| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Arkansas Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Arkansas, certain boat operators must complete an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) approved boating safety course and carry proof of certification to operate a motorboat legally.
Arkansas does not issue a traditional "boating license," but it does require boating safety education for specific operators. Successful completion of an approved course results in a boating education card that must be carried on board and shown to law enforcement when requested.
Arkansas law requires boating safety education for the following operators:
Additional Arkansas operator restrictions include:
Operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry proof of certification and present it upon request.
You can earn your Arkansas Boater Education Card by completing an AGFC-approved boating safety education course and passing the exam. Arkansas offers two approved formats for certification:
Arkansas recognizes valid boating education certificates issued by other states, as long as the course is approved by NASBLA.
If you boat outside Arkansas, always review the destination state's boating laws, since age restrictions and education requirements vary by location.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Arkansas boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive an AGFC-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Education Card.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a free, NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Arkansas's boating safety certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Arkansas offers some of the South’s best boating water, with clear mountain lakes, scenic shoreline, and river floats that range from laid-back to adventure-ready. Whether you’re cruising, fishing, tubing, or paddling, Arkansas makes it easy to find wide-open water and a great launch point.
Lake Ouachita
Arkansas’s largest lake, known for clear water, countless coves, and houseboat-friendly boating.
Lake Greeson
A quieter mountain lake that’s popular for fishing and relaxed cruising by pontoon or PWC.
DeGray Lake
A family-friendly spot with smooth water, islands, beaches, and plenty of room for tubing and wake sports.
Saline River
A favorite for paddling trips, offering scenic floats by kayak or canoe.
Lake Hamilton
A lively Hot Springs-area lake with marinas, waterfront dining, and plenty of boating action.
