U.S. States & NASBLA Approved Boating License and USCG Approved Captain’s License Programs Online
The requirements for obtaining a Boating License or Boater Education Card in the United States vary from state to state. Many states require boating education courses for specific age groups to operate a boat or personal watercraft. Some states require boaters to obtain a boating license or card after completing a state-approved boating safety course.
This license is a card one must carry while operating a boat, and typically for young boaters or those operating boats without adult supervision. In a few states, there may be no mandatory boating education requirement. But they still recommend everybody to take a boating safety course to enhance their knowledge and skills on the water.
The U.S. federal regulations require that you need a license if you carry six or more paying passengers. A USCG Captain's License is a certification issued by the United States Coast Guard that grants individuals the authority to operate vessels for commercial purposes or carry passengers for hire. It is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates the holder's competency and qualifications to assume command and responsibility of a vessel.
The USCG Captain's License is not limited to a specific type or size of the vessel. It applies to various maritime operations, including commercial fishing, charter boat services, tour and excursion boats, ferry operations, and more.
We have selected two prominent Boating License online training providers for their quality of training content and ease at which you may get your licenses online - BoatTests101 for states boating license & Mariners Learning System (MLS) for USCG Captain's License.
Boating & Captain’s License Online
USCG Captain's License Programs
Mariners Learning System (MLS) provides U.S. Coast Guard Certified Licensing Courses with their flexible online training. The MLS content is comparable to that found in face-to-face classrooms in terms of materials covered. It surpasses classroom learning by listening to audio lectures, watching training videos, or reading companion workbook. You also have access to online instructors 24x7 or you can call toll free to the staff during normal business hours.
- OUPV 6-Pack Captai's License: The Six-Pack captain's license, also known as the OUPV license, is a designation awarded by the United States Coast Guard that allows the holder to take up to six paying passengers and crew out on the water..
- 25, 50, or 100 Ton Master Captain's License: 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.
- MLS Boat Recreational Programs: Mariners Crew, Mariners Skipper, Mariners Master Skipper of Power, Mariners Master Skipper of Sail, and Mariners Master Skipper of Power and Sail Courses
U.S. States Boating License
BoatTests101 is a leading provider of boater education and safety across the United States. They provide official, government-approved boating courses and exams to obtain your boating license. All courses are approved by NASBLA, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the respective state or provincial body.
BoatTests101 State Licenses
California Boating License: Approved by California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways - To operate a motorized vessel in California, you will be required to have a California boating card. There is no minimum age to take the course or state residency.
Florida Boating License: Approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - All boat operators in Florida who were born on or after Jan 1, 1988, must have a Florida Boater Education I.D. Card to operate any motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more. Also check Florida Rental Temporary Boating License
Maine Boating License: Approved by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife - All boat operators 16 and 17 years of age must take and approve a safety education course before being able to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.
New York Boating License: Approved by New York Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation - All boaters born on or after May 1, 1996 are required to complete an approved boater education course to operate a watercraft. The minimum age to take the course is 10 and you do not need to be a resident of the state.
Other States Boating License: District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, West Virginia, and more.
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LAST UPDATED ON Aug 29, 2024