Let's Get Started! I want to...
The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is NOT Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to satisfy the mandatory education requirements for boaters 12 - 15 years of age or PWC operators born on or after 1/1/1989 and at least 12 years of age.
The courses below can be used as a refresher or study guide for an in person class 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:
Anyone may take the BoatU.S. Foundation's Free Online Boating Safety course as practice or to receive a discount on boat/PWC marine insurance. Wisconsin boaters 12 - 15 years of age or PWC operators born on or after 1/1/1989 and at least 12 years of age must complete a course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to operate on the waters of the state of Wisconsin.
Motorboat Operation:
- No one under the age of 10
- Children ages 10 and 11 may if accompanied in the boat by a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by the parent or guardian
- Children ages 12-15 if in possession of a boating safety course completion certificate issued by WIDNR or another state. Or if he or she is accompanied by a person at least 18 years old who is designated by the parent or guardian
- Anyone 16 years of age or older who has completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin DNR
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation:
- No one under the age of 12 may operate, lease or rent a personal watercraft
- No one under the age of 16 may lease or rent a personal watercraft
- Children born on or after Jan. 1, 1989 and who are 12 years or older may operate a personal watercraft if in possession of a boating safety course completion certificate issued by the WIDNR or another State
- Adult supervision is not a substitute for a certificate
- Operators 16 years of age or older are required to complete a boating safety course. Persons born on or after 1/1/89 and who are at least 16 years of age are required to take a DNR approved boating safety education course in order to operate a motorboat in Winsconsin
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 →
Online Course Video:
Testimonials
How to Use GPS
Are you new to electronics on your boat or uncomfortable with the operation of the electronics that you have? We can help!
Get Started Now!
Modern Marine Navigation
Learn the basics of plotting, reading charts, identifying ATONs and using them to find your way on the water.
Get Started Now!
