklist provided by the vendor and been issued a temporary card which you must carry with you.
You operate a government vessel exempt from state registration.
You are practicing or engaging in a permitted racing event, as long as permitting documentation is available upon inspection at the event site.

You have a 60-day exemption period if you fit the following criteria:

You are visiting from another state or country and boating for less than 60 days. After 60 days you must have a Washington state Boater Education Card.
You hold a valid boater education card from another state. You will need to contact us to confirm if it’s valid.
You have recently purchased your boat and can show the bill of sale with the date of purchase. After 60 days you must have a Washington state Boater Education Card.

This last part seems crazy to me. It basically says that if I visit from another state, I don’t have to have any boater safety training!

It also says that if I just bought my boat (maybe even my VERY FIRST BOAT), I have 60 days to operate my boat without any boater safety knowledge or training! Seems like in the case of an accident, Washington State is setting themselves up for a heavy liability. I hope they adjust the law a bit.

I have emailed them my concerns, so if they let me know of a change, I will make that change here.

West Virginia License And Safety Requirements

Anyone born after December 31, 1986 must successfully complete a Boating Safety Education Course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft upon the waters of this state.

Wisconsin License And Safety Requirements

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 is required to complete a boating safety course to legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin waters.

The Wisconsin state boaters course is only a 3 hour course and is NOT “NASBLA” approved. This is great if you ONLY want to boat in Wisconsin and want an easy test. You can start the course here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

However, Wisconsin does (obviously) recognize any NASBLA approved safe boater card as well.

My son took the Wisconsin safe boater test when he was 13 years old. He still has that card. However, to be better educated (and thus a safer boater), and also to be able to operate a boat in most any state, he took the free California NASBLA approved course through BoatUS.org .

Why, because it is a tough 8 hour course and each segment and the final must be passed with 80% or better scores. Better safety educated = a safer boater. After completing the course successfully, you email that to CaliforniaBoaterCard.com to get your California boater card ($10).

Wyoming License And Safety Requirements

Boat operators must be at least 16 years old here in the Equality State. This includes personal watercraft such as “Wave Runners” or “Jet Skis.” Persons under 16 years can operate a boat if they are accompanied by an adult and the adult is responsible for the craft’s safe operation.

While Wyoming currently doesn’t require a safe boater certificate, I still highly recommended that everyone not currently required to carry a safe boater card, still take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online boater education course anyway and get your certification card. This will make you legal to operate a boat in most other states also.

The Future Of License And Safety Requirements

Considering the boating accident ratio in relation to existing boat operators, the trend of boating safety certificates being required is only going to expand. There is absolutely no reason to wait until you are forced to take a NASBLA approved course. Just get ahead of the curve and get it done. You only have to do it once.