mn boat safety course how long

Full Answer

How do I take a boating safety course in Minnesota?

Take the Minnesota DNR boating safety course online or a classroom course taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. For more information go ot  mndnr.gov/boatingcourse.

How long does it take to get a boaters license in Minnesota?

Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts. An approved online options offered by Boat Minnesota. This course may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.

How much does it cost to take a boating safety course?

The BoatU.S. Foundation is a free NASBLA approved course. When you finish, you can print your certificate on your own printer or order a printed paper certificate ($8) or plastic card ($13) for a fee. Some states will charge additional fees to issue you a permanent state ID verifying completion of a boating safety course.

What are the benefits of taking a boaters safety course?

Despite the fact that taking this course is only a requirement for motorists who are younger than 18 years of age, it is also recommended for adult boat operators. In any case, the completion of this program may provide benefits such as a discount on boat insurance. To learn more about getting a certificate, read the sections below.

How long does a Minnesota boating license last?

See MN Boating Guide for more information. Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2005).

How long does it take to get PCOC?

–3 weeksReceive Your PCOC in the Mail Your lifetime Canada PCOC will arrive by mail in 2–3 weeks. The Canada PCOC is accepted in Alberta and all other provinces. (Use your Temporary PCOC to get on the water immediately after passing the course and until your permanent card arrives.)

How many chapters are in the Minnesota boating safety course?

five chaptersThe boat safety course manual consists of five chapters packed with boating tips along with the nautical rules of the road.

Do you need a boat license to drive a boat in Minnesota?

Any person from 12-17 years of age, is required to obtain a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit, commonly called a boat license, to operate a motorized boat over 25 horsepower.

How many questions are on the PCOC exam?

50 questionsFor your convenience, you can write the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) Test Online or in a Classroom. All Boating Safety (PCOC) tests and test questions are controlled and provided by Transport Canada. The Online and Classroom paper tests are 50 questions long. The passing mark is 75%.

How many questions are in the PCOC?

About the Online PCOC Test The test is made up entirely of 50 multiple choice questions.

Do you need boaters safety in Minnesota?

Boater Education is required for all persons between 12 and 17 years of age who operate a powered watercraft on Minnesota waters.

How many chapters are in boat US?

The basic material has four chapters, each requiring about 2 hours. A fifth optional chapter provides an introduction to navigation, that covers: GPS waypoint navigation. Using charts, and traditional navigation principles.

Where do boat registration stickers go in Minnesota?

Register your new watercraft: In person at any MN Dept. of Public, DVS (Driver & Vehicle Services) office locations (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4026.

Can you drink and drive a boat in Minnesota?

The open container part of Minnesota's DWI law does not apply to boats. Even the boat operator can drink -- and drive the boat-- as long as they are not over or near the legal limit of point-oh-eight. But keep in mind, if the boat operator is driving carelessly or recklessly and is over .

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

10 years of ageRequires life jacket to be worn by children less than 10 years of age when aboard watercraft in Minnesota when the craft is underway (not tied up at a dock or permanent mooring).

Is there a speed limit on Minnesota lakes?

There is a maximum speed limit of 35 mph and slow-no wake speed 300 feet from the shore. You may not be any closer than 100 feet from any person in the water or on a raft with a PWC. But don't worry, there's plenty of lake to ride!

What is the minimum age to take this course?

No, there is no minimum age to take this course

How long will it take to complete the Minnesota boater education course?

The course takes a minimum of 3 hours

Do I have to complete the course in one sitting?

No, you can do it over one sitting or as many sittings as you would like

Do I need to be a resident of Minnesota to take this course?

No, you do not need to be a resident of Minnesota to take this course

I failed a chapter quiz. Did I fail the Minnesota boater education course?

No, you did not fail the course and need to try again

What score do I need to pass chapter quizzes?

You need to score 80.00% to pass chapter quizzes

What score do I need to pass the final online exam?

You need to score 80.00% to pass the final online exam

Do you have practice questions before taking the official exam?

There are quizzes at the end of each chapter in the boater education course

Is it an open book exam?

No, it is not an open book exam

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

You need education if you are 12 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a boat over 25 hp in Minnesota. You also need education if you are 14 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a PWC.

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 operate a boat in Minnesota?

But Minnesota boaters 12 - 17 years of age wishing to operate a boat with motor greater than 25 hp or PWC operators 13 - 17 years of age must complete a course approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in order to operate on the waters of the state of Minnesota. Minnesota suggests that all boaters take an approved boating safety ...

How to contact Boatus Foundation?

Feel free to call or email if you ever need help while you are taking the course. Send an email to [email protected]. Or call us Toll Free at 1-800-245-2628. Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time.

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

Operators 13 years of age must either have someone at least 21 years of age on board, or possess a watercraft operator's permit and be in visual supervision by someone at least 21.

Does Boatus require a permit in Minnesota?

The BoatUS Foundation Online Course does not fulfill the course requirements for the Minnesota Youth Watercraft Operators Permit. Please contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (651) 296-6157 for more information.

Save On Boat Insurance

We’ve partnered with Global Marine Insurance to bring you a fast, convenient way to protect your investment and hit the water with peace of mind. Global Marine’s boat insurance experts work with the major insurance carriers to find you the coverage you need at the best rates, it couldn’t be easier. Get your quote and start saving today!

A Wavve Of Savings

Wavve Boating provides easy to use GPS navigation, customizable nautical maps, social connectivity and more. Get the iOS or Android app today!

Need help? Contact Us!

We've helped over 2 million people get certified online. So we know what it takes. Think of us as a coach who you can call or email if you ever need help.

We'll be launching this course soon!

Please leave your email address and details, and we will be in touch as we get closer to our launch

Course Accreditation

Is your Minnesota boater education course approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division?

Replacement Documents

How do I replace my temporary Minnesota online course completion document if I lost or damaged it?

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

The boating license age required to get an operator’s permit is 12 years of age in Minnesota. As mentioned in the previous section, motorboat operators between the 12 and 17 years of age and personal watercraft operators between 13 and 17 years of age are required to obtain the permit if they wish to operate their vessel without direct adult ...

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

Despite the fact that taking this course is only a requirement for motorists who are younger than 18 years of age, it is also recommended for adult boat operators. In any case, the completion of this program may provide benefits such as a discount on boat insurance.

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

Furthermore, operators who are younger than 12 years of age may be able to operate a motorboat without restrictions depending on the horsepower (h.p.) of the boat. For example, boaters younger than 12 years of age: May legally operate a boat powered by a motor with 25 horsepower or less with no restrictions.

Why is it important to understand boating regulations?

These boating regulations are important to understand and abide by in order to ensure that everyone in the watercraft stays safe. For instance, it is against the law: For youth to operate a watercraft without a permit and/or proper adult supervision. To operate a watercraft in a reckless manner.

How much horsepower is required to operate a boat?

May legally operate a boat powered by a motor with 25 horsepower or less with no restrictions. May legally operate a boat powered by a motor with more than 25 horsepower only if they have either: A watercraft operator’s permit. A supervising person of at least 21 years of age on board the boat with access to the vessel’s controls.

How old do you have to be to have a watercraft permit?

Someone at least 21 years of age on board. A watercraft operators permit and are in direct visual supervision of someone at least 21 years of age. Someone at least 21 years of age on board. A watercraft operators permit (no supervision required).

What is the meaning of "to operate a watercraft"?

To operate a watercraft so that its wake endangers or harasses any person or property. To operate a watercraft so that is obstructing ordinary navigation. To ride or sit on any part of the boat without proper railings where the danger of falling overboard is increased. To chase wildlife with a motorboat.

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

A. Motorboats: In Minnesota, no one under the age of 12 may operate a watercraft with a motor greater than 25 horsepower unless there is a competent adult on the boat who is at least 21 years of age and is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor.

What is a Minnesota boat operator's permit?

A. The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

What grade do you need to pass the chapter quiz?

A. You need a grade of 80% or higher to pass the end of chapter quizzes. You need a grade of 70% or higher on the boating license test to pass.

Does a boating permit expire in Minnesota?

A. The Watercraft Operator's Permit is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The Watercraft Operator's Permit does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT a Minnesota Boating License!

What is the Minnesota Lake and River Use Restriction?

The Minnesota Lake and River Use Restriction Summary provides a listing of local government ordinances that , in addition to Minnesota Statutes and Rules, have been enacted to govern water surface use for bodies of water in Minnesota.

What is drunk boating?

Drunk boating is drunk driving — designate a sober ride on the water and on the road. Operation Dry Water. (link is external) is July 2-4.

What are the restrictions on boating in Minnesota?

Certain bodies of water in Minnesota have local restrictions as to the type and size of watercraft or motor horsepower, areas which can be used by boats, boat speed, times for use, and minimum distance between boats. With few exceptions, local restrictions on boat use on Minnesota waters must be approved by the DNR and posted at public access points.

How long can you keep a watercraft in Minnesota?

Watercraft currently registered in another state and not kept in Minnesota for more than 90 consecutive days, or a watercraft owned by a person from another state that does not require licensing of that type of watercraft and it is not within Minnesota for more than 90 consecutive days.

What is required of a personal watercraft dealer?

Personal watercraft dealers are required to distribute a summary of the laws and rules governing personal watercraft. They must provide instruction regarding laws governing personal watercraft, as well as safe operation of the craft, upon request by a purchaser.

How to contact a conservation officer in Minnesota?

To reach a Conservation Officer contact the DNR Information Center. To locate an officer in your area go to mndnr.gov/enforcement and click on Locate a Conservation Officer. You can also contact the Minnesota State Patrol or County Sheriff to reach a MN DNR Conservation Officer.

How long can a motorboat whistle be?

Motorboats 16 feet to less than 26 feet long must be equipped with a hand-, mouth-, or power-operated whistle or horn capable of producing a continuous sound for two seconds and audible for at least one-half mile.

When approaching and passing a law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated, must the operator of a water

When approaching and passing a law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated, the operator of a watercraft must safely move the watercraft away from the law enforcement watercraft and maintain a slow no-wake speed while within 150 feet of the law enforcement watercraft.

What is the DNR in Minnesota?

DNR’s conservation officers and county sheriff deputies enforce Minnesota’s boat and water safety laws. All state and county enforcement craft will be marked on both sides or with a blue state pennant. Some waters of the state are also under federal jurisdiction. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service enforce federal boating regulations.