north carolina boating course
The North Carolina boater safety certification card (also referred to as the North Carolina Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.
There is no minimum age to take the online boat safety exam.
The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the North Carolina boater safety certification card.
Your North Carolina boater safety certification card will be mailed to your home within 5–7 business days after you pass the exam and pay for the online course.
Yes. Once you pass and pay for the online course, you may instantly print out a temporary boater safety certification card good for 60 days.
A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat North Carolina online course. To obtain a duplicate North Carolina card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT NORTH CAROLINA, to:
BOAT NORTH CAROLINA
14086 Proton Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75244
Be sure to include the student’s full name and date of birth in the mailed request for a duplicate card. You may also phone Customer Service to request the duplicate and pay by credit card.
Any exemptions from the mandatory boater’s license requirement are explained in detail on the “Laws” page.
A person 14 or 15 years old may operate a PWC only if he or she has on his or her person identification showing proof of age and a boating certification card showing proof of passing a boating safety course approved by NASBLA and accepted by the Wildlife Resources Commission. OR he or she is accompanied on board the PWC by a person who is at least 18 years old and who is in compliance with the requirements for operating a vessel. Those younger than 14 years may not legally operate a PWC.
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.
