| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Missouri Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Missouri, certain operators must complete an approved boater education course and carry proof of certification to legally operate on Missouri waters. Missouri does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but state law requires boating safety education for specific operators and recognizes approved certification as the required credential.
If you meet Missouri’s boater education requirements, you must have your proof of certification on board while operating to demonstrate compliance with Missouri boating laws.
Missouri law requires boater education for the following operators:
This boater education requirement also applies to nonresidents.
You can earn a Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card by successfully completing a boating safety course approved by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
Approved course formats include:
MSHP-approved online courses allow you to complete Missouri’s boater education requirements remotely. After successful completion, you receive proof of certification that satisfies Missouri’s boater education law.
Missouri also allows approved in-person boating safety courses taught by authorized providers. These courses cover Missouri boating laws, navigation rules, and key safety practices. After successful completion, students receive proof of boater education certification.
Missouri law allows required operators to use either the Boating Safety Identification Card or a Missouri license with boating safety endorsement as proof while operating.
Missouri recognizes boating safety certification issued by other jurisdictions when it meets NASBLA standards. Missouri law also notes that operators born after January 1, 1984, must have proof of boater education on board when operating on Missouri lakes, and recognized boating safety certification may satisfy this requirement depending on what was issued and by whom.
When boating outside Missouri, operators should always check the laws of the destination state, since requirements may differ.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Missouri boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive an MSHP-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boating Safety Identification Card.
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace the Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Missouri offers outstanding boating across large lakes, scenic rivers, and well-known recreation areas throughout the state. From high-energy summer lake culture to calm coves and shoreline cruising, Missouri’s waterways support boating for anglers, families, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Lake of the Ozarks
Known as the “Magic Dragon,” Lake of the Ozarks is a top boating destination with extensive shoreline, coves to explore, marinas, and major summer boating events.
Table Rock Lake
Located near Branson, Table Rock Lake features clear water and scenic Ozark Mountain views, making it popular for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Truman Lake
A large reservoir offering wide open water and excellent fishing, with plenty of space for cruising and watersports throughout the season.
Stockton Lake
A favorite for boaters seeking calmer conditions, Stockton Lake is known for recreation, sailing, and strong boating access.
Big Lake
A northwestern Missouri destination offering a quieter boating atmosphere, popular for family outings, fishing, and relaxed cruising.
