states where i do not need course to operate the boat

by Silas Abshire 5 min read

Boater Education Requirements by State: M thru O Maine Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses. Maryland Requires all boat operators on state waters born after July 1st, 1972 to complete an approved boater education course. Massachusetts

Full Answer

Do I need a boating license in another state?

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses. Arkansas Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1986 to complete an approved boater education course.

Is it legal to take a Boating Course?

January 1, 1986. In Nebraska, an actual boating license is not required. Everyone born on or after January 1, 1986, is required to complete boating education before operating a boat though. The certificate that you receive from that boating education then …

Where can I go with my boating license?

One of these boating rules to be aware of is whether or not you need a driver’s license to drive a boat. A driver’s license is not required to drive or operate a boat. However, every state has different rules in regards to boating. While no states require you to have a driver’s license to drive a boat, some of them have other requirements ...

Do you need a boater education card to get a license?

Jun 10, 2019 · In some states, it is not required that you take such a course, or the requirement may pertain only to people of a certain age. Find out where to take such a course and what’s required to operate a motorboat in your state. Online and in-person courses are available. Do you need a Boat License to operate someone else’s boat?

Do you have to take a boat safety course in NY?

Motorboats. If you were born on or after May 1, 1996 you will need a boating safety certificate. Under a new law known as Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

Does Florida require a Boating License?

Florida does not have a "boating license." The Boating Safety Education Identification Card is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements and is valid for life. I've heard there were some changes in the law regarding the requirements to operate a boat in Florida.

Is boater safety course required in Florida?

Florida boating laws require all boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1988, to get certified by completing a boater safety course. This certification is sometimes called a “Florida boating license.”

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

Do you need a boating license to drive a boat? Each state regulates boating education and licensing requirements. Some states require all boaters to have a license or certificate, while others have age limits for licensing.

What size boat requires a captain's license in Florida?

The 25, 50, or 100-Ton Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is authorized to carry more than six paying passengers must have on board a captain who holds a Master license.

Can you drink on a boat in Florida?

Under Florida drinking and boating laws, it is not against the law to have an open container on a boat (unlike in the car), but the intoxication levels are the same. Operating a boat while under the impairment or influence of alcohol is a big no-no, and can cause massive fines and jail time.Sep 2, 2021

Which of the following vessel operators are exempt from the boater education requirement Florida?

The following operators are exempt: A person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel. A person operating on a private lake or pond.

Do you need a boaters license in Florida to drive a jet ski?

Yes, you need a jet ski license to drive a jet ski in Florida, is you were born after January 1, 1988. According to the law: You are required to have boater safety education in Florida if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and you intend to operate a motorized boat with 10 hp or more in the State of Florida.

Do you need a boating license to drive a jet ski in Florida?

Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.

Do you need a boat license in NY?

In New York, you don't need a boating license to drive most boats. However, most boaters are, in fact, required to obtain a boating safety certificate in order to operate a boat legally.Jan 6, 2022

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

Georgia requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, that operates any motorized vessel on the waters of the state must complete a boater education course. Visit the DNR website for more information on: Boating requirements. DNR Boater education course.

Do you need a Boating License in North Carolina?

Do you need a Boating License in North Carolina? North Carolina law requires any person born on or after January 1, 1988, who will be operating a vessel over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

What is the boating education requirement?

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating education course and carry a Boater Education Card. Anyone born before January 1st, 1955 is exempt from this requirement.

What is the boating safety requirement in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania. Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education Card. Anyone born before January 1st, 1982 is exempt from this requirement.

What is required to be a boater in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin. Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a certificate or card proving completion. Anyone born before January 1st, 1989 is exempt from this requirement.

What is required to be a boat operator?

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating education course and carry a certificate or card proving completion. Anyone born before January 1st, 1986 is exempt from this requirement.

Do you need a boating license to operate a boat?

Some states require you to have a license to operate a boat, some don’t. In any case, you should stay on top of whether you need a license to pilot a boat or not. Most states require the operator of a boat to complete a boating education course to obtain a boating card or license.

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 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.

What age do you need a boating safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for: all operators of personal watercraft; youth 12 to 15 years of age when operating boats powered by motors of more than 10 horsepower, and; boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower.

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. Yes. Montana. Montana residents 13 to 14 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course.

Is there a boating education requirement in Oregon?

No mandatory boating education requirements. N/A. Oregon. Oregon’s Mandatory Boater Education Program will be phased in beginning January 1, 2003 when persons age 30 and younger who operate boats greater than 10 hp will need to apply for and carry an Oregon Boater Education Card.

Can you take a boating course online in Pennsylvania?

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. Yes. Pennsylvania.

Is boating in Pennsylvania approved for out-of-state residents?

boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower. This online course is not approved for Pennsylvania residents meeting the above requirements. It is, however, approved for out-of-state residents boating in Pennsylvania. Not for PWCs.

Alabama

Requires all boat operators 12 years or older on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.

Alaska

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses.

Arizona

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses.

Arkansas

Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1986 to complete an approved boater education course.

California

Requires all boat operators on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.

Colorado

Requires all boat operators on state waters between 14 and 15 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 16 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.

Connecticut

Requires all boat operators on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.

Maine

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses.

Maryland

Requires all boat operators on state waters born after July 1st, 1972 to complete an approved boater education course.

Massachusetts

Requires all boat operators on state waters between 14 and 15 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 16 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.

Michigan

Requires all boat operators on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.

Minnesota

Requires all boat operators on state waters between 12 and 17 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 18 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.

Mississippi

Requires all boat operators on state waters born after June 30th, 1980 to complete an approved boater education course.

Missouri

Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1984 to complete an approved boater education course.

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

Date of Birth Limitation. N/A. In Iowa, it is required that all 12-year-olds through 17 years olds who operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or operate a PWC have some boat safety education. According to DMV, Iowa requires to attend and complete a boating safety course and then receive the certificate of completion.

What is the boating safety course in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, any person operating a motorboat, or any power-driven vessel with a motor that is more than 10 horsepower must take a NASBLA- approved boating safety course. When operating these boats the license and certificate of completion are required to be with the boater on the boat they’re operating at all times.

What is a NASBLA license?

NASBLA is the board and community of all 50 states boating authorities.

What age do you have to be to get a boating license in New Mexico?

As for specific age requirements and restrictions, there isn’t much. In order to take a boating course, there is no minimum age required.

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

The minimum age requirement for boat operators is that they must be at least 14 years of age.

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

No one under 10 may take the course to operate and receive a certificate of completion. Boat operators between the ages of 10 and 12 must take a classroom course of the needed boating safety information.

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

In Alabama, it is required that anyone who is 12 years and older and is operating a boat on Alabama state waters are required to take a boating course. Anyone who is younger than 12 may not operate a boat whatsoever. From the age 12-14 , a boater may only have a learner license only.

Alabama

Alabama requires you to have a boating license and to undergo a mandatory boating course. You can get your learner license at the age of 12 but will be unable to drive a boat unsupervised until you’re 14.

Alaska

The state of Alaska is the wild west of boating. There are no licensing requirements, age restrictions, or educational requirements to operate a boat in Alaska.

Arizona

Much like the state of Alaska, Arizona currently has no boating restrictions or licensing requirements.

Arkansas

According to Arkansas law, anyone born on or after the date of January 1, 1986, is required to have a boating license and perform a course in boating. This can be done online or in person.

California

California has one of the most unique boating systems in the U.S. According to their rules, only those who have been convicted of a boating violation have to receive their licensing. However, all boaters under the current age of 23 are required to receive a California Boater Card.

Colorado

Anyone under the age of 16 is required to complete a state-approved safety training course for boating. After 16, however, no licensing or certification is required.

Connecticut

Connecticut requires everyone to have a boating license and to receive a boating education. There are special stipulations, however, for non-residents such as tourists who are not required to receive any licensing or education.

What do you need to know to operate a boat?

In most states, you must take a boating safety education course , and successfully complete it, to be able to operate a boat. When you complete the course you receive a certificate (i.e the “license”). That makes you legal.

Who is Ken Schultz?

Ken Schultz. Ken Schultz was a longtime staff writer for Field & Stream magazine and is the former Fishing Editor of ESPNoutdoors.com. He’s written and photographed nineteen books on sportfishing topics, plus an annual fishing tips calendar., and his writing has appeared on various websites for nearly two decades.

Do I need a boat license if I go to another state?

Do you need a boat license if you go to another state with your boat? That depends on the other state’s laws. While each state recognizes the registration of another state, you’ll have to follow its regulations for operating a boat, which may differ from the regulations in your home state. If you have a certificate from a boating safety education ...

Is a boating course required in some states?

S. Coast Guard, it’s good for life and qualifies you even if you move to another state. In some states, it is not required that you take such a course, or the requirement may pertain only to people of a certain age.

Do I need to register my boat in the state I live in?

As with an auto, you want to take care of that before you leave the seller. If your boat is powered by a motor (that includes a rowboat or kayak powered by an electric motor), you’ll need to register your boat in the state in which you live.

What does a boating safety course give you?

Passing a boating safety course will give you a discount on boat insurance and will increase your water safety skills. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state's boating law. Each state has unique boating education requirements, and the boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state ...

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

Beginning July 1, 2016, all PWC operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators regardless of age need to take a boating safety course. PWC Age Restriction: No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC.

Does Alabama require a boating license?

States with mandatory boating law require safety certification for some or all boaters. Only one state (Alabama) requires an actual boat license. However, many prospective students are not aware of state legal terminology, and search for information about a boat license or licence, or a captain or captains license.

What is a boater's license?

The Boater Education Card (sometimes called a “boater’s license”) is proof that you have successfully completed your state’s official & approved boating safety course.

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only boater safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and we’ve worked with state boating safety agencies in 42 states to develop approved and recognized online boating safety courses.

Do all states accept boaters education cards?

Yes. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the your state’s Boater Education Card. Likewise your state will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements.

Do you have to carry a boater education card on board a vessel?

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

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