is my boating license valid in other states

"I say 'should' because there may be some local restrictions, like with personal watercraft (PWC) you may need an additional endorsement.". South Carolina. On Sept. 18, 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed into law Senate Bill 941, which prohibits the operation of motorized vessels in California without a valid operator card developed and issued by the Division of Boating and Waterways. Can I put all three on my driver's license? "Fortunately, every state does have a course that has been reviewed, verified, and approved by NASBLA," says Dillon, "It's important for the boater to look for that NASBLA-approved course option. in wa state the following exemption from holding a local state boater's license applies: "Any person who is a non-resident and holds a current, approved out-of-state or out-of-country boater safety education certificate or … If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and you do not have any of the above certificates, please sign up for one of our classroom courses listed below. The card also does not expire. Look for the NASBLA logo on your Boating Safety Education Certificate or. ", In addition to finding a state-approved course, you'll want a course diploma or boating card that bears the NASBLA logo, indicating that the course you took was NASBLA-approved. Seleccione aquí para Español All motorized vessels operating on Florida’s public waterways must be titled and registered. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to ensure that you're boating on the right side of the law. 5. NASBLA lists contact information for each state boating authority on its website. NASBLA approved boating courses . It’s not automatic – you will need to complete the required paperwork and submit the licensing fees but most licensing states are now reciprocal with each other. The BOATsmart! However, some states have laws that require out of state visitors without any form of license or safety certificate to apply for a temporary safety certificate if they plan to operate a boat while in another state's … Non-residents may operate up to 45 days without a license. "I talk to people who took a NASBLA-approved course in Florida," Chanski says, "but from the Connecticut standpoint, they didn't learn about Connecticut laws, so Connecticut won't accept that [course].". new residents certificates must be from a course with proctored exam . Additionally, they must have […] Boating safety education certificates issued by the US Power Squadron are also accepted in NH. Chapter 328, Florida Statutes, designates that FLHSMV is responsible for issuing vessel registrations and titles. However, many prospective students are not aware of state legal terminology, and search for information about a boat license or licence, or a captain or captains license. Just when you go to check the last item off your prevacation checklist, a question dawns on you, "Can I even use the boat legally in the state I'm the wording may be different by state, but if you passed a state approved boaters license in your home state, it will be good for up to 6 months per year when you visit a … "It's important to know that not all the available courses meet the state's educational requirements or are NASBLA-approved," Chanski says. "Some states have a grace period," says Dillon, "If you don't have a card with you, then you have three days to provide a copy of that card. There are no boat ed requirements in SD. The Commission recognizes certificates issued by another state or province that have been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Look for the NASBLA logo on your Boating Safety Education Certificate or visit NASBLA’s website to see if the course you completed is NASBLA approved. Good in Other States All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept your state’s Boater Education Card. BoatUS Foundation has a great free course that is recognized in most states." She now lives in Atlin, British Columbia, and runs waterbornemag.com, a sailing website for millennials. Documenting allows for vessels to do commerce between states and within certain restricted trade areas. Requirements for drivers of PWC are different than those for the operation of other types of water vessels, which require all drivers born in 1978 or thereafter to … NASBLA represents boating authorities of all states and territories and works to set and maintain boating education standards across the country. Quebec (Canada) Rhode Island. we require visitors to meet requirements of home state. This means the BOATsmart! But if you're certified to operate a boat in Florida, can you throttle up in California? If you buy a new boat and are a first-time boat owner, your marine dealer may be able to give you information on how to get a boating license in your state. It's important to know that not all the available courses meet the state's educational requirements or are NASBLA-approved. Be sure to review the full legal requirements for your particular state. Fortunately, you can quickly look up state-specific requirements on NASBLA's interactive "Education Requirements by State" Dashboard. The Certification courses listed are 8-hours in length, have a proctored exam and are taught using materials approved by NASBLA- National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. State Boating Laws Boating Education Regulations Reciprocity- accepts boating safety certificates from other states and/or NASBLA-approved courses. In addition, there may be restrictions for youth. Stay abreast of changes in requirements. NASBLA's Dashboard lists boat operator requirements by state, but there may be other considerations, like local interpretation of policies and requirements unique to a boater's individual situation. As a result, drivers who have somehow lost or destroyed their boating license must immediately apply for a replacement through the necessary channels. Alabama Minimum age to operate 12. Contact the local agency. Learn More Likewise your state will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements. Not carrying your boating education card when you're required to can result in a fine. 4. Does Indiana law require me to carry my handgun on my person in a concealed or exposed manner? South Dakota. A valid ID card, such as a drivers license, is also highly recommended. If you've ever boated out of state, you may already know that the answer depends on many factors including the state you're visiting, your age, your boating education, vessel type, engine size, whether you rent or own the boat, how long you're staying, and if you want to engage in towed watersports. Delaware ; The boating license age to operate a PWC in Delaware without supervision is 16 years of age. Therefore, a licensed boater from one country can still operate the specified class of vessel in the United States. Lastly, the reciprocity period allowed for operating on an out-of-state boating card varies from state to state and can range anywhere from zero to 90 days. Fortunately, there are people like Dillon and Chanski who work to streamline requirements and help boaters access the information they need for boating outside their home state. Yes, if the course was NASBLA approved. For instance, states such as California and New York are moving toward required boating education for all boaters. Each state has unique boat safety laws, and boaing education requirements. The Water Patrol Division charges a $15.00 fee for the boater identification card, but there is no fee to take a classroom course conducted by a marine trooper. An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire. Yes . Carefully research any course before signing up because many courses offered won't be recognized by your home state or the states you visit. many states practice "reciprocity," meaning a valid certification in one state is accepted in another state (typically with length of time restrictions). YES. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). This page is an … Each state has its boating education requirements available on a website, usually in an area related to natural resources or transporta… Puerto Rico. heading to?". Seleccione aquí para Español While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination. If you have a valid boating license in one state, it should be valid in other areas. The Commission recognizes certificates issued by another state or province that have been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Once you have your home state or DHS license, you can apply for other state licenses through reciprocity. I live in NY but I have an out of state boating safety certificate, do I qualify for the Adventure License program? Do I need to document with the U.S. Coast Guard and register my boat with the state I reside in? says Dillon. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). The law states that any person born after January 1, 1984 must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating any motorized vessel ON THE LAKES OF THE STATE. Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. Is my Boating Certification good/valid in other states? "It's because we have 56 different states and territories that see things differently, and that's their right.". In the United States, a license for boating issued by one of the states gets acknowledged by the other states. Always carry your boating education card on the boat. ), In some instances, a NASBLA state-issued certificate may not meet another state's requirements. You must carry this license on board while operating a recreational vessel. Only one state (Alabama) requires an actual boat license. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the your state’s Boater Education Card. "If you're an adult boater visiting another state, and if you have a boater education card with the NASBLA-approved logo on it, you should be good to go," said Dillon. Owners have the option […] Putting it all Together NauticEd coined this the Sailing License and Credentials (SLC TM). No . Is my state’s boater card accepted by other states? The license from one state or territory is valid in all states and territories, and thus internationally under the International Proclamation above. Or Connecticut? Ensuring I have the proper boat registration is important so I can avoid hefty fines, violations or other legal consequences. 1. While many states will accept a NASBLA-approved card, it's important to check state requirements before departure. Just recently, in August 2019, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that will require all operators of motorized watercraft to complete a state-approved boating course by 2025. "Adult age is defined state-to-state," said Dillon, "In some states, a 14-year-old can operate a PWC. Also, Australia … (Find your state-approved course at BoatUS.org/Free.). Do you accept out-of-state boating education certificates in your state? your boating license will be recognized in all states. For example, in Connecticut it's $120. Take a state and NASBLA-approved boating course. Does Indiana honor handgun licenses from other states? I have a lifetime fishing and hunting license and a boating safety certificate. Taking the time to know state requirements before you travel will not only keep you boating safely and legally, it will also give you additional peace of mind as you explore your next cruising destination. Yes . NOTE: Missouri "Permit" is actually a regular Missouri Driver's License or NonDriver's License issued with a "Concealed Carry Endorsement" on the face of the license. Yes . The licensing process in these states has served to remove barriers and thus promote the recreational venture. (This is known as "reciprocity.") For instance, there may be a state-to-state agreement in place that affords you special privileges (e.g., a visitor to Connecticut from New Jersey with a New Jersey-issued boating certificate would not be able to operate a PWC, but a visitor from Rhode Island with a Rhode Island boating certificate would be able to operate one. visit NASBLA’s website. Most state boating courses, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, and United States Power Squadrons courses are NASBLA approved. If you're going to be traveling, I'd suggest that people see what courses are accepted in that area, then take those courses if they don't already have them. The Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program was established by NASBLA and through the efforts of its interagency “Council of Partners.” The BOAT program is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard as the national standard of training and certification. This has the effect of reciprocity between Texas and Missouri since Missouri law recognizes valid licenses issued from other states including Texas. "People take these classes, spend lots of time and money, and then the state will say, 'Sorry, we don't take that course.' Applications for titles and registrations must be filed at a county tax collector or license plate agent office. Legislative bills requiring some form of boating education in the state have been authored over the years. Some of these are free. You must carry your boating safety class certificate or wallet card with you while operating a boat. A good resource for state-by-state information is the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) which has a webpage with the basic training requirements for each state. No – If you hold or have held a license to operate a vessel (Master, Captain, or Mate) issued by the United States Coast Guard. Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. You are not required to have a state driver’s license in order to obtain a … "We often hear people say 'Well, why isn't it just one size fits all?'" This means the BOATsmart! 3. Therefore, you may enroll in a course provided by the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or another NASBLA-approved State agency. In other states you've got to have it or you've got to have it displayed.". Alabama accepts any NASBLA approved education course certificate from any state in lieu of our state's course certificate. , No required for vessel operation in CA , All CA courses are NASBLA approved, Not required , If the boat safety course is proctored, then Colorado accepts the certificate. , nasbla approved & taught by an instructor , NASBLA approved with the NASBLA seal , Nasbla approved courses including internet based courses. , Yes - all NABLA approved courses are accepted , whatever is approved by the operator's home state , Must be issued by another state agency and NASBLA approved , yes, if issued by another state agency  , Must be issued by a state agency and NASBLA approved. , Any course which is NASBLA approved and has the identifying NASBLA logo on the card or certificate , If issued by another state or Canada. , we require visitors to meet requirements of home state. Documenting your boat with the Coast Guard allows your vessel to be recognized internationally as a vessel hailing from the United States. If issued by another state or Canada. The boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state to state for obtaining a boat license or boating safety course certification. Yes you may. Check state requirements on NASBLA.org before you go. "The default answer is always to contact the state agency, or check their website and ask the question," says Dillon. of your state's boating law and boating license requirements. Coast Guard), You've tested your trailer lights, packed the fishing rods, checked all the boat's mechanical and safety gear, inspected the life jackets, and downloaded the local charts. New Hampshire also accepts certificates from other states and programs as well, as long as they are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Pursuant to section 306.127, RSMo, every person born after January 1, 1984, operating a vessel on the lakes of the state shall carry a valid photo identification document and the Boating Safety Education Card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol.The Missouri State Water Patrol will also accept a driver license or nondriver license with the Boater Identification indicator in lieu … But many states practice "reciprocity," meaning a valid certification in one state is accepted in another state (typically with length of time restrictions). Always check the boating laws in the state … new residents certificates must be from a course with proctored exam , There are no boat ed requirements in SD. , those as describe previously for the PWC program , Course completion certificates/cards , NASBLA approved and from States with Mandatory Boater Education  , NASBLA approved course and recognized by the state , NASBLA approved courses recognized by the home state. , If course is recognized by state of residence . Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine, 4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com, Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses, Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…. This is a challenge that the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) education directors, Pam Dillon and Mark Chanski, know well. An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard. Fiona McGlynn recently sailed from Canada to Mexico to Australia in a 35-foot boat with her husband, Robin. (Photo: Matthew S. Masaschi/U.S. Other, please specify . © 2021 Boat Owners Association of The United States. No . Knowing my state’s boat license laws and regulations and following these restrictions help me feel confident about the safety equipment my boat offers, which can be crucial in case of an emergency. It allows you to operate certain watercraft in the waters of the state it was issued by. "NASBLA's website summarizes these very complex pieces of state language, and it's always best that someone go and talk to the source directly with their specific circumstance, their type of boat, their certificate, and the waterway they're talking about.". By continuing to use our website, you’re agreeing to our cookie policy. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. Boating license required - proctored exam required to obtain license. Yes, your Kansas boating license is valid in most states! NASBLA's interactive "Education Requirements by State" Dashboard. It's important to be aware of changing education and operating requirements in the states you visit. If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, which type of certificates do you accept? Similarly, if you apply for a license in a new state, your suspension will likely prevent you from being issued a new license. No. Does your state honor NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents? Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. "NASBLA's role is to review the content of the courses and make sure it covers the requirements that are in the American National Standard," Dillon says. Alaska No mandatory boating education … In states that require a license or boater safety card, it is usually required that the boater keep proof of meeting state requirements with him or her at all times when operating a water vessel. Yes. Learn More, If you plan to skipper your boat outside the state in which you reside, check state and ­local boating requirements to ensure you're on the right side of the law. Are there places where it is illegal to carry a handgun even though I have a valid handgun license? Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. First things first — your boating education certification is not a license, which can be suspended or revoked. In another, they might have to be 16." Do I need a license to take my handgun to target practice? No, you must have a New York safe boating certificate to be eligible. We’re still committed to providing you with the best service possible during COVID-19. Do I need a state driver’s license to get the boater card? Yes . Some states require special towing endorsements for activities like water skiing, or have different education requirements for PWCs. 2. The SLC, as above, meets the legal and sailing resume requirements. Likewise your state will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements. Many states have requirements that vary based on vessel type or engine size.