boaters safety course required in what stats

by Prof. Edwina Beer PhD 5 min read

Mandatory Boater Education Many recreational boaters in Washington are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or do yoga on a stand up paddleboard, you are responsible to know the laws and basics of boating safety.

Full Answer

How many lessons are in a boating safety course?

The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses around the nation. Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

When do I need a boating safety certificate?

If you were born in 1949 or later you must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2008. All persons who wish to operate a power vessel must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2009. No mandatory education requirements.

What is the Office of boating safety and education?

The DNREC Office of Boating Safety and Education’s mission is to develop individual awareness, skills, commitment to safe responsible behavior, and constructive actions in safe boating. The goal for students is to be aware of state laws regarding safety violations and how to prevent them from happening while still enjoying Delaware’s waterways.

Do you need a boater safety course in Missouri?

Missouri law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators born after January 1, 1984, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division Requirements There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

When do boaters need to pass the boater safety course in New York?

What states have boating safety courses?

How old do you have to be to take out a boat in Oklahoma?

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Nevada?

How old do you have to be to be a boater in North Dakota?

What age do you have to be to take a boating safety course in Montana?

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Alabama?

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Do you have to have a Boating License in Arkansas?

Do you need a Boating License in Arkansas? Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, operating a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat in Arkansas is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Do you need a Boating License in MA?

Massachusetts law requires all motorboat operators who are 12 through 15 years of age to complete an approved boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Also, all PWC operators who are 16 or 17 years of age or older must complete an approved boating course.

Do you need a Boating License in ND?

Do you need a Boating License in North Dakota? North Dakota law requires all boat operators who are 12 to 15 years old and will be operating a PWC or boat 10 hp or more to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

What do I need to operate a boat in Arkansas?

You must have an Arkansas Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate a motorboat on Arkansas' public waters....The fees to register your motorboat are:Motorboat less than 16 ft. long $ 7.50.Motorboat 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. ... Motorboat 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. ... Motorboat 40 ft.

Do I need a captains license for my personal boat?

While a captain's license is not required for personal use, some boaters seek out courses to brush up on their skills and feel the pride that comes with getting a USCG license.

Can you drink on a boat in Massachusetts?

Can boat passengers imbibe? The answer is yes. Passengers can drink alcohol on a boat, but the operator cannot. And as with cars and trucks, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is above the legal limit.

Can you have alcohol on a boat in North Dakota?

North Dakota law states that a person is presumed to be BUI if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10% or higher. North Dakota law does not prohibit people of legal drinking age from consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in a boat.

Which of the following is a legal requirement for boat operation?

California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).

Do you need to license a kayak in ND?

Non-Motorized Do you need a license to kayak in North Dakota? No, you do not need a license to kayak in North Dakota.

Do you need boater education in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission currently has a mandatory boater education requirement requiring all boaters born on or after January 1, 1986 to have the Arkansas boating license on board when the vessel is underway to satisfy the Arkansas boating regulations.

How old do you have to be to not have a boaters license in Arkansas?

12 years oldBoating Age Requirements by StateAlabamaThe operator must be at least 12 years old*.ArizonaNo one under the age of 12 years may operate a motorized vessel unless is an emergency*.ArkansasThe operator should be at least 12 years old*.CaliforniaThe operator should be at least 16 years old*.51 more rows

How much does a boating license cost in Arkansas?

New Interactive Arkansas Boater Safety Course ilearntoboat $49.50. A gamified boater safety course, built around real-life scenarios.

What is required to have on a boat in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires a means of manual water discharge (bailer or pump) Massachusetts requires a boarding ladder, steps or platform if participating in any water sports (towing, skiing, tubing) Massachusetts requires an anchor, Chain & line. Massachusetts requires boats less than 16 feet LOA to carry and oar or ...

Can I get a Boating License online in Massachusetts?

The Boat Massachusetts course is available in two formats: a full in-person format that runs approximately 10-12 hours in length, generally over the course of several days, or a fully online education course. All full in-person classes are free of charge. There is an associated fee for the online program.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat in MA?

Minimum Age Restrictions 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.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in New Hampshire?

Do you need a Boating License in New Hampshire? New Hampshire law requires all PWC or boat operators who are 16 years old and operating a motorboat over 25 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

What age do you have to be to take a boating course in Maryland?

See note and Maryland boating regulations. Massachusetts residents 12 to 15 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group.

When do you need a boater education card in Missouri?

At that point, you will need to have a Missouri Boater Education card or another state’s NASBLA approved card if your birthday is after January 1, 1984.

What do non-resident PWC operators need?

All non-resident PWC operators must have a boating safety certificate from a NASBLA approved course.

What age do you need to be to operate a powerboat in Oregon?

Also, a person must be 12 or older to operate a powerboat. Youths 12-15 will need a card to operate powerboats 0-10 hp alone. When operating boats greater than 10 hp, youths must be supervised by a card holding adult. Other age groups will be required to have a Boater Education Card as follows: 40 and younger in 2004, 45 and younger in 2005, 50 and younger in 2006, 60 and younger in 2007, 70 and younger in 2008 and all ages in 2009. To meet educational requirements a person must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by NASBLA and the Oregon State Marine Board. Several online and classroom courses are approved. After successfully completing an approved course, boaters should submit an official application form, $10, and a copy of their boating safety course certificate to the Oregon State Marine Board.

How old do you have to be to own a boat in Michigan?

A Michigan resident 12 but less than 14 may operate a personal watercraft if he or she obtained a boating safety certificate before January 1, 1999.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Indiana?

Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA-approved Boater Education course and have an I.D. Card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Home study is accepted – Indiana boating regulations. No mandatory education requirements.

How old do you have to be to go boating in Illinois?

Illinois residents at least 12 years of age and less than 18 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group. Illinois boating regulations.

How many lessons are there in boating safety?

The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction.

What classes do flotillas offer?

Local flotillas offer a variety of safety classes, including basic/introductory boating courses and safety courses, navigation, sailing and personal watercraft safety, among others. Programs offer instruction in small and large sailboats, windsurfers, and powerboats.

What is a courseline?

The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses around the nation.

When did Virginia require boating safety education?

In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law to establish a boating safety education compliance requirement. This requirement will be phased in over the next several years and by 2016, 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, will be required to have a boating safety education course completion card on board when operating a PWC or Motorboat.

How old do you have to be to operate a PWC?

PWC Age Restriction: No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. Those operators 14 and 15 MUST show proof of completing an approved and accepted boating safety course either in a classroom or online. The challenge exam or other provisions of the Education Compliance Requirement do not meet the requirements of the age restriction law.

Can you get a boaters license in Virginia?

No – If you are or have been a Virginia Registered Commercial Fisherman (pursuant to Virginia Code § 28.2-241 ). You must carry documentation on board while operating a recreational vessel. If you would like to obtain a Virginia Lifetime Boaters Card, fill out this application.

Can you get a lifetime boaters card in Virginia?

No – If you are or have been a surface warfare officer/enlisted surface warfare specialist in the United States Navy. (Note: a copy of valid DD-214 or certification from your Command will fulfill this requirement.) You must carry documentation on board while operating a recreational vessel. If you would like to obtain a Virginia Lifetime Boaters Card, fill out this application.

Online Courses

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course: (Free for Florida residents ages 12 to 18.) The only course in the nation to combine both hunting and boating safety.

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course: (Free for Florida residents ages 12 to 18.) The only course in the nation to combine both hunting and boating safety.

How old do you have to be to have a boating safety certificate?

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.

How many hours of boating instruction is required in Illinois?

The Illinois Boating Education Course consists of a minimum eight hours of instruction. The course covers the basics of boating safety, equipment and requirements, navigation, motorboat, registration and titling, emergency measures and the Illinois boating laws.

How old do you have to be to drive a motorized boat?

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.

How old do you have to be to own a motorboat?

No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat, including personal watercraft (PWC). Age 10 years and less than 12 years of age may only operate under a parent or guardian's direct control.

How long is an instructor led class?

Instructor-led Classes- The traditional class method is through an 8 hour instructor-led class structure. Classes may be taught in one day or over a couple of different days, usually on the weekend. The class will end with an exam to pass the class. Interested individuals may call 1-800-832-2599 or check:

How old do you have to be to get a certificate of competency in Illinois?

Students between the age of 11-12 years old will receive their certificate upon their 12th birthday. Persons 12 and over completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency.

What is the Office of Boating Safety and Education?

The Office of Boating Safety and Education’s mission is to develop individual awareness, skills, commitment to safe responsible behavior, and constructive actions in safe boating. The goal for students is to be aware of state laws regarding safety violations and how to prevent them from happening while still enjoying Delaware’s waterways.

When do you have to take a boating safety course in Delaware?

Persons born on or after January 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat , including personal watercraft, on Delaware waters.

How to get a boat ramp certificate in Delaware?

Or print, complete and mail-in a boat ramp certificate application .

Why do you need to take a safe boating course in Delaware?

The Safe Boating Course provides you with the knowledge and background to participate in a wonderful recreational activity.

How old do you have to be to operate a jet ski in Delaware?

What is the minimum age for operating a jet ski? Personal watercraft operators in Delaware must be at least 14 years old. They must have proof of successful completion of an approved Boating Safety Course. Personal watercraft operators who are 14 and 15 years old are required to have an adult on board.

How to register a boat in Delaware?

There are a few ways to register your boat in the state of Delaware. Fill out and return a boat registration application. Register in person at one of these Delaware boat registration agents. Renew your existing boat registration, change your address, or get duplicate registration cards and decals online.

What is the basic boating course?

The Basic Boating Safety Course covers a range of important topics. These include the rules of the waterways, distinguishing navigational aids and water depths, and speed limits for appropriate waterways. It covers understanding weather systems to have a safe boating experience and basic skills, including engine mechanics.

How to get a boater license?

Get boater certified in 3 steps. 1 Study and pass the $24.50 course, and pay a $17.00 state fee. 2 Print your online course completion document. 3 Get ready to go boating!

When do you need to be born to operate a boat in Missouri?

You need education if you were born after Jan. 1, 1984, and will be operating a vessel on any Missouri lake.

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Is there an age limit for online courses?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do you need a Boating License in Missouri?

Missouri law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators born after January 1, 1984, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

When do boaters need to pass the boater safety course in New York?

All boat operators need to pass a boater safety course and carry a New York boater card by January 1, 2025.

What states have boating safety courses?

Louisiana: Louisiana is a great place to hit up and enjoy some fun in the sun on the water. To drive out on a boat, you’ll need to undertake a boating safety course if you were born after 1984. Maine: You’ll need to take on a boat safety course in Maine if you’re under 18 years old.

How old do you have to be to take out a boat in Oklahoma?

Oregon: To take out a boat in Oregon, you need to be at least 16 years old and pass the boat safety course.

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Nevada?

This applies to all vessels, and you’ll need to be at least 14 years old to get going. Nevada: If you were born from 1983 onward, then you’ll need to pass a boating safety course if you wish to take out a Nevada boat rental. You should all be aware of preventing disaster, so this boat safety course is a great idea.

How old do you have to be to be a boater in North Dakota?

North Dakota: A boater safety is required in North Dakota if you are aged 12-15 years old. With the course only priced at $34.95, we recommend that everyone undertakes a course as you cannot put a price on safety. Ohio: There is some great boating fun to be had in the north of this state over at Lake Eire.

What age do you have to be to take a boating safety course in Montana?

Montana: If you’re aged 13 or 14 in Montana, then a boating safety course is required from you. Although, we recommend that everybody sharpens up on their boating knowledge! Nebraska: If you were born in 1986 onwards, you’ll need to sign yourself up for and pass a boater safety course.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Alabama?

Alabama: Any motorized boat operator over 12 years old is required by Alabama law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. However, boaters cannot operate solo until the age of 14.

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