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Course Outline

The following boating safety education requirements apply to any registered or documented boat or personal watercraft (PWC) operated on Delaware waters.

  • All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DNREC. The only exceptions are persons with a valid USCG license or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or the equivalent.
  • Those required to have completed a boating course must carry on board their state-issued or NASBLA–approved certificate of boating safety education.
  • In addition, there are age restrictions on the operation of PWC:
    • Those under the age of 14 years may not operate a PWC under any conditions.
    • Those 14 and 15 years of age who hold a boating safety education certificate may operate a PWC only if under the direct onboard supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian.
    • Those 16 years of age and older who hold a boating safety education certificate may operate a PWC without any restrictions.

Delaware Boat Safety Education Certificate
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  • Topic 2 of 19
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