How Long Does the Louisiana Boater Safety Course Take?
The Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
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 complete the full online course, including the exam, in three to four hours.
In-person classroom courses are also available through the LDWF and typically run six to eight hours. Keep reading to learn what the course covers, what makes Louisiana's requirements unique, and how to get your Louisiana boating license.
What's Included in the Louisiana Boater Safety Course?
The Louisiana LDWF-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Louisiana waterways.
Topics include:
- Required safety equipment
- Louisiana-specific boating laws
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is structured in units, each ending with a quiz. You must score at least 80% on the final exam to pass the online course. Unlimited retakes are available, so you can review any unit and try again as many times as needed.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our Louisiana boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
First, check Louisiana's mandatory boater education requirements to confirm whether the course applies to you. Then, choose a format that fits your schedule.
Louisiana Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
| Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online | 3 hours | Self-paced (save your progress and return as you have time) |
| Classroom (LDWF) | 6–8 hours | Free. Taught by LDWF agents and trained volunteer instructors. |
Online is the most flexible option and can be completed on any device across multiple sessions. LDWF classroom courses are free and offered year-round at locations statewide.
How to Get Your Louisiana Boater Education Certificate
Follow these steps to complete the course and receive your Louisiana Boater Education Certificate.
Step 1: Get your LDWF number.
Before enrolling in the course, you'll need a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries number. Visit the Louisiana Outdoors website to locate your existing number or create a new one.
Step 2: Enroll in an LDWF-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The Louisiana boating safety course from Boat-Ed is fully online, self-paced, and can be completed in as little as three hours on any device. You must be at least 10 years old to enroll and receive certification.
Step 3: Pass the final exam.
After completing all course units, take the final exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass, with unlimited attempts available.
Step 4: Print your temporary certificate.
After passing, print your temporary Louisiana Boater Education Certificate immediately to use on the water while your permanent certificate is processed.
Step 5: Receive your permanent certificate.
After completing the online course, you will receive an email from the LDWF with instructions on how to access your permanent Boater Education Certificate. The certificate is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel.
How Much Does the Louisiana Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee covers everything you need to take the course, pass the final exam, and get your certificate. Louisiana does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Certificate.
Louisiana Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $44.95 |
| Boat-Ed+ online interactive (virtual) course | $79.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
| LDWF classroom course | Free |
LDWF classroom courses taught by law enforcement agents and trained volunteer instructors are offered at no charge.
At your next driver's license renewal, you can also add a Boater Education endorsement to your Louisiana driver's license at no additional cost. It's a convenient alternative to carrying a separate card.
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. Once you enroll, you have 90 days to complete the course.
Louisiana requires a Boater Education Certificate for anyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a motorboat over 10 horsepower or any PWC.
One rule unique to Louisiana: if you haven't yet completed the course, you may still operate a motorboat over 10 HP if an adult 18 or older who has completed the course is on board and able to take immediate control. However, this companion exception does not apply to PWCs. The minimum age to operate a PWC in Louisiana is 16, regardless of birth year or certification status.
Start Your Louisiana Boater Safety Course Today
From the bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin to the waters of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana offers some of the most distinctive boating in the country. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your certificate is valid for life.
Take the Louisiana boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Upgrade to a virtual experience with our new Boat-Ed+ interactive course!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Louisiana boater safety course take?
A: The Louisiana boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours. LDWF classroom courses run six to eight hours and are typically completed in a single day.
Q: Do I need an LDWF number before I start the course?
A: Yes. You'll need a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries number before enrolling. Visit the Louisiana Outdoors website to locate an existing number or create a new one.
Q: Can I take the Louisiana 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. You have 90 days from enrollment to complete the course.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Louisiana boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on the final exam for the online course. Unlimited retakes are available. LDWF classroom courses require a passing score of 70%.
Q: How much does the Louisiana boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed standard online course is $44.95, while the new Boat-Ed+ interactive course is $79.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. LDWF classroom courses are free. Louisiana does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Certificate.
Q: How do I receive my permanent Louisiana Boater Education Certificate?
A: After completing the online course, you will receive an email from the LDWF with instructions on how to access your permanent certificate. You can also print a temporary certificate immediately after passing the exam.
Q: Does the Louisiana Boater Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal. You can also add a Boater Education endorsement to your Louisiana driver's license at no cost at your next renewal, which serves as an alternative to carrying a separate card.
