North Carolina Boating Regulations and Laws

The North Carolina boater safety certification card (commonly known as the North Carolina boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

A person 14 or 15 years old may operate a PWC only if he or she has successfully completed an approved boating safety education course and received a boater safety certification card or is accompanied on board the PWC by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Those younger than 14 years may not legally operate a PWC. Those 16 or older may operate a PWC without completing a boating safety course.

Even if not required by law to get the North Carolina 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 North Carolina a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat North Carolina course and practice what you learn.

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

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 North Carolina online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater safety certification card approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is mailed to your home.
• Classroom: Share the learning experience with other boaters and a qualified instructor. Check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website to locate the next safe boating classroom course in your area.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat North Carolina online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater safety certification card is available for free online. Please visit our North Carolina safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the North Carolina boater safety certification card?

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

Who needs an North Carolina boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater safety certification card?

North Carolina'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.