Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course
Take this Hawaii-approved online boating course to complete your certification requirement to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass at Your Own Pace
Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary Certificate Immediately
After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print a temporary boating certificate and go boating right away!
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Get on the Water!
That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!
Do you need Thrill Craft (PWC) education?
In Hawaii, special rules exist for a class of vessels called “thrill craft.” In addition to rules on accessing the ocean waters, zone restrictions, seasonal closures, etc., there is a certification requirement for thrill craft operation. This certification is in addition to the basic boating safety course required to operate a motorized vessel in the State. To operate a thrill craft, you are required to take BOTH courses. The basic boating safety course is your prerequisite for taking the thrill craft course.
If you have been wondering if your watercraft falls into the category of a thrill craft, this is generally how it is described both in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and in the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR):
“Thrill craft” means any motorized vessel that falls into the category of personal watercraft (PWC), and which:
- Is generally less than thirteen feet in length as manufactured;
- Is generally capable of exceeding a speed of twenty miles per hour;
- Can be operated by a single operator, but may have the capacity to carry passengers while in operation; or
- Is designed to provide similar operating performance as a personal watercraft through a combination of small size, power plant, and hull design.
The term includes—but is not limited to—a jet ski, waverunner, wet bike, surf jet, miniature speed boat, hovercraft, and every description of vessel that uses an internal combustion engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion; and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on or being towed behind the vessel.
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Requirements
You must complete a NASBLA– and State of Hawaii–approved Boating Safety Course as a prerequisite before taking this course.
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. However, you must be at least 15 years of age to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii.
You do not have to be a resident of Hawaii to take this online course.
What to Expect From the Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Comprehensive Instruction in Hawaii Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for safety education established by Hawaii. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
4 Sand Island Access Road,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Get Started
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Hawaii Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course cost?
The Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course fee is $125.00.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Hawaii?
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. However, you must be at least 15 years of age to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Hawaii to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course approved by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources?
The Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course is approved and accepted by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Is my Hawaii Thrill Craft Operator Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. This is known as “reciprocity.” Some states may have additional requirements. Check with the managing agencies in other states to verify the Hawaii Thrill Craft Operator Certificate satisfies all requirements of those states before launching.
Quizzes and/or Exams
Do I have to take an online exam?
Yes. You must progress through all units and successfully pass an official certification exam before you are certified to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Thrill Craft (PWC) Hawaii Course completion?
Once you pay for the online course and finish all units, you will be able to immediately print out the Thrill Craft Operator Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Thrill Craft Operator Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Thrill Craft Operator Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost or destroyed Thrill Craft Operator Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.
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