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The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is NOT Approved by Connecticut to satisfy the mandatory education requirements for boaters and PWC operators.
The courses below can be used as a refresher or study guide for an in person className or proctored exam. They can also qualify you for a premium discount on your BoatUS insurance policy.
How To Get Started:
First, Click Education Requirements above to verify state requirements and then click Certificate/Card Info to learn what options are available for your state.
For a brief tutorial and getting familiar with our new system click here.
Education Requirements:
Age Requirements:
The minimum age to operate a PWC alone is 16, as of 1 January 2004. This is for all Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) issued after December 31, 2003.
Course Information:
The BoatU.S. Online Course and other internet courses do not meet the Connecticut Education Requirements. The Boating Safety Education Certificate issued at the completion of this course is NOT recognized by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection or Connecticut on-water law enforcement officers. You must take an approved classNameroom-based course and possess an official Connecticut SBC or CPWO in order to operate! If you have any questions call DEP Marine Headquarters at (860) 434-8638.
Other Information:
Safe Boating Certificate (SBC): Any resident of the state of Connecticut or person owning real property or a boat required to be registered or numbered in the state must obtain a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) before operating any vessel required to be registered or numbered. Owner/operators of documented vessels or out-of-state registered vessels (not personal watercraft) may use Connecticut waters for no more than 60 days in a calendar year without obtaining a SBC or CPWO.
To obtain a SBC an individual must successfully complete an approved boating course, pass a written examination that is proctored, submit an application to the DEP accompanied by a fee of $25.00 OR successfully pass an equivalency exam ($25.00 fee) administered by the DEP. Any holder of a SBC or CPWO must have that certificate in their possession whenever operating a vessel. The SBC will allow the boater to operate any recrational vessel except a personal watercraft (PWC).
A SBC may be issued to any applicant regardless of age. Any boater less than 16 years old who possesses a SBC or CPWO may operate a boat up to 10 HP alone. To operate a boat over 10 HP, the child operator must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years of age) who also has held a SBC or CPWO for at least two years. This applies only to boats.
The minimum age to operate a PWC alone is 16, as of 1 January 2004. This is for all CPWO issued after December 31, 2003.
The SBC or CPWO is valid for the life of the person to whom it is issued. Anyone holding a current Master, Mate or Pilot license issued by the US Coast Guard may operate a recreational vessel (not a personal watercraft) without a SBC.
CPWO: A Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation will allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel including personal watercraft (jetski-style vessel). To obtain a CPWO an applicant must meet all requirements for a SBC and complete an approved course in personal watercraft (PWC) instruction, then make application with a $25.00 fee.
No person (under any circumstances) shall operate a PWC without having in his or her possession a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO)!
How Do I Get My Florida Card?
After you complete the course you will be issued a paper copy of your Certificate of Completion. This certificate can be used immediatly after you complete the course.
But What About the Card?
Your permanent Boater Education ID Card will be mailed to you by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 3-4 weeks.
Records are sent to the state automatically every day. Make sure that you type your name as you want it to show on your certificate along with a correct mailing address so you will receive your card in a timely fashion.
If you do not receive your card after 4 weeks, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-5600.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
If Your Card Has Been Lost or Damaged:
If you need to order a replacement card, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-5600.
Or visit their website at myfwc.com →
If you need another copy of your paper certificate, just login to your account and reprint your certificate from the link under the calendar on the My Account screen
If you took the course before August 1, 2010, to re-print your certificate at any time, follow these steps:
- Click on the course you originally took below. (If you cannot remember which course you took please call us at 800-245-2628)
- Enter you email address and first name (make sure you enter the email you used when you registered with the course originally).
- Click Get Previous Certificate and follow the prompts
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are some common questions asked about our FREE boating safety course.
- How much does the course cost?
The BoatU.S. Foundation is a free NASBLA approved course. When you finish, you can print your certificate on your own printer or order a printed paper certificate($8) or plastic card($13) for a fee. Some states will charge additional fees to issue you a permanent state ID verifying completion of a boating safety course. Be sure to read your state's Mandatory Eduation Requirements for more information.
- How do I print my certificate?
Figure A.
Figure B.
Instructions for Users With a Printer:
- Once you have completed all included lessons for a course you will be awarded a certificate of completion (if applicable) which you can print yourself from your My Account screen. It will appear on the left under the calendar as shown in the image (Figure A) above.
- Click on your state name to bring up your printing options (Figure B). To print a paper copy of your certificate click "Print Certificate".
- After you choose "Print Certificate", a separate window will pop-up and you may briefly see the certificate before it moves off screen and your print dialog appears. Then select your printer from the list and click OK. Do not assume that your certificate won't print just because you can't see it.
- How long is my certificate valid?
Your boating safety certificate will never expire. It is valid for life.
- I took the course a while ago, how do I re-print my certificate?
If you took the course prior to August 1, 2010, to re-print your certificate at any time, follow these steps:
- Click on the course you originally took below. (If you cannot remember which course you took please call us at 800-245-2628)
- Enter you email address and first name (make sure you enter the email you used when you registered with the course originally).
- Click Get Previous Certificate and follow the prompts
General Boating Safety Course | PWC Safety Course | Oregon Boating Safety Course
If you took the course after August 1, 2010, to re-print your certificate at any time, follow these steps:
- Return to the BoatUS Foundation ELearning Center at https://elearning.boatus.org/.
- Enter you username and password. Once you have logged in your certificate will be located in your My Account on the left side underneath the calendar.
- Click on your states name and select a print option.
To view the complete list of questions visit:
www.boatus.org/courses/faq/
Need Help? Contact us!
Most Questions Can Be Answered Through Our FAQs Page.
Call or Email the BoatUS Foundation about our boating safety course or about course questions.
Feel free to call or email if you ever need help while you are taking the course.
Send an email to SmartBoating@BoatUS.com
Or call us Toll Free at 1-800-245-2628
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM Eastern Time
Complete the Course in Three Easy Steps:
Enroll yourself in a Boating Safety Course from the Course Catalog
Study and pass the FREE Boating Safety Course.
Print out your certificate of completion yourself for free
Get Started Today! Start Now →
Course Information:
4 - 8 Hours
Estimated Course Time
6 Lessons
Each Contains a 10 Question Quiz
Final Exam
60 Questions Pulled Randomly
Complete the Course at Your Own Pace
Choose when and where to take your course.
Take it on any device with an internet connection and automatically have your progress saved when the window is closed.
Get Started Now →
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