How Long Does the Mississippi Boater Safety Course Take?
The Mississippi 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 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP).
Those three hours cover the required instructional content. Your total time depends on your reading pace, how long you spend reviewing 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.
Free in-person classroom courses are also available through the MDWFP and typically run six hours. Keep reading to learn what the course covers, how Mississippi's requirements work, and how to get your Mississippi boating license.
What's Included in the Mississippi Boater Safety Course?
The Mississippi MDWFP-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Mississippi waterways.
Topics include:
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Required safety equipment
- Mississippi-specific boating laws
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is structured in units, each ending with a quiz. You must score at least 70% on unit quizzes and at least 80% on the final exam. Both allow unlimited retakes, 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 Mississippi boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
First, find out if you need a Mississippi boating license to confirm whether the course applies to you. Then, choose a format that fits your schedule.
Mississippi Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
| Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online | 3–4 hours | Self-paced (save your progress and return as you have time) |
| Classroom (MDWFP) | 6 hours | Free (taught by MDWFP officers and volunteers; pre-registration required) |
An online course is the most flexible option, available on any device across as many sessions as you need. The MDWFP boating education page has information on scheduled free in-person courses statewide.
How to Get Your Mississippi Boater Education Certificate
Follow these steps to complete the course and receive your Mississippi Boater Education Certificate.
Step 1: Enroll in an MDWFP-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The Mississippi 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 course units, take the final exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass, with unlimited attempts available.
Step 3: Print your temporary certificate.
After passing, print your temporary Mississippi Boater Education Certificate immediately, or request a PDF by email. The temporary certificate is valid for 60 days while your permanent card is processed.
Step 4: Receive your permanent card.
Your permanent Mississippi Boater Education Certificate will arrive by mail within three to five weeks. The card is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel.
How Much Does the Mississippi Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee covers everything you need to take the course, pass the final exam, and get your card. Mississippi does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Certificate.
Mississippi Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $44.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
| MDWFP in-person course | Free |
Free in-person courses are offered by MDWFP officers and volunteers at locations across the state. Pre-registration is required for all MDWFP classroom courses.
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.
Mississippi requires a Boater Education Certificate for anyone born after June 30, 1980, who operates any motorized vessel or PWC. There is no horsepower threshold.
Operators under 12 years of age must have someone at least 21 years old on board to operate any vessel, regardless of certification status. Failing to carry your certificate when required can result in a fine of up to $250. For more on Mississippi's boating requirements, visit the state's rules and regulations page.
Start Your Mississippi Boater Safety Course Today
With more than 1,000 lakes and reservoirs across the state, Mississippi offers plenty of water to explore. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your certificate is valid for life.
Take the Mississippi boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Mississippi boater safety course take?
A: The Mississippi boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the MDWFP. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours. Free in-person MDWFP courses are available and run approximately six hours.
Q: Can I take the Mississippi 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 Mississippi boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on the final exam. Unit quizzes throughout the course require a minimum of 70%. Both allow unlimited retakes.
Q: How much does the Mississippi boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $44.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. MDWFP in-person courses are free, though pre-registration is required. Mississippi does not charge a separate state fee for the Boater Education Certificate.
Q: How long does it take to receive my Mississippi Boater Education Certificate?
A: You can print a temporary certificate immediately after passing the exam. It is valid for 60 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within three to five weeks.
Q: Does the Mississippi Boater Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal.
Q: Who is required to have a Mississippi Boater Education Certificate?
A: Anyone born after June 30, 1980, who operates any motorized vessel or PWC on Mississippi waters must carry a certificate. There is no horsepower minimum. Operators under 12 years of age must be accompanied on board by someone at least 21 years old, regardless of certification status.
