Boating People Age Test Boat License States Require

Most states require that people have boater education in order to "navigate" (drive; operate) a "motorized" (with an engine) boat. Most people refer to this as getting a boating "license" (official permission to do something), even though it is not an actual license in most states.

The "licensing requirements" (what one must do to get a license) "vary" (are different) by state, but they have many things in common. "Applicants" (people who want to get a boating license) must meet the age requirement, typically with a minimum age of 16, which is generally the same as the minimum age for "obtaining" (getting) a driver's license.

Most states require that applicants pass a test on "water safety." The test includes questions about the maximum speeds, basic boat "maintenance" (taking care of something so it stays in good condition) and "repair" (fixing things that are broken). The test also "covers" (deals with topics on) "navigation" (the ability to go where one wants to go) and how to handle a boat during "inclement weather" (bad weather) and storms. Applicants are also expected to understand the importance of using "personal floatation devices" (life jackets) and the importance of not boating "under the influence" (while one is drinking alcohol or using drugs).

Some people take a "boating safety course," often online, in order to prepare for the boating exam. But others simply read "printed materials" (books or pamphlets) to prepare themselves to take the test.

Once people have their boating license, they then need to register their boat with the appropriate state "authority" (department or official), just as they would register a car with the Department of Motor Vehicles.