State Boater Education Card Courses: Your Questions Answered
Keep reading to find answers to all your questions about state boating cards, certificates, licenses and courses. Meeting your state’s requirements is probably easier than you think!
What’s a boater card for?
A boater card demonstrates that the operator understands safe boating practices and regulations in their state and across the USA. You have to pass an approved boater safety course to get a boater card.
Is a boater education card a boating license?
The terms ‘boater education card’ and ‘boating license’ are often used interchangeably. They both refer to a boater card, which is issued to the holder once they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course.
What do I do with my boater card while boating?
Once you have the card, you have to carry it with you (and usually a piece of ID as well) every time you operate a vessel, and have it available for inspection by law enforcement. Otherwise, you could be heavily fined.
Who needs a boating license/boater card?
Although it is always recommended, not all states require a boater education card. Out of 50 states, 36 states have mandated some form of educational requirements for operating a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on state waters, and others are currently phasing in these requirements.
For example, California is gradually implementing its boater card requirement based on age, with full implementation for all ages by 2025.
In states that do require boater education, the requirements can differ based on various factors. For example, there are often exemptions. Common exemptions include operators of rental vessels, non-residents operating a vessel temporarily in the state, persons operating a vessel during an organized regatta or race, commercial fishermen and certain licensed mariners. Always check with your local state authorities to find out what type of permit you need for boating activities.
What’s the difference between a boat license and a boating license?
A boat license and a boating license are not the same thing, even though the terms do get used interchangeably sometimes. Boat licensing and registering are administrative tasks related to the boat itself, not the operator. A boating license, on the other hand, is the boater card that is awarded to the boat operator.
Can you operate a boat if you have a driver’s license?
No, a driver’s license does not qualify you to legally operate a boat in any state in the USA.
Your driver’s license is a piece of ID that has to be renewed, and allows you to operate a specific type of vehicle such as a car or truck; a boating license is different, as it is not an official piece of ID, does not need to be renewed, and can only qualify you to operate a motorized pleasure craft if you meet state-specific age requirements.
Are boater card requirements the same in every state?
Many states require boaters to complete an official and certified boater education course. Requirements vary by state, based on factors such as:
- The operator’s age
- The type of vessel being operated
- The engine power of the boat
Browse our site to learn more about your state’s specific boating laws.
Do boating licenses transfer between states?
The card is recognized across states that have mandatory boater education requirements, meaning that a card issued in one state is generally accepted in others that follow the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) guidelines. If you aren’t sure, contact your card provider or the Parks Department for the state where you intend to go boating.
Can I get a boater card without taking a boat safety course?
No, you need to take a boating safety course to get your boater card. Taking the course proves that you have learned what you need to know about boat safety, including emergency procedures, safety equipment, rules of the road, buoys and markers, and more. Courses can usually be completed in a few hours, and many providers, like Drive A Boat USA, offer lessons 100% online.
Can I get a boater card without taking a test?
No, all states require that you take a test. Passing the test proves that you know the boating safety rules in your state. The test can be taken online, with unlimited retries, and as soon as you pass, you will be issued a temporary certificate so you can go boating right away. Your card never has to be renewed, so you only have to pass the test once!
How can I get a state-specific boater card?
At Drive A Boat USA’ you can get your state-specific boater card in three easy steps:
Step 1: Complete the approved boating safety course
Step 2: Take the official boat test. Free unlimited retries!
Step 3: Apply for your state-specific Boater Card. For some states, this means applying to the state government department in charge of issuing the card. In other states, the card provider can do this on your behalf. No matter where you are, Drive A Boat USA will immediately issue you a temporary certificate once you have passed your exam, so you do not have to wait for your official card to take to the water.
Still have questions? Find out how to get your boating card in every state
Drive A Boat USA offers group and family discounts so you can complete your boating safety course and get your boating license at even better rates, no matter where in the US you live. You can even give a friend or loved one the gift of certification with a gift card.
Sign up to take the boater safety course in California, Florida or New York today! You’ll get access to videos, lessons and a complete study guide so you can pass the test and get your boater card as soon as possible.