how do you find out if you need to take louisiana's boating course

by Prof. Imelda Russel 7 min read

Upon completion of your boat safety test, which can take up to several hours, you will received a card indicating that you have completed the requirements. The Coast Guard or other officials can and will ask to see this card to prove the course has been completed.

Do you need a Boating License in Louisiana? Louisiana law requires boat safety education for all boat operators born after January 1, 1984, who will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp. The minimum age requirement for the online course is 10 years old.

Full Answer

Who do I call for boating education in Louisiana?

If you still have questions about Louisiana's boating education requirements, call the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (225) 765-2887 or (225) 765-2898. Submit this form to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries if your boat required an inspection for registration in Louisiana.

What do you need to know about boater safety in Louisiana?

Louisiana Boater Safety Courses LA residents need to take and complete a boater safety course in Louisiana to operate a watercraft or motorboat on state waterways. The course teaches individuals about boats, their classification, sailboats, hulls, motors, requirements, equipment, navigation rules and charts, and other related topics.

How long does it take to get a boating license in Louisiana?

This online course features local boaters, LDWF staff, and the waterways and conditions unique to Louisiana. You must receive a score of 70% or more to pass the course. Once you complete the LDWF-approved online course, the website will provide you a temporary certificate. LDWF will issue you an official Boater Education Card in 3 to 4 weeks.

What do I do if I lost my boat registration in Louisiana?

Replacing a Lost Registration. Lost vessel titles and registrations must be reported to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries within 15 days of losing/damaging the certificate. You can request duplicates by submitting: A completed Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application (Form 55).

What is required to operate a boat in Louisiana?

Louisiana law requires all boaters born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. The person may operate the boat if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who if required has completed the course.

Does Louisiana boating license expire?

Boating Licenses Many Louisiana boaters are required to complete a boating safety education course in order to be eligible to operate a boat. No license is required and the boater education document is not a license because it does not expire.

How long does the Louisiana boating test take?

LDWF offers a free, in-person boater education course that satisfies boater education requirements. The course lasts between 6 and 8 hours and is usually completed in a day.

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

age 16 or olderYou must be age 16 or older to operate a personal watercraft. It is illegal for a person who owns or has charge of a personal watercraft to knowingly permit a person under age 16 to operate a personal watercraft. It is also illegal for a rental company to rent a personal watercraft to anyone under age 16.

Do I need a boating license in Louisiana?

Louisiana law requires boat safety education for all boat operators born after January 1, 1984, who will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp. The minimum age requirement for the online course is 10 years old. Not carrying your Louisiana Boater Card when it is required can result in a fine.

Can you have alcohol on a boat in Louisiana?

Penalties for BUI Arrests A person will be arrested for boating while intoxicated if they are operating a vessel with a BAC of . 08 if over 21, and . 02 if the driver is underage.

Can you have a gun on a boat in Louisiana?

LRS 14:14:95.2 states, “Any constitutionally protected activity which cannot be regulated by the state, such as a firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.” This means that if you have obtained the gun legally, you are allowed to have it in your vehicle, which extends to a boat as well.

How old do you have to be to not wear a lifejacket in Louisiana?

16Louisiana law requires that all children age 16 and younger wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. The PFD must be fastened and properly sized for the child.

How often must you renew a boat's certificate of number in Louisiana?

three yearsBoat registrations are valid for three years from the date they are issued. The expiration date is printed on your registration certificate. You must renew your boat registration within 60 days of the expiration date; you will receive a renewal notice in the mail.

Do you have to have insurance on a boat in Louisiana?

Unlike with auto insurance, you are not mandated by law to carry boat insurance in Louisiana. However, there are times when boat insurance might be required. If you financed the purchase of your boat, your lender is likely to require you to have boat insurance until your loan is paid off.

Can you get a DUI on a boat in Louisiana?

It's definitely possible. Operating a motorboat while intoxicated is illegal in all 50 states, and you may receive a similar penalty for operating a recreational vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol as you would for driving a car or truck on roadways.

Do you have to register a boat with a trolling motor in Louisiana?

Yes, each mechanically-propelled vessel that is operated, used, or stored on the “waters of the state” of Louisiana must be titled. So, if you put a trolling motor on your kayak or canoe it becomes a vessel that is propelled by machinery and has to be registered.

How much does the Louisiana Boat Ed Course cost?

The Louisiana Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Louisiana?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

You must be at least 10 years old to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Louisiana Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana to take this online course.

Is the Louisiana Boat Ed Course approved by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries?

The Louisiana Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Is my Louisiana Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited at...

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.

How old do you have to be to get a boating license in Louisiana?

The minimum age requirement for the online course is 10 years old.

How to get a boater's license?

Get boater certified in 3 steps. 1 Study and pass the $29.95 online course. 2 Print your online course completion document. 3 Get ready to go boating!

Is boating safety certification the same as boating license?

Is it the Boating safety license? Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Boater Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.

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

Persons less than 16 and older than 13 may not operate a personal watercraft unless he or she has successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). These persons must be in possession of evidence of completion of the approved course whenever operating such a vessel.

How old do you have to be to rent a personal watercraft in Louisiana?

And it is illegal for a rental company to rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 13 years of age. Visit wlf.louisiana.gov for more information.

What are the boating laws in Louisiana?

Louisiana Boating Rules and Regulations. Certified boaters are required to obey Louisiana boating laws, rules and regulations when operating a motorboat or watercraft. Per the LA law, individuals who are born after January 1st, 1984 are mandated to attend a boating education course in order to get a certificate in the end.

What is the minimum score required to get a boater license in Louisiana?

They must have a score of at least 70 percent on the written test, in order to obtain the certificate of completion. The LDWF offers a classroom boating education course in Louisiana to residents who want to operate boats or water vessels. When individuals complete the course successfully, they will receive a temporary boater education card ...

What is the boater safety course in Louisiana?

LA residents need to take and complete a boater safety course in Louisiana to operate a watercraft or motorboat on state waterways. The course teaches individuals about boats, their classification, sailboats, hulls, motors, requirements, equipment, navigation rules and charts, and other related topics. Individuals who enroll in a boating school ...

Why do boaters need to be educated?

However, it encourages boaters of all ages to enroll in a boating education in order to increase their knowledge of operating a water vessel, as well as general information about boats, classification, requirements, navigation rules and charts, and other related subjects. Note that boaters may add a boater education as an endorsement ...

How long does it take to get a boaters safety certificate?

Upon completion of an online boaters safety course, boaters will also receive a temporary education certificate which they can use while waiting for the permanent to be sent to their mailing addresses within three to four weeks.

How old do you have to be to take the boating course?

Individuals who are younger than 10 years of age may take the course, but they will not receive a certificate and will have to retake the course when they turn 10 years of age. Note: Individuals who have a captain license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard are exempt from the boating education requirements.

Do boating licenses expire in Louisiana?

A boat safety certificate in Louisiana does not have a renewal date, therefore boaters who are wondering “Do boating licenses expire?” need not worry for a date of expiration. However, a replacement option is available to boaters who have lost their cards.

How much horsepower can you have on a motorboat?

Who Is Allowed to Operate a Motorboat or Personal Watercraft. If you were born after January 1, 1984, you may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or personal watercraft if you have successfully completed an approved boater education course OR if you are accompanied by someone over age 18 who has a successfully completed an LDWF-approved boater ...

What is the right of way for a vessel departing shoreline?

A vessel departing shoreline or tributary shall yield right-of-way to through traffic and vessels approaching shoreline or tributary. Vessels will not abruptly change course without first determining that it can be safely done without risk of collision with another vessel.

How to avoid a collision with a personal watercraft?

Weave the personal watercraft through congested waterway traffic. Jump the wake of another vessel when visibility is obstructed. Operate in a manner that requires swerving at the last possible moment to avoid a collision. Chase, harass, or disturb wildlife with your personal watercraft.

What happens when a vessel has right of way?

Vessel with right-of-way shall hold course and speed. If there is danger of collision, all vessels will slow down, stop, or reverse until danger is averted. Vessels will issue warning signals in fog or weather conditions that restrict visibility.

What does it mean when a vessel crosses a path head on?

When vessels are on paths that cross, the vessel on the left will yield right-of-way to the vessel on the right.

What is the narrow channel?

In a narrow channel, vessels will keep to the right of mid-channel. Vessels approaching or passing another vessel shall be operated in such manner and at such a rate of speed as will not create a hazardous wash or wake.

What is the purpose of a seaplane on the water?

A seaplane on the water shall in general keep clear of all vessels and avoid impeding the navigation of all vessels. All vessels shall be operated at reasonable speeds for given conditions and situations and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.

What is the Boater Education Card?

The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boater safety course. This card allows boating in Louisiana.

You Must Carry the Card

Vessel operators who are required to have the Louisiana Boater Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not carrying your Louisiana Boater Card when it is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Other Questions

For these and other questions about your boating card, please check our FAQs.

What is the phone number for boating in Louisiana?

If you still have questions about Louisiana's boating education requirements, call the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (225) 765-2887 or (225) 765-2898.

How old do you have to be to be a boater?

You must be at least 10 years old to take a boater education course for certification. You may take the boater education course at any age, however.