Taking a boating safety course is one of the smartest things you can do before you head out on the water. In most states, it's not just a good idea — it's the law. Whether you're a first-time boat owner or a seasoned captain who wants to brush up on the rules, knowing your state's requirements is the first step.

This guide covers every U.S. state, what the law requires, and where to find an approved course. We've done the research so you don't have to. Bookmark this page and share it with anyone in your crew who needs to get certified before the season starts.

 

Why Boating Safety Courses Matter

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of boating accidents involve operators who never completed a safety course. Many of these accidents are preventable. A good boating safety course teaches you how to read navigational aids, handle emergencies, operate a boat in bad weather, understand right-of-way rules, and properly equip your vessel with required safety gear.

Beyond safety, there are real practical benefits to getting certified. Many boat insurance companies offer premium discounts to boaters who complete an approved course. If you plan to boat in multiple states, holding a NASBLA-approved certificate from your home state will typically be recognized everywhere you go under reciprocity agreements.

The two most widely accepted course providers across all states are Boat Ed (boat-ed.com) and the BoatUS Foundation (boatus.org). Both offer state-approved online courses. The BoatUS Foundation course is free. Many states also have their own official courses through state fish and wildlife or parks agencies, which we've linked where applicable.

 

Boating Safety Course Requirements by State

The information below reflects requirements as of early 2025. Laws change, so always verify current requirements with your state agency before heading out. Requirements listed are for motorized vessel operators unless otherwise noted.

Alabama

Required for: Anyone 12 years of age or older who operates a motorized vessel.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/alabama/

Alaska

Required for: Alaska does not currently mandate boating education, but a NASBLA-approved certificate is strongly recommended and allows you to legally boat in states that do require it.

Voluntary course: https://www.boat-ed.com/alaska/

Arizona

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel of 8 hp or more, and all PWC operators regardless of age.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/arizona/

Arkansas

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who operates a motorized vessel.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/arkansas/

California

Required for: As of January 1, 2025, ALL motorized vessel operators regardless of age must complete an approved course and obtain a California Boater Card.

Official state resource: https://www.californiaboatercard.com/

Also approved: https://www.boatus.org/california

Colorado

Required for: Anyone under the age of 18 who operates a motorized vessel. As of June 1, 2024, the age threshold was raised from 16 to 18.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/colorado/

Connecticut

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel. All PWC operators must be at least 16 and hold a safety certificate.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/connecticut/

Delaware

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978, who operates a motorized vessel.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/delaware/

Florida

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more.

Official state resource: https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses/

Free online course: https://www.boatus.org/florida

Georgia

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel. All PWC operators must be at least 16 and hold a safety certificate.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/georgia/

Hawaii

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1990, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 15 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/hawaii/

Idaho

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1983, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more or a PWC. Must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/idaho/

Illinois

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must hold a safety certificate and be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/illinois/

Indiana

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 15 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/indiana/

Iowa

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/iowa/

Kansas

Required for: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1989, who operates a motorized vessel of 50 hp or more or a PWC. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/kansas/

Kentucky

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1999, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/kentucky/

Louisiana

Required for: Anyone born on or after September 1, 1984, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 16 years old and hold a safety certificate.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/louisiana/

Maine

Required for: As of January 1, 2024, anyone born on or after January 1, 1999, who operates a motorized vessel with more than 25 horsepower. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/maine/

Maryland

Required for: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 16 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/

Massachusetts

Required for: All PWC operators must be at least 16 and hold a certificate. Children under 12 may not operate any motorized boat without adult supervision. Adults operating motorboats are currently not required to hold a certificate, though legislation has been considered.

Course option: https://www.boatus.org/massachusetts

Michigan

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1999, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 16 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/michigan/

Minnesota

Required for: Beginning July 1, 2025, anyone born on or after July 1, 2004, must hold a watercraft operator's permit. The requirement will expand in stages through 2028.

Official state resource: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

Mississippi

Required for: Anyone born on or after June 1, 1980, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/mississippi/

Missouri

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1984, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/missouri/

Montana

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/montana/

Nebraska

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more, and all PWC operators regardless of age.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/nebraska/

Nevada

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1983, who operates a motorized vessel of 15 hp or more, and all PWC operators regardless of age.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/nevada/

New Hampshire

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, who operates a motorized vessel of 25 hp or more, and all PWC operators regardless of age.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

New Jersey

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978, who operates a motorized vessel. All PWC operators regardless of age. Must be at least 16 to operate a PWC.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/newjersey/

New Mexico

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1987, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 13 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/newmexico/

New York

Required for: As of January 1, 2025, ALL motorized vessel operators regardless of age must hold a boating safety certificate under Brianna's Law. PWC operators must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/newyork/

Free course option: https://www.boatus.org/newyork

North Carolina

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/northcarolina/

North Dakota

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1979, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/northdakota/

Ohio

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/ohio/

Oklahoma

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/oklahoma/

Oregon

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1984, who operates a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 16 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/oregon/

Pennsylvania

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/pennsylvania/

Rhode Island

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 15 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/rhodeisland/

South Carolina

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 16 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/southcarolina/

South Dakota

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/southdakota/

Tennessee

Required for: Anyone born after January 1, 1989, who operates a motorized vessel. Note: Those born after this date must pass an in-person exam administered by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. An online study guide is available to prepare.

Study guide: https://www.boat-ed.com/tennessee/

Texas

Required for: Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a motorized vessel of 15 hp or more. Must be at least 13 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/texas/

Utah

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/utah/

Vermont

Required for: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1983, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/vermont/

Virginia

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel. Must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/virginia/

Washington

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1980, who operates a motorized vessel of 15 hp or more. Must be at least 12 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/washington/

West Virginia

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Must be at least 16 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/westvirginia/

Wisconsin

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, who operates a motorized vessel of more than 10 hp or a PWC. Must complete a course before age 16.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/wisconsin/

Wyoming

Required for: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1990, who operates a motorized vessel of 15 hp or more. Must be at least 14 years old.

Official course: https://www.boat-ed.com/wyoming/

Nationwide Course Resources

Not sure where to start? These two nationally recognized platforms offer NASBLA-approved courses accepted in most states:

Boat Ed (boat-ed.com): The most widely used state-specific boating education provider in the country. Courses are developed in partnership with state boating agencies and are fully approved. Most courses cost around $30-$40 and can be completed on any device. Visit https://www.boat-ed.com/ and select your state.

BoatUS Foundation (boatus.org): Offers the only FREE online boating safety course in the country, developed for specific states. An optional donation helps keep the course free. Visit https://www.boatus.org/free to find your state's free course.

This guide pulls information from across the internet. It is not legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidelines your area, check your state and local boating laws.