Boater Education

The Department of Wildlife is responsible for the safety education of Nevada boaters. The Boat Nevada safe boating program is recognized nationally and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Completing a boating safety course will make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. Many insurance companies offer a discount for successful completion.

Nevada boaters have three ways to become certified in boating safety:

Over the Internet ...

Learn what you need to be a safe boat operator online! The complete course with exciting visuals awaits you on the Net. Interactive graphics help you learn and retain information on boating safely in Nevada. Successfully complete the online test and you will receive a State of Nevada boating safety certificate by mail. There is a nominal fee for online certification.

Start today at Boat Nevada

In a classroom ...

Share the learning experience with other boaters and a qualified instructor. Call the Nevada Department of Wildlife to locate the next classroom course in your area.

Northern Nevada: 775-688-1500
Southern Nevada: 702-486-5127

By correspondence ...

Study at home with the Boat Nevada manual. Then take the certification exam at home and mail it to the Nevada Department of Wildlife for grading and certification.

Northern Nevada: 775-688-1500
Southern Nevada: 702-486-5127

Where to Find Additional Information

This handbook is a guide to Nevada’s boating laws for recreational boaters. The publication BOAT NEVADA: A Course on Responsible Boating gives additional information on safe boating practices for recreational boaters.

To stay abreast of new boating laws, call the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 775-688-1500 or visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website. For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety website.