how old does a boy need to be to take boater safety course

by Syble Jerde 7 min read

What age do you need a boating safety certificate?

*Those 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. Students must be at least 10 years of page to participate in both classroom or online courses.

Do I need Boater education to operate a boat?

Boaters under the age of 16 years must be able to show proof of education upon request by a law enforcement official. Boaters 16 years of age and older are not required to have boater education to operate a motorized vessel.

How many boaters will have to take the boating safety course?

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which administers the law, estimates that nearly one million boaters will have to take the safety course before the end of the phase-in period Jan, 1, 2025.

What are the age requirements to take a Boating Course 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.

What is the youngest age you can drive a boat?

Operators of personal watercraft must be at least 14 years of age. Operator must be 15 yrs old and meet ID and education requirements or 16 yrs old or older with a valid motor vehicle drivers license to operate a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 hsp. Minimum age 12 to operate vessel over 10 h.p.

Can a 12 year old drive a boat in California?

Age and Operator Restrictions Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.

Can a 13 year old drive a boat in NC?

Age and Operator Restrictions A person younger than 14 years old may not operate a PWC legally. A person 14 or 15 years old may operate a PWC only if: He or she is accompanied on board the PWC by a person who is at least 18 years old and who is in compliance with the requirements for operating a vessel or…

Can a 13 year old drive a boat in Maryland?

Boating Age Requirements In Maryland, no one may operate a motor-powered vessel involved in towing activities if they are under the age of 12 (or under the age of 16 if operating a PWC). Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age and have a boating safety certificate.

Do I need a license to drive a boat in California?

Do you need a Boating license to drive a boat in California? California boating law requires boaters to obtain and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. This card is often called the 'California boating license'.

Who needs California boaters card?

The law allows children 12-15 years of age to operate boats with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age who is in possession of a California Boater Card as required by California law.

How old do you have to be to drive boat in NC?

1. Required for PWC operators 14 years of age or older. No person under 14 years of age may operate a PWC. Persons 14 years of age or older may also operate without a boating education certificate if physically accompanied on the PWC by an adult at least 18 years of age and meets the requirements of G.S. 16.2 .

At what age can you get your boaters license NC?

A person at least 14 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate a PWC in North Carolina provided that they have successfully completed a boater safety education course and carry on board proof of age and a North Carolina Boater Safety Education Certificate, or they are accompanied by someone at least 18 ...

How old do u have to be to drive a jet ski?

The minimum age to drive a jet ski is typically around 12 to 18 years, but beyond this age restriction, there are often additional requirements which have to be met, like onboard parental guidance or obtaining a Boating Safety Card (also known as a jet ski license).

Do u need a boat license to drive a boat in Maryland?

In Maryland, the law states that 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.

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

13Effective April 1, 2010, Maryland law states that all children under the age of 13 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (life jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.

What is required to boat in Maryland?

Boat Registration Requirements In order to legally operate a boat in the state of Maryland, you must obtain a Certificate of Number and validation decals. The Certificate of Number must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer during boat operation.

When is boater education required?

Boater Education training is recommended for all boat operators and required for those born on or after September 1, 1993. Successful completion of a TPWD-certified boater education course and possession of a valid photo I.D. are required for any person born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate: a vessel powered by a motor of more ...

How long does it take to complete a boater education course?

Failure to complete the boater education course within 90 days will result in the person committing an offense that is a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor.

How to contact Boater Education?

For information on boater education courses, call (512) 389-4846, option 4, or visit Boater Education. Paddlers are encouraged to take the free comprehensive canoe, kayak, and paddleboard safety course offered online. This course is a great way to help make your outing more enjoyable and safer.

What is a PWC boat?

a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower; or. a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length. No person may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorboat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower on public waters unless the person is at least 13 years of age and has successfully completed a Boater Education Course ...

How long is a boater's license deferral?

A one-time 15-day boater ed deferral may be purchased any place licenses are sold.

Can you ski during illegal hours?

skiing during illegal hours. skiing in a manner that endangers life or property. Boater education courses from other states are acceptable if approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators).

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.

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.

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.

What age do you have to be to operate a PWC?

This course is not accepted for certification of those 12-17. Once certified: the operator must carry a copy of the course certification card at all times, while operating the PWC. Those 12-15 may operate the PWC if someone 18 years of age or older accompanies the individual aboard the PWC or the individual age 12-15 may operate the PWC alone if and only if the individual operates the PWC within visual supervision of another individual, 18 or older. Children ages 16-17 may operate the PWC alone.

What age do you need to take a boat safety course in Kansas?

Kansas: If you wanna hit up some of the best spots in Kansas, then you’ll need to take the course if you are aged 12-20 and you’ll be on a powerboat, sailboat, or jet ski unaccompanied. Kentucky: To enjoy great spots such as Lake Cumberland a boat safety course is recommended.

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

Maine: You’ll need to take on a boat safety course in Maine if you’re under 18 years old. Even if you’re older, we recommend that you do so, so that you can maintain and operate your boat safely and properly.

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 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.

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

This applies to all vessels, and you’ll need to be at least 14 years old to get going.

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.

What do you need to drive a boat in DC?

District of Columbia: If you’re lucky enough to be out driving a motorized boat in DC, then you need to pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card with you when you’re out on the water. Florida: If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and the engine of your boat is more than 10 HP, then you’ll need to take ...

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.

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

Important! If you are 14 or 15 years old and wish to operate a motorboat, you are required to successfully complete a proctored exam in a classroom setting and cannot take the online course. You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.

How old do you have to be to operate a motorized vessel in Colorado?

You need education if you are 14 or 15 years old and will be operating a motorized vessel in Colorado.

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 take the e-learning course?

You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.

Is boating safety education the same as boating license?

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

Do you need a Boating License in Colorado?

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. The age requirement for the online course is 16 years old.

How old do you have to be to be a PWC 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 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 take the e-learning course?

You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.

Is boating safety education the same as boating license?

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

Do you need New Hampshire Boating education?

You need education if you are at least 16 years old and will be operating a motorboat over 25 hp or a ski craft in New Hampshire.

Who must take a Boater Education Certification Course?

Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who wishes to operate certain vessels on the public waterways of Texas. See Water Safety Act for details

Who teach boating courses?

Boating courses are taught by US Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadron and trained volunteer instructors, as well as teachers, and game wardens. With more and more people enjoying the lakes and rivers every year, it's important, for everyone, that boaters educate themselves on boating skills and seamanship. FAQ.

When do you need a boating safety certificate?

All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

When will boating safety certificates be required?

Last year a new state law took effect, mandating that all motor boat operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. The legislation includes a five-year, phase in plan. Both online and in-classroom boater safety courses are currently available, according to Brian Nearing, ...

How much does it cost to get a boater safety certificate in New York?

A new certificate can be obtained through the New York State Parks website at a cost of $10.

Where is the Antique Boat Museum?

Amanda Dudley, director of education for the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, on the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County, is once again offering boater safety courses in conjunction with the National Coast Guard Auxiliary. However, just like last year the courses will be all online (a Zoom format) and cost $35 to take.

Can you rent a boat in New York?

Certain allowances to this law have been made for visitors to New York, persons renting a boat from a livery and persons purchasing a new boat for the first time. See the NYS Parks website about this and other frequently asked questions.

Is boater safety online?

Both online and in-classroom boater safety courses are currently available, according to Brian Nearing, a spokesman for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which oversees the courses. Last year, the vast majority of courses taken were online. That trend will undoubtedly continue this coming year.