Tennessee Boating Regulations and Laws

The Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (commonly known as a Tennessee boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed an approved boating safety course.

Anyone born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.

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

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

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Unit 4 of the Boat Ed Tennessee course content..

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet Exam: If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you can study over the Internet then take the Tennessee online boating exam. If you pass the online boating test (achieve a score of 80% or better), you will receive your official Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail.
• Monitored Exam: If you were born after January 1, 1989, you will not be able to take the online Certification Exam. You must take a monitored TWRA exam to receive your certificate. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for locations, dates, and times.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You’re at the right place, because the Boat Tennessee online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. All the required safe boating course material to get your Boating Safety Education Certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Tennessee safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate?

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

Who needs a Tennessee boat license, and what can they operate once they get their Boating Safety Education Certificate?

• Anyone born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.

• Boating Safety Education Certificate allows you to operate a motorized vessel of more than 8.5 horsepower
• To operate a motorized vessel of more than 8.5 horsepower:
  • Those less than 12 years old must have a supervisor on board who is at least 18 years old and able to take immediate control of the vessel. The supervisor, if born after January 1, 1989, also must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by TWRA.
  • Those 12 years old or older operating alone must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by TWRA.
• Those under 16 years of age may not rent a personal watercraft (PWC)