Kentucky Boating Regulations and Laws

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

Persons 12 to 17 years of age may legally operate a motorized vessel over 10 horsepower (including personal watercraft) only if they have passed an approved boating safety course and carry on board their boater education certificate or are accompanied on board by a person 18 years old or older or by a person who possesses a boater education card.

Even if not required by law to get the Kentucky 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 Kentucky a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Kentucky course and practice what you learn.

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

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

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

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Kentucky online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater education certificate issued by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

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

Where can I get more information about the Kentucky boater education certificate?

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

Who needs an Kentucky boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater education certificate?

Kentucky's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.