The Vermont State Police changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Vermont boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on February 2, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Vermont Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Vermont's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel

• All persons born after January 1, 1974, must have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course to legally operate any motorized vessel (this includes personal watercraft).
• The boating safety education course must be approved by the Vermont State Police. Those successfully completing a course are issued a certificate by the Vermont State Police, which is valid for the student’s lifetime. No one younger than 10 years of age may receive a certificate. Those younger than 12 years of age must take a classroom course.
• Persons required to have completed the course must carry his or her course certificate on board when operating a motorized vessel.
• Those born after January 1, 1974, are exempted from the above if they:
  • Are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial vessel or ...
  • Operate the vessel only on a private lake or pond or ...
  • Are not a resident of Vermont and have proof that they have passed an approved boater education course in another state.
• No one under 12 years of age may legally operate any vessel powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower, even if the person has successfully completed a boating safety education course.
• No one under 16 years of age may legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC), even if the person has successfully completed a boating safety education course.

Boater Safety Education Certificate
Operators required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate must carry it on board the vessel.