Official Ohio Boating License Online
Take this Ohio–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft.
unlimited exam attempts
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Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Ohio boating license?
You need education if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, and will be operating a boat or PWC over 10 hp or more in Ohio.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass at Your Own Pace
Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary License Immediately
After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print a temporary boating license and go boating right away!
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Get on the Water!
That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!
Do you need a Boating License in Ohio?
Ohio law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators born after January 1, 1982, who will be operating a vessel over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to take this online course.
What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course
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 Ohio boaters Safety Course
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Ohio. 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.
Ohio Approved Boating License
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft
2045 Morse Road Building C
Columbus, OH 43229
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 Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Boater 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
If you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you need a boater education certificate (AKA boating license) to operate a personal watercraft in Ohio. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents.
To get your boating license, you need to take a boater safety course approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The course will cover safe practices, navigation rules, and Ohio boating laws, including those specific to personal watercraft (PWCs).
Ohio law prohibits anyone younger than 12 from operating a PWC. Anyone between 12 and 15 must have an adult with them on the PWC. Additionally, everyone on the PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times.
By earning your boater education certificate and following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and legal jet skiing experience in Ohio. For additional PWC requirements, check out our additional resources.
If you are new to boating and born on or after January 1, 1982, and plan to operate a boat or PWC of 10 hp or more, you’ll first need to take the Ohio boater safety course. This course teaches you the basics of boating and Ohio boating laws and regulations. Once you complete the course, you can print your boating license and immediately get out on the water.
Now let's talk about where to boat in Ohio.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one the five Great Lakes. Situated in northern Ohio, Lake Erie provides a picturesque destination for boaters. With over 9,900 square miles, it’s the fourth largest lake in the United States. This lake is home to a many species of fish, including walleye, perch, and bass making it a very popular destination for anglers. The lake also has relatively calming waters lending itself perfectly for water sports such as water skiing and wakeboarding.
Buckeye Lake
Located in Ohio’s oldest state park Buckeye Lake State Park, Buckeye Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake covers 3000 acres which provides a lot of room for boaters to explore and safely enjoy watersports. Home to bass, crappie and bluegill Buckeye Lake is another great lake for anglers.
Alum Creek
Alum Creek Lake is another great option for boaters. Located in Delaware County and home to several marinas and ramps, Alum Creek is another popular destination for water sports, fishing, and boating.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when boating. Always follow boating safety guidelines, and make sure to take the Ohio boater safety course and obtain your boating license before heading out on the water. Have fun and stay safe!
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Ohio Boating FAQs
Price and Payment
How much does the Ohio Boat Ed Course cost?
The Ohio Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Ohio?
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Ohio Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Ohio Boat Ed Course approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft?
The Ohio Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft.
Is my Ohio Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Ohio Boat Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 45 days after course completion.
What is the permanent Ohio Boater Education Certificate?
The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 3-5 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Boater Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.
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