Nevada Boating Regulations and Laws

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

All persons who operate vessels powered by a motor over 15 horsepower on interstate waters and who were born on or after January 1, 1983, must possess a certificate of completion of a boater education course or proficiency exam. (Interstate waters means waters forming the boundary between the State of Nevada and an adjoining state.) The course or exam must be one that is approved by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.The Boat Nevada course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Nevada classrooms.

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

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

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 Nevada online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

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

Where can I get more information about the Nevada boating safety education certificate?

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

Who needs a Nevada boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boating safety education certificate?

Nevada'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.