Do I Need Boater Education in My State?
Boat ownership comes with responsibilities that include knowing how a boat operates, communicating with other boaters, and responding to emergencies.
Many states require boater education courses before allowing boat owners to navigate state waters. Even if you live in a state with no boater education requirements, completing a course is highly recommended. It also doesn’t hurt that many insurance companies offer discounts on policies for having a boater’s education card.
Some states require by law carrying a boater education card with you whenever you operate your boat or else be issued a fine. With that in mind, here’s a list of states from M-O and whether or not they require boater’s education. States from A-L and states from P-W will be covered in separate posts.
NOTE: Laws, regulations and requirements are subject to change. The boater education requirements listed below are current as of this publication (2021). However, you should check your state’s boating laws for updates or amendments.
Boater Education Requirements by State: M thru O
Maine
Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses.
Maryland
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after July 1st, 1972 to complete an approved boater education course.
Massachusetts
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 14 and 15 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 16 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Michigan
Requires all boat operators on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.
Minnesota
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 12 and 17 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 18 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Mississippi
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after June 30th, 1980 to complete an approved boater education course.
Missouri
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1984 to complete an approved boater education course.
Montana
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 13 and 14 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 15 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Nebraska
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 14 and 18 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 18 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Nevada
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1983 to complete an approved boater education course.
New Hampshire
Requires all boat operators on state waters 16 years or older to complete an approved boater education course.
New Jersey
Requires all boat operators on state waters to complete an approved boater education course.
New Mexico
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1989 to complete an approved boater education course.
New York
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after May 1st, 1996 to complete an approved boater education course.
North Carolina
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1988 to complete an approved boater education course.
North Dakota
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 12 and 15 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 16 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Ohio
Requires all boat operators on state waters born after January 1st, 1982 to complete an approved boater education course.
Oklahoma
Requires all boat operators on state waters between 12 and 15 years of age to complete an approved boater education course. Does not require boat operators 16 years of age or older to complete any boater education courses.
Oregon
Requires all boat operators on state waters 12 years or older to complete an approved boater education course.
Do you need a boating license in your state? Find out here.
