Ohio Boat Course

If you were born on or after January 1, 1982, and plan to operate a boat or PWC with a motor exceeding 10 horsepower in Ohio, you are required to complete a boating education course.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Parks & Watercraft

Approved by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Parks & Watercraft

Three steps to become a Licensed Boater

Complete Course

State-accredited online course for all ages

Pass The Online Exam

Unlimited re-tries

Go Boating

Print temporary license and start boating!

About Ohio

Ohio offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, including scenic rivers, lakes, and the expansive shores of Lake Erie. Whether you're into fishing, water skiing, or simply cruising, Ohio’s diverse water bodies provide endless opportunities for outdoor fun. With over 100 lakes and an extensive network of rivers, boating is a popular pastime, especially with pleasant summer temperatures inviting you out on the water.

While enjoying Ohio’s waters, it’s essential to prioritize safety and follow the state’s boating regulations. Safety should always come first, as it plays a vital role in preventing accidents and ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone. According to statistics, many boating incidents could be avoided by adhering to basic navigation rules and best practices. These crucial topics are covered in our NASBLA-approved boating course.

Do you need a boating license in Ohio?

In Ohio, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, who plans to operate a boat or PWC with an engine over 10 horsepower must complete an approved boater safety education course. While this is a legal requirement, taking a boating safety course also demonstrates responsibility and ensures a safer boating environment for all.

Planning to rent a boat in Ohio?

If you’re renting a boat in Ohio, it's important to familiarize yourself with local safety regulations. Some rental companies may require proof of boater education before allowing you to take their vessel out on the water.

Is it called a Boating License?

Some people may call it a Boat License or Boaters License. However, it is not a license. It is known as a Boater Education Certificate or a Boater Education Card. The reason it is not called a Ohio boating license is that it does not expire or need to be renewed.

After you have successfully completed the NASBLA / Ohio approved Boater Safety Course and Exam, you will be issued a Ohio Boater Card. This card is good for life.

Remember, your Boater Card must be carried with you while operating marine vessels. Otherwise, it may result in a fine from a local law enforcement officer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Course

: No, there is no minimum age to take this course

: The course takes a minimum of 3 hours

: No, you can do it over one sitting or as many sittings as you would like

: No, you do not need to be a resident of Ohio to take this course

: No, you did not fail the course and need to try again

: You need to score 0.00% to pass chapter quizzes

: You need to score 0.00% to pass the final online exam

: There are quizzes at the end of each chapter in the boater education course

: No, it is not an open book exam

: Yes, you must pass the course before taking the exam

: No, we do not the materials available offline

: Yes, you must pass (the course and) the exam before you can drive a boat

: Yes, the boater education course provides a foundation for other boating courses

Certification

: You can print your temporary certificate from your dashboard after logging in

: Once you pass and pay for the Ohio boater course, you will be able to immediately print out the Certificate of Completion. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Certificate of Completion right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.

: The Ohio boater education card is good for your lifetime

: No, if you took a boater education course in another state or in Canada, it will be recognized in Ohio

: No, you do not need to renew your boater education card. It is good for life

: You can use your temporary certificate for [60 days] to operate a personal watercraft, after which you are required to have your Ohio boater education card

: No, you do not need a proof of competency to operate a non-powered watercraft

: Your boater education from another state or Canada is proof of competency

: Yes, your boater education card can be revokable and suspendable if laws are broken

: Yes, there is a penalty for not carrying your Ohio boater education card while boating

Course Accreditation

: For visting boaters, all US states, US territories, Canadian provinces, and Canadian territories will recognize boater eduation cards that meet NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements

: The phone # is 614.265.6352 and the mailing address is 2045 Morse Rd Bldg C-4, , Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693

Price & Billing

: The Ohio boater education course costs $34.95

: Yes, our website is secure and it is safe to enter your credit card information

: Customers can using debit and credit. We do not accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies at this time

: No, there is no annual cost

: The Ohio boater course is valid for your lifetime from the time of registration and payment

: Please email us your issur or concern and we will review on a customer-by-customer basis

: Yes, we have an affiliate program where we reward referrals. Below is the link for more information and to sign up: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=57099

: We offer referrals through our affiliate program (https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=57099). We may do promotions from time to time

Replacement Documents

: You can re-print your temporary card after logging into your account, assuming you passed the course and exam

Account

: Select a course and click the "Sign Up!" button

: On the Login screen, click "Lost Password?" and follow the steps

: Please email [email protected] or call 1.888.885.8830

: No, you will not lose your progress

: You can login as many times as you would like

: Yes, you can access the course on a mobile phone

: Yes, you can access the course from a desktop, mobile phone or tablet

: If you lose your internet connection, it will take you back to the point in the course you were currently at

: Yes, the course will run on any web browser

: You can take the exam on any computer that has an internet connection and a browser

: There are no videos in the course

Moving to Ohio

General

: If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us directly at [email protected] or by phone @ 1.888.885.8830

: Our hours of operation are 9am-midnight EST

: We offer an official online boat course to get your boater card, which is accredited by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Parks & Watercraft

: Please email [email protected]

: Please check out our job postings or email [email protected]