Do I need a boaters license to drive a boat?

Asked by: Anne Heyward

Over 70% of the U.S. requires a Boater Safety Education Card to operate recreational boats and PWCs. States that mandate the successful completion of the course issue a card. This card must be on board the vessel and available for inspection upon request by enforcement officers.

What is required to operate a boat in NY?

If you are a New York resident, you will need to have a NYS boating safety certificate; if you are from out-of-state, New York recognizes the boating safety certificate issued by your home state. Persons may rent and operate a motor boat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate.

Do you need a boating license in MA If you’re over 18?

Massachusetts law requires all motorboat operators who are 12 through 15 years of age to complete an approved boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Also, all PWC operators who are 16 or 17 years of age or older must complete an approved boating course.

What is required to operate a boat in NC?

Who needs the North Carolina Boater Education Card? All boaters born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a North Carolina Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more. BOATERexam.com^® is a delegated provider for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Do I need a boat license in Ontario?

Unlike driving a car, you do not need a driver’s license or a boater’s license to operate a pleasure craft. What you really need is a Canada PCOC. This card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course that is required for pleasure craft operators in Ontario and other provinces.

Do I need a boaters license in NY?

By January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized boat in New York State must obtain a boating safety certificate in order to legally operate their boats. There are no age exceptions to this law — and, if you’re from out of state, New York will recognize your boating safety course certification.

How much is a boating license in NY?

You can obtain your New York State Boating Safety Certificate in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the New York Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam.

Can anyone drive a boat in Massachusetts?

No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat, unless accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older. Personal watercraft (PWC) users must still be at least 16 years of age in order to operate, with no exceptions.

How long does a MA boating license last?

The boater education certificate in California is often called a “boating license.” While the certificate is often called a California boating license, the certification does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

Is boat insurance required in Massachusetts?

A: The state of Massachusetts does not require insurance on a boat before registering. It is entirely up to the boat owner whether or not the boat is insured.

Who can drive a boat in Ontario?

No children under 12 years of age can operate a powerboat with a more than 10 horsepower engine. Youths, aged 12 to 15 may only operate a boat with a motor up to 40 horsepower unsupervised. Operators must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or Sea Doo.

What size boat requires a license in Ontario?

All motorized boats and PWCs in Canada powered by a motor of 10 hp or more are required to have a Pleasure Craft License. You can obtain a 10 year license for free from the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre.

How much is a boat license in Ontario?

Complete the online course and only pay $28.99(plus taxes)
After completing the timed course, you’ll advance to the timed Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. No need to worry, if you don’t pass your first time. After 24 hours, you’ll have one more attempt to pass the test.

Can a 12 year old drive a boat in Ontario?

Age limit to get your boating license
Youth under 16 years of age may not operate boats with motors over certain horsepower limits unless someone 16 years of age or older is in the boat and directly supervising them. Youth under 16 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) under any circumstances.

Do you need insurance on a boat in Ontario?

In Ontario, there is no law that requires you to carry insurance on your boat. However, there are still many reasons to have insurance in place. Many marinas will require proof of insurance if you’d like to store your watercraft at their facility.