How Long Does the New Hampshire Boater Safety Course Take?
The New Hampshire boater safety course follows the same NASBLA-set minimum as most states, but your age determines how you finish it. New Hampshire Marine Patrol requires the final exam to be completed differently depending on whether you're 18 or older or under 18.
If you're 18 or older, you can complete the entire course and final exam online and print your certificate immediately upon passing. However, if you're 16 or 17, you'll need to complete a proctored exam in person, administered by a state proctor, regardless of how you studied the material.
Keep reading to learn what the course covers, how the age-based exam process works, and how to get certified.
What's Included in the New Hampshire Boater Safety Course?
The New Hampshire Marine Patrol-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on New Hampshire waterways.
Topics include:
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Required safety equipment
- New Hampshire-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.
If you're 18 or older, you have one attempt at the online final exam. A failed attempt requires an in-person proctored re-test for a $10 fee. If you're 16 or 17, you have unlimited attempts on the online portion, but you must still complete your final exam in person with a state proctor.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our New Hampshire boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
Your path through the course depends on your age, so check which track applies to you before you begin.
New Hampshire Boater Safety Course Tracks: | ||
| Age | Exam | Format Notes |
| 18 and older | Fully online | One attempt. Failed attempts require an in-person proctored re-test ($10 fee). |
| 16–17 | Online course, in-person final exam | Unlimited attempts on the online portion. Proctored final exam is always required. |
| Classroom (any eligible age) | In-person final exam | Included during the last hour of class |
Whichever track applies to you, review our in-person exam component information for details on locating and scheduling a proctored session.
How to Get Your New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate
After determining that you need a New Hampshire boating license, follow these steps to complete the course and receive your New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate.
Step 1: Enroll in a Marine Patrol-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The New Hampshire boating safety course from Boat-Ed is self-paced and can be completed on any device. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll.
Step 2: Complete the course material.
Work through each unit and pass the required quizzes with a score of at least 70%. Make sure you thoroughly understand every unit to help you pass your final exam on the first try to avoid scheduling a retest and the $10 retest fee.
Step 3: Take your final exam.
If you're 18 or older, take your final exam online and aim to pass on your first attempt. A failed attempt means scheduling an in-person proctored re-test.
If you're 16 or 17, locate and register for the required in-person proctored exam session after finishing the online coursework.
Step 4: Print your certificate or receive it by mail.
If you're 18 or older and pass online, print your New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate immediately. If you completed an in-person proctored exam, your certificate card will be mailed automatically to the address you provided during registration.
Fifteen-year-olds who complete the course will have their card mailed around their 16th birthday.
How Much Does the New Hampshire Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee and the required New Hampshire Marine Patrol fee are billed separately.
New Hampshire Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-ed online course | $32.00 + $17.95 New Hampshire Marine Patrol fee |
| In-person proctored re-test fee (if needed) | $10.00 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
The $17.95 Marine Patrol fee is separate from the course fee itself, so plan for both when budgeting.
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.
New Hampshire requires a Safe Boating Certificate for anyone 16 or older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower or a ski craft.
Operators under 16 may operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower only if accompanied by someone 18 or older who holds a valid certificate. No certificate is required if the motorboat's motor is 25 horsepower or less.
Start Your New Hampshire Boater Safety Course Today
From Lake Winnipesaukee to the Seacoast, New Hampshire offers boating for every kind of waterway. Getting your certificate now means you're ready for the season, regardless of which exam track applies to you.
Take the New Hampshire boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the New Hampshire boater safety course take?
A: The course itself follows the standard NASBLA minimum, but how long it takes to finish depends on your age. If you're 18 or older, you can complete the entire course and exam online in one sitting if you pass on your first attempt. If you're 16 or 17, you'll need to schedule a separate in-person proctored exam session after finishing the online coursework, which adds time depending on availability.
Q: Why do some New Hampshire boaters need an in-person exam?
A: New Hampshire requires anyone under 18 to complete their final exam in person with a state proctor, regardless of whether they studied online or in a classroom. Boaters 18 and older may take the final exam fully online, though a failed attempt requires an in-person proctored re-test.
Q: Can I take the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire boater safety exam?
A: To pass the New Hampshire boater safety exam, you need at least 80% on the final exam. You also need to score at least 70% on each unit quiz.
Q: How much does the New Hampshire boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $32.00, plus a separate $17.95 New Hampshire Marine Patrol fee. If you're 18 or older and fail your online exam, an in-person proctored re-test costs an additional $10. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80.
Q: How long does it take to receive my New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate?
A: If you're 18 or older and pass online, you can print your certificate immediately. If you complete an in-person proctored exam, your certificate card is mailed automatically to the address provided during registration. Fifteen-year-olds who complete the course have their card mailed around their 16th birthday.
Q: Does the New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate expire?
A: No. The certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal.
Q: Who is required to have a New Hampshire Safe Boating Certificate?
A: Anyone 16 or older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower or a ski craft on New Hampshire waters must hold a certificate. Operators under 16 may operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower only when accompanied by a certified adult 18 or older. No certificate is needed for motorboats with 25 horsepower or less.
