Skip to main content

Iowa Boating Laws and Regulations

Enforcement

Iowa law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.

Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

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.”)

Get Certified Online!

Take this Iowa–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Iowa Boating safety education card Lifetime Card Get Certified

Two exam attempts

Iowa Department of Natural Resources logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

Boat Ed Help Center

Members of the Kalkomey Support Team