what boater safety course should i take

Full Answer

What are the requirements to take a boater safety course?

Any person born on or after January 1, 1998, operating a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 hp is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. You must be at least 11 years old to take this online course. You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to take this online course.

What is the best online boat safety course?

1 Best Overall: America’s Boating Course 2 Best Runner-Up: Boat Ed 3 Best for Visual Learners: BOATERexam.com 4 Best Interactive Course: Ilearntoboat 5 Best Free: BoatUS Foundation 6 Best for Sailors: NauticEd Safety 7 Best for Paddlers: Boat Ed Paddlesports Safety Course

What are the best safety courses for bluewater sailors?

Our favorite course for sailors is NauticEd’s Safety at Sea Clinic, which offers a comprehensive, 14-hour overview of all the safety procedures and emergency responses that might be required by a bluewater sailor.

Are there any boating safety courses that are DWR approved?

They are NASBLA Approved and accepted by DWR; however, DWR does not maintain their student records. Any of these courses will meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education Requirement. Many of these providers are fee-based, with fees paid directly to the course provider on a “no pass, no pay” basis.

What are the 5 essential safety devices you should have on a boat?

5 Must-Have Safety Equipment for Your BoatLife jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) An accessible, wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) is a life jacket that must be available for each person on board. ... Throwable flotation devices. ... Fire extinguishers. ... Visual signaling devices. ... Sound signaling devices.

What do I need to drive a boat in Florida?

In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

How long is the California boater safety course?

How much time will it take to complete an approved boating safety course including the exam? Approved online courses run a minimum of three hours to complete. Classroom and home study courses vary in length, with most classes no more than eight hours.

Who needs California boaters card?

California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).

How much does it cost to get a boating license in Florida?

You can obtain your Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the Florida Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam.

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

Some do charge a small fee and the course may take up to eight hours to complete. All boater education courses require you to take an exam and get at least 80% of the answers to pass the course. When you do pass, you will get a temporary card while you wait for your Boater Education Card.

Is boater education required in California?

As of January 1, 2018, California law requires all boaters to carry the California Boater Card. This law will be phased in over eight years. This course is approved by the state of California and, once successfully completed, will result in your California Boating License.

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 is exempt from California boating license?

Who will be exempt from holding a boater card in California? A person operating a rental vessel. A person operating a vessel while under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who is in possession of a boating license.

Can you drink while boating California?

While it isn't illegal to drink alcohol on a boat, it is against the law to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as that for driving a car - 0.08%.

Do you need a boat Licence to rent a boat in California?

No – operators who are renting a boating in California are not required to obtain a Boater Card, however it is highly recommended. Most boating accidents occur because operators didn't have the proper knowledge and training to operate safely.

What is required on a boat in California?

California boating law requires that all boats 16 feet or more in length, except canoes and kayaks must carry one wearable life jacket (Type I, II, III or V) for each person on board and one throwable (Type IV) device in each boat. PFDs must be readily accessible.

How much does the Illinois Boat Ed Course cost?

The Illinois Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

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

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 11 years old to take this online course.

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

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

Is the Illinois Boat Ed Course approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources?

The Illinois Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Is my Illinois Boating Safety 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 must restudy the unit and take the quiz 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...

How long is a boater safety course?

The ones mentioned in this article take a total of between three and 14 hours to complete, which you can do in a single sitting or over the course of several days.

How much does it cost to get a boater safety card?

Online boater safety courses vary in cost. However, the average cost of getting your state agency and NASBLA-approved boater education card is around $35. It is possible to get it for free through the BoatUS Foundation if you live in a state where this certification is officially recognized.

How much does boating ed cost?

In most states, the course costs $34.95.

How many lessons are there in Boatus?

Simply enroll, study, and take the exam online. There are six lessons, each with a 10-question quiz.

Why did we choose NauticED?

Why We Chose It: We chose NauticEd’s Safety at Sea Clinic because of its in-depth coverage of topics that could make all the difference in life-or-death situations for offshore sailors.

Does Boatus offer certificate?

Participants receive a certificate, not a card. More time consuming than most other courses. BoatUS Foundation is a national nonprofit funded by grants and donations, and as such, it is able to offer online boater safety courses free of charge.

Is America's Boating Course online?

Not as interactive as some online courses. Only compatible with Internet Explorer. More expensive in some states than others. Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, America’s Boating Course is one of the most in-depth online options out there.

What are the benefits of taking a boat safety course?

The benefits of a boat safety course include: Becoming familiar with the laws that apply to you.

What are the benefits of boat safety?

The benefits of a boat safety course include: 1 Becoming familiar with the laws that apply to you. 2 Learning about the relationship between boating and the environment. 3 Gaining supervised practiced of the skills and techniques a boat pilot needs. 4 A lower rate on your boat’s insurance.

Do you need a boating license to get a boat?

It depends on your state. Some states require all boaters to get a boating license; others require only boaters of a certain age to get licensed. Some states don't require boating licenses but do require boat safety courses. Check the boat license requirements for your state.

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.

Is boating safety education 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 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.

Why do you need a boat safety course?

The most obvious benefit of taking a boat safety course is that you will become a better, safer boater. Boat safety courses can make boating more enjoyable for everybody involved, captain and passengers alike. If you are new to boat ownership or ready to expand your knowledge, a boating certificate or education course is a great first step ...

Why is it important to be educated on boat safety?

It is important that you are properly educated on boat safety best practices in order to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

Why is boating safety important?

Boating safety education is important because it helps reduce personal injury and property damage associated with the use of recreational boats. Boating safety education is important for everyone out on the water. Boaters can keep themselves and their crew safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways.

How can boaters keep themselves safe?

Boaters can keep themselves and their crew safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. Boaters can learn about all of these important subjects through approved boat safety education courses. Boater safety education and the Law. In the United States, over 40 states have educational requirements ...

How many states have boating education requirements?

In the United States, over 40 states have educational requirements for operating a boat or PWC on public waterways. In Canada, all provinces have educational requirements for operating pleasure craft. Law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant.

Is boat safety education mandatory?

Boat safety education is mandatory in many states. Getting your boater safety education will keep you compliant with the law and competent out on the water. Many insurance companies offer a discount on premiums to boaters who have recently completed an accredited boat safety course.

1. Boater safety courses may be required in some states

The amount of education required to legally operate a boat varies on a state per state basis. Some states require that every boat operator take a boater safety course, while others require no courses at all. With this in mind, it’s important to be aware of state laws whenever you decide to operate a boat outside of your home state.

2. These courses help you learn how to operate a boat

If you’re new to boating, a boater safety course will teach you the basics of operating your craft. Most boats aren’t overly complex to operate but understanding the function and appropriate way to use their controls can mean the difference between a boating accident and a perfect day on the water.

5. You may save on boat insurance

When you can prove that you’re a safer boater, you can often get a lower rate on your boat insurance. It’s that simple. Since those who have completed a NASBLA-certified boating safety course are statistically less likely to get into accidents, showing your completion of one of these courses is an excellent way to save.

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.

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 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.

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.

How long does it take to get a boating safety certificate in Virginia?

Should you need to contact them for information or to obtain a replacement certificate, please call them directly at the numbers listed below (these courses contain 3 hours of instruction and take approximately 4 hours to complete): Boat Virginia Boating Safety Course (Fee-Based Course) Boat Ed 1-800-830-2268.

How to contact iLearntoBoat?

Should you need to contact them for information or to obtain a replacement certificate, please call them directly at the numbers listed below: iLearntoBoat (Fee-Based Course) iLearntoBoat 1-800-830-2268.

Does DWR maintain student records?

They are NASBLA Approved and accepted by DWR; however, DWR does not maintain their student records. Any of these courses will meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education Requirement. Many of these providers are fee-based, with fees paid directly to the course provider on a “no pass, no pay” basis.

Do you need timers for boating safety courses in Virginia?

These courses do not require timers and can be completed at any pace so long as each module and exam is successfully passed. They are NASBLA Approved and accepted by DWR; however, DWR does not maintain their student records. Any of these courses will meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education Requirement.

What is boating education?

A boating education course can help you learn the state laws and regulations when you move. Once you have checked into boating safety courses, don't forget that you need to have your boating registration paperwork on board before you head out on the water.

Do all states issue boating licenses?

Remember that not all states issue a boating license to those who pass a state-approved course though. Instead, some states issue boater education cards or boater safety education certificates. The states of Delaware and Florida are two examples.

Do you need a boater's license to operate a boat?

Many states require boaters or personal watercraft operators to have a boaters license or to have passed a boater safety education course if they are under a certain age. However, even if you have been boating for years, there are reasons why you should consider taking a boating safety course to earn your boat license or boater education card.

Do you need a boater license in Delaware?

You wouldn't be given a Delaware boating license after passing a boater safety course; however, you would be given a boater safety education certificate. Likewise, boaters who reside in Florida don't have Florida boating license requirements, but they do need to have boating safety education identification cards if they are under a specific age.

Can I take a boating safety course online?

Many states make it quick and easy for you to take a boating safety course online as well register or renew your boat registration online. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get your boating license, boater education card, or boater safety education certificates.