Most states regulate who can drive a boat in some way, but none require a driver’s license.
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Operating a boat requires experience, skill, and training, and in most states proof that you’ve completed an approved boater education course.
But as far as we can tell, you won’t need a driver’s license to drive a boat.
Many states require that you complete an approved boater education course and have the proof with you, just like a driver’s license.
State Laws Vary: Know Yours!
While state laws vary, and some states have no requirements for driving a boat, others like Alabama have boater education requirements, as well as minimum ages for operating a boat.
And given that these regulations are subject to change, you need to keep up to date on your state’s requirements.
Only five states have no licensing or education requirement: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, and Wyoming.
Many other states at least require that you’ve completed an approved boater education course and most set age limits for operating motorized boats.
For instance, in Virginia, you must have completed a NASBLA-approved boater ed course (there are exceptions), and you must be at least 14 years old to operate a boat.
But in Florida, you’ll need proof that you’ve completed an approved boater ed course if you were born after 1988, though there is no age requirement to operate a boat.
Age Restrictions Are Common
While some states have no lower age limit to operate a boat, many restrict children from driving personal watercraft.
Typically, state law forbids children under 15 years old from driving, though there are exceptions in both directions. Louisiana, for instance, doesn’t allow anyone under 17 to drive a boat, while Alaska has no age restriction.
Know the law in the state where you plan to fish, use common sense, and keep your kids safe on the water.
Boater Ed Testing: Online Options Are Available
One piece of good news about boater education certification is that some sites not only offer free online testing, but have also tailored their courses to the requirements of each state individually.
The BoatUS Foundation offers free prep materials and specific tests for each state, and their exams are “recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, [and] approved by NASBLA and your state boating agency.”
Carry Your Certificate or Proof of Your Exception
If your state requires that you’ve completed boater ed, you need to carry that proof with you, just like you bring your driver’s license with you every time you leave your house.
And if you’re subject to an exception, that proof must be immediately available as well.
For instance, in Virginia, if you have a license to operate a boat as a Master, Captain, or Mate, you need to be able to present this to the authorities if they ask. Ditto for your DD-214 if you are (or have been) a surface warfare officer/enlisted surface warfare specialist in the United States Navy.
Final Thoughts
You need to take the responsibility to ensure that you’re following your state’s laws and regulations about boating, but almost certainly, that won’t include possessing a driver’s license.
But you’ll likely need to complete an approved boater education course and carry that proof with you.
We hope that this article was helpful, and as always, we’re here to answer any questions you might have.
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Source: usangler.com