You need a Boaters License to drive any boat that is motorized regardless of its size or category. In other words, some states require you to obtain a license to sail a boat. In most other states, a license is not required, but they require boaters to undergo some type of boating safety courses. Note: The only boat license requirements that must be met in order to get a certificate or license is the completion of an approved safety course and the submission of a … Whether you plan to purchase a boat or enjoy one on vacation, you need to know the rules for the state where you will be on the water. Most boating accidents occur because operators didn’t have the proper knowledge and training to operate safely. Below, we have outlined a few important Texas boating laws. A: If you're 21 or older, you don't need a license in order to operate a boat in Michigan waters. Here is some information on states, which have laws and regulations, and who needs a boating license to operate a vessel. CA Boating License Requirement . If you’re taking your boat out leisurely on the weekends with family and friends, then you don’t need a captain’s license, however if you are carrying passengers for hire (passengers that pay for your boating services), you’ll definitely need to attain one. Ontario - Alberta - BC - Quebec - Newfoundland - Nova Scotia - New Brunswick - Saskatchewan - Manitoba. Boating safety should be a concern for everyone on the water. Once you have “The Card”, it doesn’t mean you automatically know how to drive the boat. The simple answer is that unlike a car, where you need a driving licence, there isn't a "boating licence" as such for those boating for the purposes of private pleasure. Moreover, if you drive a personal watercraft (PWC) in NSW or ACT, you need a separate credential, called the PWC driving license. You can apply for a boat licence or registration once you’ve met the relevant safety and insurance requirements. Can I operate a boat if I have lost my driver's license? In this guide, we’ll look at whether you need a licence to sail a boat in the USA. Need Illinois Boating Safety Certificate, Boating License: No need a vehicle driver’s license, Minimum Age: 15 if they pass Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Boating Education: Iowa requires boaters to attend and complete a boating safety course, DOB limitations: January 1, 1989 – NASBLA, Boating License: Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate Card, Learning Age: 12 – 17 Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate Card, Boating Education: Yes, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Boating Education: Learning age and engine over 25 horsepower. This card is often called the ‘California boating license’. A: If you're 21 or older, you don't need a license in order to operate a boat in Michigan waters. Question #5: Are there any exceptions or grandfather clauses? When we look at all of these statutes together, we see that a boat is personal property because it is not real property. The CBC requirement will be phased in over 8 years. Instead, it is the speed that determines the license requirement - if you plan to drive a boat at more than 10 knots, or more than 18 kilometres per hour, you will need a general boating license. Below, you should find the answer to do I need a license to drive a boat. Print entire guide. Age and Operator Restrictions. This card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course that is required for pleasure craft operators in British Columbia … Do you need a license to drive a boat in California? What you need is a California Boater Card. In California, you do not need a license to drive a boat. Do you need a Boating license to drive a boat in California? Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters. What you really need is a Canada PCOC. 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