Share the post "What you need to know for a boat safety certificate in the United States"
Sailing is a pleasant activity in the United States, providing a unique and enjoyable way to experience the country’s waterways. However, to ensure safety and legal conformity, it’s essential to understand the requirements for obtaining a boat safety certificate, such as a Boater Education Card certification. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about getting your Boater Education Card.
Boaters Education
Today, most states require boaters to complete their state-approved boaters education course. Completing this course gives you a boater’s education card or certificate, which works as a ‘boat licence’.
Boating Licence
A boating licence is an official document that certifies an individual has completed the necessary training to legally operate a boat. So, to make things simple, we will only use the term ‘boaters education card’ for recreational boaters. The ‘recreational boaters’ are the sailors who use boats for activities rather than for professional purposes.
Boaters Education Courses
In order to get your boater education card, you must first complete the boater’s education courses.
Completing a Boater Education Course and obtaining your Boater Education Card offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Safety
- Legal Compliance
- Increased Confidence
- Insurance Savings
When searching online, you will find that “boaters education courses” and “boaters safety courses” are both used. This is because each U.S. state makes their own laws and regulations when it comes to boating, including how they choose to name their courses.
These following states: Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Maine, sailors do not have a mandatory boaters education law.
Even if your state doesn’t require a Boater Education Card, you will still need one to cruise in other states. These courses not only improve your safety skills on the water but can also earn you special discounts on boat insurance.
Boaters living anywhere in the U.S. can follow an online or classroom courses that are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Courses are offered for a minimal fee, and some states even offer them for free. This is a great opportunity to learn about the regulations and policies concerning your state. Check Boat Ed to find your state’s boating requirements!
A glance at States with different laws
California
After completing a boater’s education course, students receive a California Boater Card (CBC), also known as the California Boating Licence. This card must be carried when operating a recreational motorized boat in California. To check if you need a CBC, visit the official website.
Florida
Any boater born after 1988 has to complete a National Association of State Boarding Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boater’s education course certification.
Visitors to Florida must respect the boating safety education requirements. Those who want to rent a boat must show proof of having successfully completed a boater safety course. If not, they might need to get a temporary certificate, valid for one year, from vendors around the state.
New York
Residents of New York born before May 1st, 1996, don’t need a boater’s education card. However, those born after this date are required to obtain this card by completing a boaters safety course. New York offers both online and in-classroom boaters safety courses.
Curious about boating outside the US?
Sailing abroad offers enriching experiences and new adventures by understanding local laws, and respecting the environment. So, you can enjoy a safe and memorable international boating trip. Check out Click&Boat’s guide for boat licences.
You can sail without a boat safety certificate but with a skipper. Check out Click&Boat’s selection of boats, with its numerous filters!
