What Are The Legal Requirements For Driving A Boat?

Question

Hello,

I am very interested in buying a boat for my own usage in the near future, however I have very little knowledge about boats and boat-driving. So what does boat driving require? Are there courses you have to attend? Licenses you have to attain?

Thank You

Answer 1

Contrary to what everyone else has said, there can be legal requirements depending on where you live.  In Washington state new legislation has made it mandatory to take a course and get a special license from the State Parks Dept. in order to operate boats with 15+ horsepower.  So, I would double check with your state's parks dept.

Answer 2

Nope matey, I "drive" the QE2 and no-one has asked me for any documentation, my Grandfather "drove" the Titanic, less said about that the better.

Yes, u have to get a licence for the boat, and no u don't need any licence personally although there are classes where u can get a certificate to prove u attended and are responsible.I'd advise u attend these classes if u still persist in calling it,"driving" a boat. good luck.

Answer 3

In many states, you have to obtain a boater safety certificate tp legally operate a boat.  Google boater safety coarse to find out the requirement for your state!

Answer 4

Couple ways to go about it.

Get a buddy who owns a boat to take you out and teach you about boating. Watch for some time, and make sure you get some time behind the wheel. Most important, learn how to dock, and how to load on a trailer.

Second, take an on-the-water course. The Power Squadron most likely will offer one in your area, but there should be others. I have taken dry-land course from them, but was unimpressed, so I won't recommend. Again, the most important is to have time behind the wheel, and learn how to dock.

As a buddy of mine says after he pulls a boat off a sandbar, "remember, boats don't have brakes."

Answer 5

My state requires boat drivers under 16 to pass a boating safety course before driving a boat on state waterways. Alot of other states are the same. Contact your local State authorities for the requirements for your state. Good Luck and welcome to boating!!

Answer 6

buy the boat sail the world thats all you have to do no licences no courses no instruction you dont even have to prove you are insured

Answer 7

This could take a while.....1. It depends on where you live. 2. It depends on what you plan to do with the boat....pleasure use, passengers for hire, fishing charters...etc. 3. It also depends on what kind of boat you are buying. Your best bet is to contact the loacal Coast Guard and ask all the questions you can. Also contact your local DMV and ask about the requirements they may have. Basically, you need to educate yourself for your area or any area where you will be operating the boat.

Answer 8

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 9

Before you attempt to move a boat anywhere please contact the Royal Yachting Association. This wonderful organisation do not only cover sailing but most other forms of 'boating'. They will guide you.

Do not assume that there is no need for some form of licence or certification. It depends where you intend to use the boat and also what sort of boat you intend to use.

There are plenty of inexpensive courses which will assist in pleasurable and safe usage. Do not forget insurance.

Go for it and the very best of luck.

I have been sailing, motor boat and power boat operating, water skiing, windsurfing, surfing and whatever else you can think of. I started sailing at the age of 6 years and sailed a 30 feet sailing cruiser until the age of 62 years. My wife and I stopped windsurfing and water skiing a few years after that.

You will love it, but learn well and prosper.

Answer 10

What a great idea... and great interest to have.

the "short answer" to your question is:

Yes - there are courses you "can" take...

NO - there are no "legal" requirements or "tests".

Boating is a wonderful - enjoyable way to spend the day (or night). For many, boating offers some of the greatest (and most memorable) time of their lives...

Though many boaters believe there should be laws and license requirements... currently there are no laws, or legal requirements to "drive" a boat for your own personal use and pleasure.

The only exception to this is that "in some states" laws have been inacted to require a boating safety course with regard to "jet skis"... these fun and fast little rascals - have caused unbeleavable damage and a lot of people to get hurt... as a result, some states have passed laws that require younger operators to complete a boat safety course.

I suggest a visit to the Coast Guard Auxilary site at:

> nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.... <

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels from beginners and general boat safety to more advance courses. I suggest you simply start off with a beginners general safety course, most beginner safety courses are free - and I wouldn't worry about any more advanced classes until you "get your feet wet" so to speak...

And... might I suggest, that you visit some Marinas in your area... meet some boaters and ask them questions...

Answer 11

No there aren't, although it would be wise in the interests of safety to do a powerboat course to get the basics