New Mexico Boating Course
The New Mexico boater education card (sometimes incorrectly called the New Mexico boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.
All persons born after January 1, 1989, must pass an approved boater education course before they may operate a motorboat legally. Also, all persons must be at least 13 years of age to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or personal watercraft (PWC) unless under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. The course or exam must be one that is approved by New Mexico State Parks. The Boat Ed New Mexico online class has the official course material adopted by New Mexico State Parks for classroom instruction.
Even if not required by law to get the New Mexico boating boater card, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.
Do your part to make boating in New Mexico a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Ed New Mexico course and practice what you learn.
Laws and regulations concerning operating a PWC or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in the course materials and on the New Mexico State Parks website.
You can study over the Internet then take the New Mexico online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety education certificate issued on behalf of New Mexico State Parks is mailed to your home.
You’re at the right place, because the Boat Ed New Mexico online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for New Mexico State Parks. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our New Mexico safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.
All persons born on or after January 1, 1989, must pass an approved boater education course or a proctored examination before they may operate a motorboat legally.
Operators are exempt if they:
All persons must be at least 13 years of age to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or PWC unless they are under the direct, on board supervision of an adult. Those under 13 years of age must have their Boater Education Card on board even when operating under direct supervision.
The Boater Education Card must be carried on board the vessel whenever it is operated by someone required to have a card. For renters, the instructions on safe boat operation provided by the rental company serve as a temporary certificate/card for 30 days.
No person, including a parent or the owner of a vessel, may authorize or knowingly permit a child under the age of 13 to operate a motorboat without direct, on board supervision of an adult.
All boat-ed content has been developed in conjunction with the state boating safety agencies responsible for boater education, and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.
