Boating Education Cards

If you are new to paddling (nonmotorized boats include but are not limited to: kayaks, canoes, drift boats, row boats, stand up paddleboards, inflatable rafts, or hydrofoils), please see the education section on our Go Paddling page. Education is HIGHLY recommended, but not required at this time.

Here's who needs to take a boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education Card:

All boaters who operate a motorboat with over 10 horsepower (hp) and youths:

• Must be 12 or older to get a boating education card.

• Youth ages 11 and under are not allowed to operate a motorboat.

• Youths 12-15 years old operating a motorboat of any size.

o 12 to 15 year-olds can operate a boat of more than 10 hp if accompanied by a person 16 or older (18 or older for personal watercraft) with a boating education card.