Welcome New Mexico Boaters!

This handbook is published by Boat Ed, the provider of New Mexico's boating safety course. Although this handbook is a convenient reference tool, students wanting to receive official New Mexico boating safety certification would benefit from studying Boat Ed's comprehensive boat safety course.

All boating safety course material has been developed in conjunction with New Mexico State Parks, and is the same material used in their classroom courses. Take the Boat New Mexico boating safety course.

In This Handbook

Boating Basics includes: vessel length and capacity, fueling, float plans, navigational rules, U.S. Aids to Navigation, weather and other boating emergencies, and personal watercraft (PWC) basics.

It's the Law includes: registration information, registration fees, display of numbers, legal operating age, required equipment, unlawful operation, boating under the influence, reporting accidents, enforcement, environmental restrictions, and laws governing PWC and vessels towing skiers.

New Mexico State Parks enforcement officers patrol our waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the suggestions outlined in this manual as well as the rules of common courtesy while operating your boat. Get started!