Do i need a boaters liscence?

Question

my friend is getting rid of his boat and i am thinking about getting it from him.

but anyways what do i need to legally drive it.

he never actually had it running and never drove it soo he dont know what i need either.

back in middle school i remeber i recieved my boaters saftey certificate to legally operate a boat but no longer have that paper.

i am now 21 and have a drivers liscence is that all i need to legally operate a watercraft.

obviousley i know about life vests, regristration and all that stuff.

Answer 1

Not knowing which state you live in makes giving you a complete answer hard to do.  Each state has an agency that controls the boating safety for that state.   You can try to look up your state's requirements.  

Here are a few sites:

http://www.boat-ed.com/

http://www.boatus.org/

Answer 2

The fact that you received a certificate is a good indication that your state requires a boating license.  If you completed the course that information would be recorded, so even-though you lost your copy the fact remains that you've taken the course.  Contact the agency responsible  for the license in your state, and tell them when and where you got your certificate, they will take it from there.  Good luck!