Official Wisconsin Boating Safety Course Online
Take this Wisconsin–approved course to complete your online boating safety education.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card Do you need Wisconsin Boating education?
You need education if you are at least 16 years old and born on or after Jan. 1, 1989, and will be operating a motorboat or PWC in Wisconsin.
Get boater certified in 3 steps.
Study and pass the $34.95 course, and pay a $1.00 state fee.
Print your online course completion document.
Get ready to go boating!
Wisconsin Boating Education Requirements
For Motorized Vessels:
- Anyone under the age of 10 years may not legally operate a motorized vessel.
- Anyone between the ages of 10 and 11 years may operate a motorized vessel only if accompanied by a designated parent/guardian 18 years or older.
- Anyone between the ages of 12 and 15 years may operate a motorized vessel only if he or she is accompanied by a designated parent/guardian 18 years or older or he or she has successfully completed an approved boater safety course.
For Personal Watercraft:
- Anyone under the age of 12 years may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
- Anyone between the ages of 12 and 15 years may operate a PWC only if he or she has successfully completed an approved boater safety course.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
Learn MoreWhat to Expect From Boat Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Instruction in Wisconsin Boating Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Wisconsin. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
We’re people, not robots.
Our customer service team, made up of real people with real Boat Ed experience, is here to provide assistance through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
9:00 a.m. to midnight EST, seven days a week.
Get help seven days a week from professionals like Katy, Heidi, Josh, Misty, Liz, Allen, and Thomas.
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Wisconsin Approved
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street, PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
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 Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate. You can get the Wisconsin 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 Started →Need help? Here are the answers to the questions Wisconsin Boating students most frequently ask.
Wisconsin Frequently Asked Questions