If you are over 18 yrs old do you have to take boating safety course and exam?

Question

If you are over 18 yrs old do you have to take boating safety course and exam?

Answer 1

You don't need one. But if you aren't familiar with operating a boat I suggest you take a course. There is more to it than driving the boat, theres a alot about navigation in shallow water, no wake areas, wing dams, bouys etc.

Answer 2

Before this can be answered, you must provide the state of residency that you live in.

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

It depends on which state you live in.

Answer 5

regardless of what state you live in you SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY take a safety course & exam.

at 18 is very doubtful that you have spent much time on the water skippering a boat. in the course you will learn so much that will come in so handy that the time spent in the classroom is worth its weight in gold. rules of the road, navigation, wind/current, USCG requirements, boating laws, etc are taught and if you do not have an understanding of any of it you can get yourself in deep trouble very quickly and easily.

you're old enough to vote so the Fed thinks your responsible enough to do so. why not show the boating community that you are too by taking the course? trust us...you'll be so glad you did.

Answer 6

First, we need to know what state you're in.

Second, is it for a boat or a personal watercraft.

Third and most importantly,  even if you dont HAVE to, you SHOULD.  It helps with the etiquette of the water as well as having a bunch of other good information.

Answer 7

u can take it at 14 if you want to in NC. but if you have a driver license it counts as a boating lisence in NC