Delaware Boating Regulations and Laws

The Delaware boating safety education certificate (commonly known as a Delaware boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

Delaware law places restrictions on boat and PWC operation for those born on or after January 1, 1978. In some cases, passing an approved boating safety course allows youth to operate without being under direct adult supervision. The Boat Delaware course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Delaware classrooms.

Even if not required by law to get the Delaware boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Delaware a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Delaware course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Delaware?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in the course material and on the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife's Boating Safety pages.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

You can study over the Internet then take the Delaware online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You’re at the right place, because the Boat Delaware online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Delaware safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Delaware boating safety education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Delaware boater’s license;
• Contact the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we’ll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Delaware boater’s license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Delaware boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boating safety education certificate?

The following boating safety education requirements apply to any registered or documented boat or personal watercraft (PWC) operated on Delaware waters:

• All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DFW. The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or the equivalent.
• Those required to have completed a boating course must carry on board their state-issued or NASBLA—approved certificate of boating safety education.
• In addition, there are age restrictions on the operation of PWCs:
  • Those under the age of 14 years may not operate a PWC under any conditions.
  • Those 14 and 15 years of age who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC only if under the direct onboard supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian.
  • Those 16 years of age and older who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC without any restrictions.