Vermont Boating Regulations and Laws

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

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.

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

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

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

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

• Internet Exam: If you are 12 years of age or older, you can study over the Internet and then take the Vermont online boating exam. If you pass the online boating test (achieve a score of 80% or better), you will receive your official Vermont Boating Safety Education Certificate.
• Classroom Course: Those younger than 12 years of age must take a classroom course in order to receive a boating safety education certificate. No one younger than 10 years of age may receive a certificate. Please check with the Vermont State Police Boating Safety Course Schedule to find a classroom course near you.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

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

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

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

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

Vermont's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.