Nevada Department of Wildlife
A Special Message to the Boaters of Nevada

Making Boating Safer Through Education!

Hello boaters, and thank you for boating in the great state of Nevada. Our waterways and scenic mountains offer breathtaking outdoor experiences. Whether you are sneaking off to Lake Tahoe for some water-skiing or taking your boat down to Lake Mohave and angling for a record black bass, remember to boat safely and follow the commonsense boating safety rules contained in this instruction manual. These rules cannot only save you time and trouble but also could save your life.

The course you are about to take will fulfill Nevada’s boating education requirement. The requirement states that boaters born on or after January 1, 1983, must take a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) before operating a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower on Nevada’s interstate waters (Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River near Laughlin).

Boating is a fun activity often enjoyed by families. The Nevada Department of Wildlife encourages you to be safe on the water so that your boating day ends on a safe note. Boat safely … it just makes sense.

If you remember nothing else about boating rules, remember the Boating Safety Seven. Boating can be a fun activity for the entire family, but go boating with safety in mind. Doing so will make sure your great day doesn’t turn sour. NDOW reminds you to have a good time, and be safe … it just makes sense.

The Boating Safety Seven Wear your life jacket Take a boating safety class Carry all your required safety gear Know your boat and its limitations Follow the boating ‘rules of the road’ Be aware of weather and water conditions Boat sober and be considerate of other boaters

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Wildlife is to protect, preserve, manage, and restore wildlife and their habitat for their aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of this State.