• Get Your Boating License! http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/practice/quiz.aspx. ), Water activities (PWCs, water-skiing, paddle sports, towed devices, wake sports, diving and snorkeling, etc. What should a power boat approaching a sail boat in darkness do? Other states may not require any licenses at all. How can you help someone recover from hypothermia? Check with your local state or government to learn more about the requirements. Youth 12-15 can operate a boat of 10 hp or less without an adult. You may also be asked questions regarding the proper treatment of hypothermia. You can get a USCG captain’s license through Mariners Learning System by taking our U.S. Coast Guard-approved course and then completing your Coast Guard boating exam at one of our testing centers. The legislation stipulates that it is the nationality of the ship that designates the legal status. Excellent way obtain the boating license. A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels. Your license will likely be a small card, similar to a driver's license. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. How to Get a Certificate to Operate a Vessel Take a Class. Step One: Complete a boating safety course For any power motorboat operation on tidal waters, you must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) to receive a … You’ll need to check with your state to find the right agency. Get ready to go boating! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. For example, New York state generally charges around $10.00 per course. Boat licensing is done on a state level and you will need to research your state's requirements. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Get a fishing license (Department of Fish and Wildlife) Use the WILD System to buy your license online. How to get a boating license depends on what type of course the boater would like to enroll in. The best and most convenient way to get your boating license! Take the 3 hour boat safety and licensing course online, complete the 75 minute online TC exam, that’s it. Well organized and great ability to complete at your own... Nelson H. 1 days ago. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Look on a state level. Some states won't require a license if you are using a non-motor driven boat. Study all available material before taking your exam. A boating license is different from a captain’s license, so it’s important not to use these terms interchangeably. Youth 12-15 may operate a boat of more than 10 hp if accompanied by an adult 16 or older (18 or older for personal watercraft) who has a boater education card. The type of licence you’ll need depends on the type of vessel you plan to drive. Youth ages 11 and under cannot operate a motorboat. Although most people may call it a license, states and educators usually reference the legal document as a boating certificate or card. Where should you place a fire extinguisher on your boat? To learn how to pick the right boating class for your needs, keep reading! Please note that we can replace your lost or damaged boating license only if you have successfully passed your boating exam with us or if you have sufficient proof that you have passed your boating exam with another course provider. This section will help you navigate through license terminology, guide you toward license age information for your state, direct you to a state-approved boating course, and outline reasons to take a boat license test. If you want to operate a boat or jet ski under the age of 18, you will need to obtain a boating license. As of January 1, 2018, California began a phase-in-by-age law that requires all boat and PWC operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry the California boater card. How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer, Top 10 New Fishing Boats for Under $20,000, What Type is Right for You? First, you must be at least 12 years old to take the exam. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. We’ll get you through the process from start to finish. BOATERexam.com ® is the largest issuer of the PCOC in Canada, offering the most convenient way to get your Canadian boat licence. A boater education certificate serves as proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. boat.wa.gov (Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office) The 1-stop portal for boating education, weather and tides, fishing licenses, and more. Find out whether you need a licence, and which type you’ll need. Do you need a Boating License in Michigan? The master license lets you carry more than 6 passengers on a boat that is inspected under USCG commercial inspection standards. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You may not need to have a license or register something like a canoe or kayak. If you clear the boating license test, then you can take pleasure from boating lawfully. By using our site, you agree to our. Boaters who are born after a certain date are exempt from the education policy and can operate boats without formal certification. Registration is free and simple. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. The first step is to go back to the company, organization or agency who issued your boating license or boating certificate. Thank you very much wikiHow's. There are practice exams available on-line. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-1.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-2.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-3.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-4.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-5.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-6.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-7.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-8.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-9.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-10.jpg\/aid5566375-v4-728px-Get-Your-Boating-License-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If you can’t remember their name or they are no longer in business, the next step is to contact your state’s boating office to see if they have a copy of your boating license or boating certificate on file. The requirements for a boating license vary by state, but all boaters can benefit from taking a boating safety course. Your class should help prepare you for the exam, which will cover topics like boat safety, personal safety, and best boating practices. You don’t have to complete the entire course at one sitting; you can com… The BoatUS Foundationoffers free boating license courses for 35 states. Print your online course completion document. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Get ready to go boating! What side of your boat should you pass red markers on? # Apply for the boating license. In the majority of states, getting your boating license entails more work than waiting in line at the DMV. Since a boater education card or certificate never expires and never needs to be renewed, it is not considered to be a boating license. Get started and on your way to becoming a safe and smart boater! Online courses provide lectures and tests in the same way in-class lectures do. The boating license’s ultimate guide for sailing abroad The international boating license question. To help you prepare and see if you're ready for the test, take the marine licence and PWC endorsement practice tests (External link) . Get an annual or 1-day pass to enjoy state parks, water-access points, and trails. Successfully pass the boating license test at the end of the course. Follow these simple steps to get your boating license: Research the boater education requirements for your state. Get your California Boater Card. How to get a boating license is decided on a state by state basis as there is no national legislation for licensing requirements. Where to get a boating license Certifying agencies vary by state and go by different names: department of natural resources, parks and wildlife division, department of fish and game, or boating and waterways bureau. Many states will require on-line or in-person classes. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Alabama Driver License Division, Operator Certification Section, P.O. References. If a state does require an additional boating license, it is awarded separately from the safety certificate. Start the Course. boats.com is part of the Boats Group Network. You can study and take your boating exam completely online, print out a Temporary Card to get on the water right away, and become certified for life! You should know what to do while boating in stormy weather. Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. Do you need to replace your boating license / Pleasure Craft Operator Card? I learned a lot. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Approved boating safety courses are offered throughout the year around the state. Last Updated: September 15, 2020 % of people told us that this article helped them. The state may also charge an administrative fee. Katelyn A. The card is good for life and is enforceable. Your state will have their own website for in-person classes. If you lose the card, each state or certifying body has a procedure for replacement, usually for a nominal fee. Boating safety certification courses are standard, but online classes often help lighten the burden. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,488 times. So, once you get a license, be sure to keep up-to-date with boating laws and any new license renewal licenses. You will get a printed marine licence indicator receipt showing you have a recreational marine driver licence and/or personal watercraft licence. There is no minimum age to take the exam to obtain the pleasure craft operator card (PCOC). She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com. Be ready to pay a fee to take the course and get your license. Kyle H. 7 days ago. Rated 4.7 based on 11239 customers reviews. A boating license or boating education certificate is proof that you have completed a boater safety certificate. Boaters are required to carry their boater education certificate as proof of boater education. Research your state’s requirements by going to the DMV’s website. Get boater certified in 3 steps. ). You need to carry your license or boating education card with you while boating. For example, you may be asked which side is the port side of a boat. Ohio Boater Safety Course In Ohio, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft in order to operate a motorized vessel with greater than 10 hp. The online boating education or license course for most states is administered by a third party, and there may be a course fee of $29 to $50 dollars, which is usually paid after you’ve successfully completed the course. You can book an appointment to undertake the knowledge test and apply for your licence, at a service centre. The online course is designed to take about three hours to complete, and is set up in sections or chapters. Study and pass the $29.50 online course. Study and pass the $29.50 course, pay a $10.00 state fee, and pay a $5.00 PFBC admin fee. Various third-party organizations are available in the state. 3 days ago. Many states offer on-line boating courses, in addition to in-class courses. If you are interested in running a boat or ski jet you must have a boating license. To learn how to pick the right boating class for your needs, keep reading! Passing a boating safety course will give you a discount on boat insurance and will increase your water safety skills. You can get a boater education certificate by taking a boat safety course with Boat Ed. Copyright © 1999-2020 Boats Group. It is also common for states to forgo the licensing process and to instead require residents to complete a state-approved boating program before operating most types of water vessels. Print your online course completion document. ), Safe boating operation (homeland security measures, influence of drugs and alcohol, navigation rules, etc. In some european countries for … You can get your PCOC by taking an in-person or online course and successfully completing the exam. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requires a minimum of three hours of study time excluding quizzes and exams. This article has been viewed 25,488 times. 2 days ago. ). Operating a boat or jet ski without a license under the age of 18 is illegal. The exam will ask you questions that assess how much you know about boats and boating. There are currently only five (5) US states that require a boating license for recreational craft. Under 18 people cannot run a boat or ski jet because it’s unlawful. Follow the link below to find out more information about Boat License requirements. Not all states require you to have a boating license. ), Trip planning and preparation (filing a float plan, fueling procedures, pre-departure checklist, etc. If you want to drive a boat or jet ski and are under the age of 18, you’ll need to get your boating license. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. A2: It is an endorsement on your New Jersey Driver’s License or ID card that allows you to operate a vessel on non-tidal waters. Having armed yourself with the necessary boat safety skills, time is now ripe for you to apply for the boating license. To get a boating license, it’s necessary to have knowledge about its course and get through a test. A boating license is essentially proof that you have passed some requirements (usually education-based) that qualify you to operate a boat or PWC (personal watercraft). In some states, you just print out proof of having passed the exam. Boat License Practice Test. What you need to get a boat licence Before you buy a boat licence you will need: Boat insurance A Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate What we mean by ‘boat’: All types and size of boat with or without a motor, ie, a river boat, canal boat or houseboat Start the Course. If you have a valid Queensland driver licence, we will send you a new licence in the mail with your Queensland marine licence type/s printed on the back. To register for the class, you’ll need to pay a fee, which varies from state to state. Boating is Alive & Well in New Jersey On The Water - Go Boating NJ Video. In order to get a boating license you will need to find a course, take a class, and pass a test. Pennsylvania law requires all PWC operators to have boater education and to carry a boater education card. It follows by presenting your credentials to the relevant authorities. Youth must be 12 or older to get a boater education card. http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/boat-registration.php, http://www.dmv.org/me-maine/boat-registration.php, http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx, http://www.boaterexam.com/safety/practice-quiz.aspx, http://parks.state.wa.us/442/Mandatory-Boater-Education, https://www.boat-ed.com/texas/boating_law.html, http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state-boating-laws.php, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Boating license requirements vary by state. it was nice to be able to complete a course online in my own time. To put it simply, a boat flying the French flag that sails in foreign waters will be subject to French regulations. What is a boating license, how to get it, and other boating education information you should know to be legal and safe. After completing the training, you can complete a boat licence application form. Get an annual or 1-day pass to enjoy state parks, water-access points, and trails. Some states have exceptions for vessels without motors. A boating license is issued by the state’s motor vehicle regulatory department, as opposed to a boater safety card, which is awarded by various state agencies tasked with regulating boating safety. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. ), Emergency preparedness (man overboard, cold water immersion, fire emergencies, on-water assistance, etc. All rights reserved. This was a great course and very easy to understand! Get boater certified in 3 steps. Who needs a boating license? After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase, for $10.00, a Type 600 boating safety exam permit from any business (license agent) that sells hunting and fishing licenses (WalMart sporting goods, bait stores, marinas, etc.). Most students will complete online courses in less than six hours. Reviews Official boating safety course. If you want to be the captain of a commercial boat carrying more than six passengers, it is necessary to get a 25-ton, 50-ton, or 100-ton license. Get a fishing license (Department of Fish and Wildlife) Use the WILD System to buy your license online. Heading out to the cottage? NOTE: Boating course certificates or motorboat operator’s license must be presented to the license examiner at the time of making an application. This license can be issued as a 25, 50, or 100-ton master captain’s license. What size boat requires a captain’s license Technically speaking, a “boating license” is for operators of “pleasure crafts,” which are marine vessels used exclusively for personal enjoyment.