How Long Does the Missouri Boater Safety Course Take?
The Missouri boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online. That minimum is set by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and enforced by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Water Patrol Division.
Those three hours cover the required instructional content. Your total time depends on your reading pace, how long you spend on each unit, and how quickly you work through the final exam. Most students finish the full online course, including the exam, in three to four hours.
In-person classroom options are also available, including free courses taught by MSHP marine troopers. Keep reading to learn what the course includes, how Missouri's requirements differ from those of other states, and how to earn your card.
What's Included in the Missouri Boater Safety Course?
The Missouri MSHP-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Missouri waterways.
Topics include:
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Required safety equipment
- Missouri-specific boating laws
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is organized into units, each ending with a quiz. Missouri requires a higher passing threshold than most states. You must score at least 80% on both unit quizzes and the final exam. The final exam allows two attempts. If you do not pass on either attempt, you must retake the entire online course before testing again.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our Missouri boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
The time it takes to complete your boater safety course depends on your pace and the format you choose.
Missouri Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
| Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online course | 3 hours | Self-paced (save your progress and return anytime) |
| Classroom (MSHP marine troopers) | Varies | Free; offered at locations statewide (check MSHP for schedule) |
| Classroom (other approved providers) | Varies | Cost and schedule vary by provider |
Online is the most flexible option. Free in-person classes taught by MSHP marine troopers are a good alternative for those who prefer a classroom setting.
The MSHP Water Patrol boater education FAQ has details on available course options and how to order your card.
How to Get Your Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card
Follow these steps to complete the course and receive your Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card.
Step 1: Enroll in an MSHP-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard immediately. The Missouri boating safety course from Boat-Ed is fully online, self-paced, and can be completed in as little as three hours on any device.
Step 2: Pass the final exam.
After completing all unit quizzes, take the final exam. You must score at least 80% to pass and have two attempts. If you do not pass on either attempt, you will need to retake the full online course before testing again.
Step 3: Print your temporary card.
After passing the exam, print your temporary Missouri boating card immediately to use on the water while your permanent card is processed.
Step 4: Order your permanent card from MSHP.
Your permanent Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card is ordered separately through the MSHP Water Patrol Division. A $15 state fee applies. The card is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel on a Missouri lake.
How Much Does the Missouri Boater Safety Course Cost?
Getting your Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card involves both a course fee and a separate MSHP card fee.
Missouri Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $34.95 + $12.71 Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division fee |
| Boat-Ed+ online (virtual) course | $79.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 + $10.50 State Parks fee |
| MSHP permanent card fee | $15.00 |
| MSHP classroom course (marine troopers) | Free |
The $15 MSHP card fee is paid directly to the Water Patrol Division when you order your permanent card and is separate from the course fee.
Can You Split the Course Into Multiple Sessions?
Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. There is no time limit to complete the course once you enroll.
One important planning note: because the final exam allows only two attempts, take time to review all the unit material thoroughly before starting the exam. Missouri's education requirement applies to anyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a motorized vessel on a Missouri lake. The requirement covers lakes specifically.
This is a distinction unique to Missouri among the states in this series. Operators must be at least 14 years old to operate independently.
For a full walkthrough of the licensing process, see how to get a boating license in Missouri.
Start Your Missouri Boater Safety Course Today
Missouri's lakes (from the Lake of the Ozarks to Table Rock Lake) draw millions of boaters every year. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your card is valid for life.
Take the Missouri boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get ready to get out on the water.
Upgrade to a faster experience with our new Boat-Ed+ virtual course!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Missouri boater safety course take?
A: The Missouri boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours, depending on their pace.
Q: Can I take the Missouri boater safety course in multiple sittings?
A: Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. There is no time limit once you enroll.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Missouri boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on both unit quizzes and the final exam. The final exam allows two attempts. If you do not pass on either attempt, you must retake the entire online course before testing again.
Q: How much does the Missouri boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $54.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. A separate $15 fee is paid to the MSHP Water Patrol Division when you order your permanent card. MSHP classroom courses taught by marine troopers are offered free of charge.
Q: How do I get my permanent Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card?
A: After completing the course and passing the exam, you order your permanent card separately through the MSHP Water Patrol Division. A $15 state fee applies. You can order online or by mail.
Q: Does the Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card expire?
A: No. The card is valid for life and does not require renewal.
Q: Does Missouri's boating education requirement apply to rivers?
A: No. Missouri's mandatory education law applies specifically to the operation of motorized vessels on Missouri lakes. Always carry your card when operating on any Missouri lake, and verify any local requirements for specific waterways.
