Mississippi Boating Regulations and Laws

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

Mississippi law requires that all persons born after June 30, 1980, pass a boating education course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks in order to legally operate a vessel. The boating education certificate must be carried on board the vessel whenever it is operated.The Boat Mississippi course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Mississippi classrooms.

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

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

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 Mississippi online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is mailed to your home.
• Classroom Courses: Share the learning experience with other students by taking a boating certification classroom course led by a qualified instructor.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

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

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

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

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

Mississippi'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.