How To Get A Jet Ski License

Frequently Asked Questons (FAQ)

What Is a Boating License?

The proper term is "boater education certificate," often referred to as a "boating license." A boater education certificate serves as proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. Since a boater education card or certificate never expires and never needs to be renewed, it is not considered to be a boating license.

You can get a boater education certificate by taking a boat safety course with Boat Ed. Because each safety course has boating laws and regulations specific to that state, visit your state's approved course to find out if you need the card in order to legally get on the water.

All you really need to operate safely and legally on state and federal waters is boater education. To get on the water as soon as possible, you can complete a boating license safety course on boat-ed.com with minimal time and effort, as well as with the comfort that comes from knowing you are taking a course that is officially approved by the agency responsible for boating safety in your state. With Boat Ed, you can complete an online boating safety course at your own pace and on any device. All courses are mobile-ready, which means that completing your course can be fast, easy, and entirely at your convenience.

Why Is Boater Education Important?

In the United States alone, more than 40 states have educational requirements that must be completed before you can operate a recreational vessel or personal watercraft on state waters. State law enforcement officers and boater safety agencies enforce education requirements to make sure everyone's nautical experience is both pleasant and safe. Cooperate with them by following the boating laws and regulations found in your state's approved boating license safety course, and carry your boater education certificate on board your vessel in case an enforcement officer asks to inspect it.

Even if your state does not require boaters to complete a boating license safety course before taking to the water, boating safety education can save lives and reduce accidents on the water. Boat Ed's safety content, live-action videos, and up-to-date animations can help you learn about responsible boat operation and the rules of the waterways so that you can keep yourself and your passengers safe while boating. An educated boater is a safer boater.

What if I Don't Live in the United States, but I Want to Learn Boating Safety?

Boat Ed resources and educational materials have been developed in conjunction with boating safety experts and state boating safety agencies throughout the United States. State courses are recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and approved by both the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the agency responsible for boating safety in that state.

Boat Ed has also been accredited by Transport Canada to offer a boating safety course and administer tests for the issuance of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), including replacement cards, for Canadian boaters. The Boat Canada course is offered nationwide and has been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and NASBLA.

All states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements. (This is known as "reciprocity.")

Why Should I Take My Boating Safety Course With Boat Ed?

Kalkomey Enterprises

Boat Ed is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC., a print and online provider of recreational safety education, and is dedicated to providing print and Internet boating education courses and certification across North America.

Boat Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America.