North Dakota Boating Regulations and Laws

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

Persons under 12 years of age may not operate a power-driven vessel (including personal watercraft) that is propelled by a motor over 10 horsepower unless they are accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age. Persons 12 through 15 years of age may not operate a power-driven vessel (including personal watercraft) that is propelled by a motor over 10 horsepower unless they are accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age or they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course.The Boat North Dakota course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in North Dakota classrooms.

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

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

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 North Dakota online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued on behalf of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

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

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

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

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

North Dakota'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.