Skip to main content

Official Boater Safety Courses
and Boat Safety Education Materials

Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and approved by NASBLA, your state boating license agency, and Transport Canada

U.S. Coast Guard
NASBLA
State Approved
Transport Canada

State-Approved Boater Safety Courses

All Boat Ed boating education resources and boater's license courses have been developed in conjunction with the boating safety agencies responsible for boater education in states and provinces, are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and Transport Canada, and are recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Boating Safety Saves Lives

In the United States, more than 40 states have educational requirements for operating a boat or PWC on state waters. In Canada, all provinces have educational requirements for operating pleasure craft.

Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways.

Do You Need Boater Safety Education?

In the United States, more than 40 states have boater education requirements that must be successfully completed before you can legally operate your recreational vessel on state waters. Only an approved boater safety course will fulfill your state's boater education requirements. In Canada, all residents are required to successfully complete an approved boater safety course prior to operating a boat or personal watercraft on Canadian waterways.

Get Your Boating License - It's the Law!

Law enforcement officers and boating safety agencies enforce boater safety course requirements to make sure that every boater's experience on the water is both safe and enjoyable. Successfully completing an approved boater safety course keeps you compliant with the boating laws in your state or province.

Be a Better, Safer Boater!

Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Even if you're not required to pass a boater safety course in your state or province, boater safety is everyone's responsibility. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. An educated boater is a safer boater.

Boat-ED Logo

Comprehensive Boater Safety Education Resources

pages from a boat safety handbook

Boat Ed is the only boater safety course provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating safety agencies in North America. Boat Ed also develops educational materials for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.


More information

Whether you're getting on the water with a boat or a personal watercraft, Boat Ed’s online boater safety courses and tests can help you prepare for safe and responsible boating. You may have heard that you need a boating license to get on the water legally; in most states, however, you don't need a boater’s license to operate legally. What you really need is a boater education card to serve as proof that you have successfully completed approved boaters education and that you understand the boating laws and regulations for the area where you plan to boat.

Progressive and Boat-ed.com

Protect your on-water adventures

Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.

Get a Quote
Wavve Boating Logo

A Wavve Of Savings

Get your first year FREE!

Complete your course and get the first year of Wavve Boating for FREE

Learn More
Support