| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana 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 |
|
|
|---|
| Montana 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 Montana, certain operators must have a Boater Education Certificate (also referred to as a Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate) to legally operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on Montana waters. Montana does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boater education for specific operators.
Montana boating safety education requirements are administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) through approved providers.
Montana law requires boater education for the following operators:
Operators who are required to have proof of boater education must be able to provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can earn your Montana Boater Education Certificate by completing an approved Montana boating safety course and successfully passing the course requirements. Approved formats include:
Montana FWP offers approved Internet boating safety courses for motorboat and PWC operators. After successful completion, eligible students receive a Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate as proof they have met Montana's boater education requirements.
Montana also offers a home-study boating safety course option through FWP. After completing the course requirements, eligible students receive a Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate.
Montana's Boater Education Certificate applies to operation on Montana waters. When boating outside Montana, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages vary by location.
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 Montana boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive an FWP-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Education Certificate.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701
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 Montana's boater education requirement when operating motorboats or personal watercraft that fall under the state's education rules.
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Montana is a standout boating destination thanks to its wide-open landscapes, pristine waters, and access to thousands of lakes, reservoirs, and river stretches. Whether you're looking for peaceful cruising, a scenic paddle, or a full day of fishing, boating in Montana offers a mix of freedom and unforgettable views that few states can match.
With clear water, rugged shoreline scenery, and plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the ramp, Montana's waterways support everything from family outings to serious angling trips. Many boaters also enjoy wildlife viewing on the water, especially in quieter coves and open reservoirs where nature feels close and uncrowded.
Flathead Lake
A major Montana boating destination known for wide-open water, mountain views, and space for cruising, sailing, and watersports.
Hebgen Lake
A scenic high-country lake near Yellowstone that's popular for fishing, paddling, and relaxed boating in a quieter setting.
Fort Peck Lake
One of the largest reservoirs in the country, offering long runs, remote shoreline scenery, and excellent boating for anglers and explorers.
Lake Koocanusa
A narrow reservoir surrounded by Rocky Mountain scenery, known for calmer boating conditions and peaceful shoreline views.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir
A heavily used recreation lake with boating access, watersports activity, and strong fishing opportunities throughout the season.
