how long is a boating safety course

by Dr. Monty Rolfson 6 min read

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.

The BoatUS Foundation offers free boating license courses for 35 states. The online course is designed to take about three hours to complete, and is set up in sections or chapters.

Full Answer

Is there a boat safety course in Massachusetts?

Feb 14, 2022 · How Long Does The Pa Boating Course Take? Different levels of boating courses exist. Commission courses usually run for eight hours to 26 hours long.

How long does it take to complete a Boating Course?

Boat US Foundation (Free Course) by Boat US Foundation 1-800-245-2628. Virginia Boating Safety Course (Fee-Based Course) Boater Exam 1-866-764-2628. Aceboater Boating Safety Course (Fee-Based Course) by Aceboater.com 1-800-607-2329. Boaters Academy (Fee-Based Course) by Boater’s Academy 757-301-1498.

How many lessons are in a boating safety course?

7. How long do boating courses last? Boating courses vary in length. Most Commission courses are eight hours. Other courses may be as long as 26 hours. The Commission’s long distance learning courses vary in length according to the individual. 8. How old must you be to take a boating course? Boating courses are good for the entire family.

How do I get a boating safety course in Virginia?

Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, and from a "Water 'N Kids" class to courses for boaters who want to learn electronic navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction.

How long does it take to get a boating license?

Your official permanent Boater Education Card will arrive in the mail in 3-5 weeks.

How much is a boating license in NY?

You can obtain your New York Boater Education Card in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 — free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the New York Boating Safety Course and pass the final exam. Print a temporary card immediately and receive your permanent card in the mail within 3-5 weeks.

How long does the NY boater safety course take?

about 8 hoursSee the NYS Parks website about this and other frequently asked questions. The classes, both in-person and online, last about 8 hours, which includes the final test.Feb 15, 2021

Do you need a boaters license in PA?

Pennsylvania law requires all PWC operators to have boater education and to carry a boater education card. In addition, those operating a boat over 25 hp are also required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

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

The boater education certificate proves that you completed an approved boater safety course. Your permanent New York State Boating Safety Certificate will arrive 3-4 weeks after successfully completing this course.

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

14 yearsmust 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.

Do I need a license to drive a boat?

Wondering if you need a driver's license to operate a boat? The short answer: No. But that doesn't mean there aren't other requirements and rules you need to follow!Aug 21, 2020

Can you rent a boat without a license in NY?

If you are at least 18 years old, you may rent without completing a course. The livery should demonstrate how to properly use the boat before renting it however. Persons under the age of 18 may only rent a motorboat if they hold a safety certificate.

How often do I need a boat safety certificate?

every four yearsBoats need to be examined only once every four years and over four years the cost is similar to what car owners would have spent on MOTs. Boat owners can use an examiner recommended to them by their marina or boater friends, or they can use the Find An Examiner page to search for the best value examination locally.

How long does the PA boating course take?

Boating courses vary in length. Most Commission courses are eight hours. Other courses may be as long as 26 hours.

Can you drink on a boat in PA?

Pennsylvania's boating and alcohol laws require that no person shall operate any boat on Pennsylvania waters while they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination thereof. Alcohol is prohibited on land and water at all state parks and at most U.S. Army Corps of Engineer projects.

How much does a boating license cost in PA?

A. You can obtain your Pennsylvania Boating Certificate in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $44.95—free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate course and take the final exam.

Approved Interactive Online Course Providers

These courses are provided by commercial vendors and are not administered by DWR.

Approved Online Course Providers

These courses are provided by commercial vendors, and are not administered by DWR.

Approved Home Study Course Providers

Boat-Ed: Please call us at 804-367-9288 for information about a home study option.

Virginia Proctored Challenge Exam

If you are an experienced boater and have a good working knowledge of the navigation rules and Virginia boating laws, you may opt to take an 80-question challenge exam. These exams will be scheduled throughout Virginia. The exam is closed book, no reference material is allowed in the examination room.

How long is a boating course?

Boating courses vary in length. Most Commission courses are eight hours. Other courses may be as long as 26 hours. The Commission’s long distance learning courses vary in length according to the individual.

Where to get a copy of the PA boating guide?

Request a print copy from: Publications, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Be sure to include your mailing address and indicate that you want a PA Boating Handbook.

What does NASBLA stand for?

The Commission recognizes certificates issued by another state or province that have been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Look for the NASBLA logo on your Boating Safety Education Certificate or visit NASBLA’s website#N#Opens In A New Window#N#to see if the course you completed is NASBLA approved.

Can you get a PWC in Pennsylvania?

No. The only approved certificates are ones issued to individuals by the Commission or another state or province. Non-residents may operate a PWC in Pennsylvania if they have a certificate issued by another state or province, or by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or other organizations approved by the Commission’s Executive Director. Pennsylvania residents who have been issued a certificate for successfully completing a Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons course may be issued a Commission Boating Safety Education Certificate by contacting the Commission office in Harrisburg (1-888-723-4741).

What is a PWC boat?

What is a personal watercraft (PWC)? A personal watercraft is a boat less than 16 feet in length that uses an internal combustion motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of propulsion.

Is boating tuition free?

Boating courses taught by Commission personnel are very low-cost or free. Most boating courses are taught in cooperation with outside organizations (such as community colleges, boat clubs, etc.) and a fee is often required. When inquiring about a course, ask the sponsor about fees. The Commission does not charge for their classroom courses.

Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency

Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency.

Here's how to get started or return to your course

We launched a completely new platform for our free online course on 11/18/2020!#N#Our old course system is officially retired but if you need to access your certificate of completion, you can request a copy through this form

Great course, and so much more convenient than going at night for several nights... Keep up the great work, and see you on the water

Thank you so much! This was a great course and I learned so much. Hope you have a great weekend!

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

Who needs a boating safety certificate? 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. Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

Who is eligible for the Adventure License Boating Icon?

Who is eligible for the Adventure License boating icon? Anyone successfully completing the New York Safe Boating Course may opt to have their driver's license, non-driver ID, or learner's permit indicate completion of the course.

Does an instructor charge for a course?

An instructor may or may not charge a fee for the course. If a fee is charged, they may vary. Some courses may be taught by volunteers free of charge.

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