A Review of Online Boating Education Courses: Which One Is Best?
Online boater safety education is convenient, allowing you to complete your state requirements when, where, and how you choose. However, it can be tricky to understand the differences in the online courses available.
So, which one is best? Safety is a priority when on the water, so choosing a course that is informative and meets state requirements is crucial.
This online boater education review explains the basics of each course so that you can find the right course for you.
Boat-Ed
Right here at Boat-Ed, we offer online boater education courses for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.
Courses are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and Transport Canada.
Prices for the course vary by state, ranging from $19.50 to $39.50. You can complete your course and take the exam on a desktop computer, smartphone, or other Internet-capable device.
Each course features professional-quality videos with live actors and some interactive animations. Additionally, the illustrations are detailed and realistic. Courses are timed, but the course saves your place if you stop – so you can learn at your own pace at your convenience.
Quizzes at the end of each unit mark progress, and students can retake the final exam as many times as necessary. You only pay when you pass the course.
After completing the course, students can download a temporary certificate immediately, with permanent cards sent in the mail.
How do others feel about it? Boat-Ed has a 4.8-star rating from Shopper Approved!
ilearntoboat
ilearntoboat is an interactive online boater safety course available in 32 states across the U.S., including New York, Texas, California, and Florida. It is the only interactive course recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, NASBLA, and local state boating licensing agencies.
The course is $49.50 in every state and can be completed on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. The ilearntoboat course is gamified around real-life scenarios that allow you to complete challenges to advance. There are no timers, and the course is available for 90 days from registration and payment.
Once the course is passed and paid for, you can immediately print the certificate of completion as proof of your online course completion.
How do others rate this one? ilearntoboat has a 4.7-star rating from Shopper Approved.
BoatUS Foundation
BoatUS Foundation offers online boater education courses for at least 38 states. Most (but not all) courses are approved by state agencies as meeting mandatory state requirements for boater education. The course is free, but they strongly suggest a donation to keep the courses free.
Students can complete the course on a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Courses are timed, and you can save your place if you stop. You'll also take quizzes and a final exam.
After completing the course, students can download a printable certificate immediately with the option to purchase a pair of plastic cards for a fee. In some states, you may have to complete additional steps to complete your certification.
BOATERexam
BOATERexam offers online boater education courses for 45 states as well as Canada. Courses are approved by NASBLA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Transport Canada.
Courses are $19.95 to $49.95, with most courses priced at $29.95. You can take and complete your course on a desktop computer, smartphone, or other internet-capable device.
Each course features cartoon-style videos, illustrations, and animations. Courses are timed, but the course saves your place if you stop. Quizzes at the end of each unit mark progress, and students can retake the final exam if needed.
Once completing the course, students pay and receive a temporary certificate via email to print out.
What do boaters think about BOATERexam? This course has a 4.5-star rating from the independent review site Trustpilot.
Choose an Online Boater Education Course that Keeps You Safe on the Water
Choosing the right course for your needs is crucial – one that keeps you and your friends and family safe on the water every time you take your boat out. When choosing a course, balance course quality against price and other considerations, and make sure the course meets your state's minimum requirements for boater education.
Of course, we hope you'll try our courses here at Boat-Ed! Find your state course (or the course that applies to you in Canada), create your student account, and get your certification before it's time to hit the water this season.
Safe boating!
Originally published August 25, 2019. Content updated January 25, 2024.
