Ayrton Oneill
Boating is a fun activity, but it's important to know the rules and regulations before you hit the water. In the US, the requirements for operating a boat vary from state to state. For example, in New York, you don't need a boating license for non-commercial boats, but you do need a boating safety certificate. This was implemented through Brianna's Law, which was enacted in 2019 and requires all motorized boat operators to be competent. In Texas, you must be 13 and pass a boater education course, whereas in Florida, the minimum age is 14. In California, all motorized vessel operators aged 60 or younger need a boating safety course and a California Boater Card. In Hawaii, a license is needed for boats of a certain length or horsepower, which can be obtained through a 45-minute online class. It's important to check the specific requirements for your state before operating a boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirements | This varies by state. In New York, you must be at least 10 years old to operate a boat and 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. In Texas, you must be at least 13 years old, and in Florida, you must be at least 14 years old. |
| Boating license requirements | In most states, a boating license is not required to operate a boat. However, some states, like Hawaii, require a license for boats of a certain length or horsepower. |
| Boater education | Most states require boaters to complete an approved boater education course or safety course to obtain a boating license or safety certificate. |
| Boating offenses | Boating offenses include failure to report a boating accident, boating while intoxicated, and operating the boat recklessly. |
| Boating privileges | Similar to a driver's license, boating privileges can be revoked if an individual is found to be boating irresponsibly. |
| Boater Education Card | Most states require individuals to carry their Boater Education Card while operating a vessel. |
What You'll Learn
Boating safety certificates in New York
In New York, you don't need a boating license to drive most boats. However, most boaters are required to obtain a boating safety certificate to operate a boat legally. By January 1, 2025, every motorized boat operator in New York State will be required to hold a boating safety certificate.
The New York Safe Boating Course teaches basic boating skills and encourages common sense and courtesy to all who share the water. The course is available both in person and online. You must be at least 10 years old to take the course.
There are a few different ways to obtain your boating safety certificate in New York:
- Take a classroom course with certified New York State instructors. Please note that some instructors may charge an instructional fee.
- Take an approved online course. Fees paid to the online provider include the cost of your permanent certificate issued by the provider.
- Take an approved boating safety course from another state.
If you are operating a personal watercraft (e.g. Jet Ski, Wave Runner), you must have a boating safety certificate and be at least 14 years old.
If you are a visitor to New York, your home state's boating safety certificate will be accepted as long as the course was approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
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Age requirements for boating in New York
In New York, you must be at least ten years old and accompanied by an adult to operate a boat. To operate a personal watercraft in New York, you must be 14 or older and have completed a boating safety course.
In 2024, if you were born on or after January 1, 1978, you need a boating safety certificate when operating a motorized vessel. By January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized boat in New York State must obtain a boating safety certificate to operate their boats legally, regardless of age.
The age requirements for obtaining a boating safety certificate in accordance with Brianna’s Law are as follows:
- Anyone born after January 1, 1993, was required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2020
- Anyone born after January 1, 1988, was required to get a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2022
- Persons born after January 1, 1983, needed to get a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2023
- Anyone born after January 1, 1978, was required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2024
- People of all ages will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2025
It is important to note that the boating safety certificate is valid for life and has no annual renewal fee.
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Boat license requirements in Hawaii
In Hawaii, a boating license is not the same as a Boater Education Certificate. To operate a boat in Hawaii, you need to pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card.
The Hawaii Boating Safety Course is the only free online boating safety course approved by the Hawaii Division of Boating and Recreation for recreational vessel operation. This course is recognised by the U.S. Coast Guard and approved by NASBLA (the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and your state boating agency.
The Boat Ed course is another Hawaii-approved online boating course. It costs $44.95 and is also approved and accepted by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Hawaii Boating Safety Course
To get your Hawaii boating certificate, you must:
- Enrol in a Boating Safety Course from the Course Catalog.
- Print out your certificate of completion for free.
- Get a Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources-approved, waterproof plastic card for $15 (optional).
Boat Ed
To get your Boater Education Certificate through Boat Ed, you must:
- Sign up for a Boat Ed student account.
- Pay for the official, state-approved course.
- Study and pass the course at your own pace.
- Take the exam.
- Print your temporary boating license.
Hawaii Boating Requirements
In Hawaii, all motorized boat operators are required by law to pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card. This requirement applies to all vessels with motors greater than 10HP.
PWC operators must be at least 15 years of age or older, complete an online course, and take an additional approved boater safety course from an accredited institution of higher learning. They must also carry their boating license on board.
Regarding thrill craft, all recreational thrill craft operators (including PWC operators) must have a certificate of completion from an accredited institution of higher education on the safe use and operation of a thrill craft. No person under 15 years of age shall operate a thrill craft.
Boating Safety
While this might seem like just "one more thing" you need to keep with you on the boat, along with safety equipment and life jackets, it's important to stay safe and legal on the water.
In the same way that your driver's license can be suspended, your boating privileges can be revoked if you're found boating irresponsibly. Some boating offences include failure to report a boating accident, boating while intoxicated, and operating the boat recklessly.
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Boat license requirements in Wisconsin
Water-based outdoor activities are among the most popular recreational activities in Wisconsin. The state's abundant water resources offer a wide variety of recreation options, from high-speed motorboating to lounging at the beach. Approximately 2.5 million Wisconsin residents participate in boating, beach-going, or swimming in a lake or stream.
If you're looking to join them by operating a boat in Wisconsin, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the requirements to obtain a boat license in the state:
Age Requirements:
To operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) in Wisconsin, you must be at least 12 years old. Additionally, Wisconsin state law requires individuals born on or after January 1, 1989, to obtain a boating safety certification to operate a motorboat or PWC in the state.
Boating Safety Course:
To obtain your boating license in Wisconsin, you must complete a boating safety course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Wisconsin DNR, offering an online course that covers PWC-specific rules and regulations, safe PWC operation, and Wisconsin boating laws. The course can be taken at your own pace and is fully mobile-friendly, allowing you to complete it on any device.
Boating Safety Certification:
Upon completing the boating safety course, you will obtain your boating safety education certification, also known as your boating license. This certification serves as proof that you have successfully completed all the necessary education requirements. You can print a temporary boating safety education certificate immediately after passing the course and will be able to print the permanent certificate from the Wisconsin DNR website after the first day of the next month.
Registration and Decals:
In addition to obtaining your boating license, there are a few other requirements to operate a boat in Wisconsin. You must register your boat with the DNR and receive a certificate of registration and current decals. The assigned registration number and expiration decals must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the boat, with the number at least 3 inches high in block letters and clearly visible. The certificate of number, which is combined with the certificate of registration in Wisconsin, must also be carried onboard for inspection at all times.
Exceptions:
It's important to note that there are some exceptions to the boat registration requirement in Wisconsin. Sailboats 12 feet in length or less and not equipped with a motor, sailboards, and manually propelled boats that are not equipped with a motor or sail are exempt from registration. Additionally, boats registered in another state can use Wisconsin waters for up to 60 consecutive days without registering in the state.
By following these requirements and obtaining your boating license, you can confidently and safely enjoy your boating experience in Wisconsin!
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Boat license requirements in Virginia
In the state of Virginia, there are specific requirements that must be met to obtain a boat license. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the boat license requirements in Virginia:
Age Requirements:
To operate a boat in Virginia, individuals must meet certain age criteria. All Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators aged 14 and above are required to take a boating safety course. It is important to note that no person under the age of 14 is permitted to operate a PWC. For those who are 14 and 15 years old, proof of completing an approved boating safety course is mandatory. This can be done either through a classroom setting or online.
Boat Safety Course:
In Virginia, all operators of motorboats with an engine of 10 horsepower (hp) or greater, regardless of age, are mandated to take a boating safety course. This requirement was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007 and came into effect in 2016. The course completion certificate or card provided by the course provider is essential to operate a vessel legally.
Obtaining the Boater Education Card:
Upon successful completion of the boating safety course, individuals will receive a temporary boating certificate, enabling them to start boating right away. However, to obtain the permanent Boater Education Card, also known as the "Virginia Boater Education Card," individuals must wait for it to arrive in the mail within 3 to 5 weeks. This card serves as proof of fulfilling all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Carrying the Boater Education Card:
It is important to carry the Boater Education Card while operating a vessel. Enforcement officers may inspect this card at any time to ensure compliance with the boating regulations.
Exemptions:
It is worth noting that certain individuals are exempt from taking a boating safety course. These include licensed vessel operators (Master, Captain, or Mate) issued by the United States Coast Guard, Virginia Registered Commercial Fishermen, and surface warfare officers/specialists in the United States Navy, among others. These individuals must carry their respective documentation while operating a recreational vessel.
Reciprocity:
Virginia recognizes boating education cards from other states, territories, and provinces that meet NASBLA requirements, as well as Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements. This reciprocity allows boaters with valid cards from other jurisdictions to operate vessels in Virginia without needing to obtain a separate Virginia boat license.
Staying Informed:
It is always a good idea to stay updated with the latest boating regulations and safety guidelines. Checking for any changes or updates to the boat license requirements in Virginia will help ensure that you remain compliant and safe while enjoying your time on the water.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are. In California, for example, you need a Boater Card (also known as a boating license) if you're 35 or younger and operating a motorized vessel. From January 1, 2025, all boat operators in California, regardless of age, will be required to get certified. In Texas, you must be at least 13 years old and pass a boater education course, while in Florida, the minimum age is 14.
The best way to learn is by taking a boater safety course and getting your boating license. You can take a course online or in a classroom, depending on your state's requirements.
Knowing the rules of the waterways is the safest way to boat. Taking a boating safety course will teach you critical safety information, navigation rules, and etiquette to protect you, your friends and family, and other boaters.
If you're caught boating without a license, you may face a fine. In California, for example, you can be fined for not carrying your Boater Education Card while operating a vessel. Additionally, your boating privileges can be revoked if you're found to be boating irresponsibly, even if you have a license.
