Arkansas Boating Regulations and Laws

The Arkansas boater education certificate (commonly known as the Arkansas boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

To legally operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft) on Arkansas waters, a person who is of legal age to operate, whether an Arkansas resident or a non-resident, and who is born on or after January 1, 1986, must have successfully completed an approved safe boating course and carry proof of certification when on board the vessel.The Boat Arkansas course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Arkansas classrooms.

Even if not required by law to get the Arkansas boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Arkansas a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Arkansas course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Arkansas?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Arkansas online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater education certificate issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is mailed to your home.
• Video at Home: Study at home with the Arkansas video home-study course. Then take the Certification Exam at home and mail it in for grading and certification.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat Arkansas online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Arkansas safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Arkansas boater education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Arkansas boater's license;
• Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Arkansas boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs an Arkansas boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater education certificate?

Arkansas's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.