If you want to legally operate a boat, the requirements for a boater's license varies from state to state. Our Bakers Marine guide to boating licenses will help you through it. First, only one state (Alabama) offers an actual boat license.
A boating license or boater's license are terms used to describe a boating safety certificate offered by some states, or a boater education card issued by other states.
A boater education card proves that you completed your state's official boating safety course.
State by State
Boating licensing requirements are different from state to state. All U.S. states require boater education, with the exception of Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas and Maine.
In California, the California Department of Boating and Waterway requires boaters of specific ages to have a California Vessel Operator Card, or CVOC. In 2021, people 40 years old or younger were required to have a CVOC.
By 2025, all people (regardless of age) will need a CVOC to operate a boat on California waters.
In Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is in charge of boater licensing, i.e., boating education cards. Boater education requirements in Texas affect all boaters born on or after Sept. 1, 1993. Completion of a Texas Parks and Wildlife-certified boater education course is recommended for older boaters. Proof of completion of the requirements to obtain a vessel operator's license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard satisfies the requirement for completing a boater education course in Texas.
For New York boating licenses, the boating education laws are under the oversight of the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Restoration Department.
For personal watercraft, all operators of all ages must complete an approved course in boater education.
When it comes to motorboats, all individuals born on or after May 1, 1996, are required to complete an approved course in boater education to operate a motorboat in New York.
For Minnesota rules, see Minnesota's guide to boater regulations. For boating education and other boater rules in Wisconsin, download the Handbook of Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities.
Find the state government agency in your state that oversees boating to learn about boating education requirements, and about reciprocity from state to state.
A Guide to Public Boating Courses
To find a public boating course near you that's one of the many offered nationally, consult the U.S. Coast Guard's boating course directory. This handy online source allows you to type in your zip code to find the closest boating education course.
About Boating Safely courses are offered to all boaters, while BS&S (Boating Skills & Seamanship) is offered to power boaters. GPS for Mariners is available nationally to all boaters. KNPC (Kids and Paddle Craft Variable) courses are for 6- to 10-year-olds. Sign up for SSS-I (Boating Safety for Inland Boating), or SSS-K (Lines and Knots) for all boaters.
Use our free resource guide to all-things boats at Bakes Online to learn more about boating, boat maintenance and equipment technical specifications, and boat parts installation.