| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont 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 |
|
|
|---|
| Vermont 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 Vermont, boating safety education is required for many operators to legally operate a vessel on Vermont waters. Vermont does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boating safety education for specific operators.
Vermont boating safety education requirements are administered by the Vermont State Police (VSP), Marine Division, in partnership with the Vermont Warden Service.
Vermont law requires boater education for the following operators:
Exemptions include:
Operators who are required to have proof of boater education must carry their card on board and provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can earn a Vermont Boater Safety Certificate by completing an approved boating safety education course. Vermont provides more than one way to become certified, allowing boaters to choose what works best for their schedule. Approved formats include:
Vermont allows boaters to complete an approved online boating safety education course. After successfully completing the course and required exam process, students receive a Boater Safety Certificate issued by the Vermont State Police as proof they have met Vermont's requirements.
Vermont also offers classroom boating safety education through approved instructors and programs. These courses cover safe operation, navigation rules, and Vermont boating laws. After successful completion, students receive boating safety certification as proof they have met Vermont's requirements.
Boater Safety Certificates do not expire.
Vermont boating education and operator requirements apply to operation on Vermont waters. When boating outside Vermont, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages may 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 Vermont boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive a VSP-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Safety Certificate.
Vermont State Police
2777 St. George Road, Williston, VT 05495
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 Vermont’s boater education certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Vermont may be known for its rolling green mountains and small-town charm, but it also offers some of the most scenic freshwater boating in the Northeast. From expansive lakes to quiet forest-lined ponds, the state provides a wide range of on-the-water experiences throughout every season.
Boating here is defined by mountain backdrops, crystal-clear water, and a strong outdoor heritage. Whether you prefer fishing, paddling, watersports, or relaxed cruising, Vermont's lakes deliver a blend of recreation and natural beauty that makes time on the water unforgettable.
Lake Champlain
Stretching roughly 120 miles from north to south, Lake Champlain is Vermont's largest lake
and one of the most significant freshwater bodies in the United States.
Its shoreline spans hundreds of miles and includes historic towns, parks, beaches, and more than 80 islands.
Boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, paddling, cruising, and waterfront camping.
The lake is also home to numerous historic shipwreck sites and the well-known legend of "Champ."
Lake St. Catherine
Located in Rutland County, Lake St. Catherine is known for its calm atmosphere and clean waters.
Popular activities include boating, swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, and fishing.
Lake St. Catherine State Park offers sandy beaches, picnic areas, boat access,
and camping facilities for both tents and RVs.
Lake Willoughby
Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, Lake Willoughby is a deep glacial lake framed by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor.
Its exceptionally clear water and steep cliffs create one of Vermont's most striking landscapes.
Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing, with public beaches located at both ends of the lake.
Lake Bomoseen
As the largest lake located entirely within Vermont, Lake Bomoseen stretches along the Taconic Mountain range.
It is a favorite destination for water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving, and cruising.
Bomoseen State Park provides public beach access, boat launches, hiking trails, and camping facilities,
while nearby towns offer dining and seasonal accommodations.
Silver Lake
Located near Barnard Village, Silver Lake is considered one of Vermont's most picturesque lakes.
It offers year-round fishing and is especially popular in the summer for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and family boating.
Silver Lake State Park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and campgrounds,
making it a convenient destination for a full day or extended stay on the water.
