Free Ohio State Boating Safety Course
The BoatUS Foundation’s Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Ohio Division of Parks & Watercraft.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in Ohio including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
Ohio requires persons born on or after January 1, 1982 operating a power craft greater than 10 hp to take a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating course or pass a proficiency exam approved by the Division of Watercraft.
2-4
Hours to Complete
5
Lessons
60
Final Exam Questions
37
Approved States
learn online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
State Education Requirements
How do I get a Ohio boating safety education certificate?
After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately.
You will also have the option of ordering a state approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.
1
Enroll
2
Take Course
3
Pass Exam
4
Print Certificate
Age Requirements in Ohio
Boaters who are required to possess a boating education certificate shall present it to the law enforcement within 72 hours of being stopped.
Except as provided, no person under 16 shall operate at PWC. Individuals not less than 12, nor more than 15 years of age may operate a PWC only if an adult supervisor of at least 18 years of age and in possession of an approved boating education certificate if born on or after January 1, 1982, is aboard the craft.
Persons Under 12 years of age:
- May not operate a personal watercraft
- Shall not operate any vessel unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older
- Shall not operate any other powercraft greater than 10 hp unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older who is aboard the powercraft (excluding PWCs)
- If the supervising person was born after January 1, 1982, they must possess an approved boating education certificate as defined above
Other Ohio Regulations for Boaters
No rental business shall lease or rent a powercraft greater than 10 hp to a person born on or after January 1, 1982 unless they sign a statement that they have completed an approved Division of Watercraft course or proficiency exam. As an alternative, the rental business may provide education materials and administer an exam which the boater must pass with a score of 90% or better. Boaters choosing this option must take the exam offered by the rental agency each time they rent a boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center.