Friday, March 22, 2024

Boating Safety Education Identification Card

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course

Boating Tips: Boating Safety ID Card

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course: The only course in the nation to combine both hunting and boating safety. Participants will develop skills in outdoor activities and learn about the benefits of physical activity while using proper safety procedures to experience wildlife, outdoor and extreme sports. By meeting all of the requirements of the Outdoor Education course, not only will students receive their Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card and be eligible to obtain a Florida Hunter Safety Certificate, theyll also earn a 0.5 credit for high school, and meet public school requirements for taking an on-line and a physical education course.

Official Florida Boating Safety Card

What is a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

The Florida Boater Education ID Card is proof that a boater has successfully completed an approved Boating Safety Course. Boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to get certified to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 hp or more.

Is the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card the same as a Boating License?

A Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card is commonly referred to as a boating license however, this is incorrect. Unlike a license, the Boating Safety Education ID Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

Who needs a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

All boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to complete a Boating Safety Course and obtain a Boating Safety Education ID card to legally operate a boating within the state.

Who is exempt from having to obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

What is the fine for not having the Card?

Boaters caught without a Boating Safety Education ID Card may receive a fine of up to $50 for a first offence, $250 for a second offence within 12 months of a prior conviction, $500 for a third offence within 36 months of a prior conviction, or $1000 for a fourth or subsequent offence.

How do I get a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  • Take the BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course online.
  • Take A Boating Safety Course

    Courses are available both in person and online so that you can choose the course the best fits your needs.

    Classroom courses are offered around the state by our certified and experienced instructors. Classroom courses are a great opportunity for boaters of all ages, especially first time and youth boaters, to earn their certificates. Please note that some instructors may charge an instructional fee. Fees paid to your instructor do not include the fee for a permanent certificate for students age 18 and older.

    With an approved online course, learning is completed online and successful completion of unit exams is required in order to advance through the course. Fees paid to the online provider include the cost of your permanentcertificate issued by the provider.

    Registering for a classroom course is quick and easy – follow the below links to find a course.

    Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions for more information about online boating education courses

    Recommended Reading: Do You Have To Have Boat Insurance In Nc

    Who Must Take A Boater Education Certification Course

    Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who wishes to operate certain vessels on the public waterways of Texas. See Water Safety Act for details

    • Boating courses are taught by US Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadron and trained volunteer instructors, as well as teachers, and game wardens.
    • With more and more people enjoying the lakes and rivers every year, it’s important, for everyone, that boaters educate themselves on boating skills and seamanship.

    Do I Have To Take An Online Exam

    Florida Boating Laws and Regulations

    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 dont complete the exam in one session, dont worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

    Read Also: How Long Are New Boat Loans

    Florida Age And Operator Restrictions

    • No one under the age of 14 years may operate a personal watercraft on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.
    • No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC.
    • It is illegal for the owner of a PWC to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a PWC.

    Complete The Course In Under 3 Hours

    Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, its easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!

    Don’t Miss: How To Sell My Boat Quickly

    Is The Transport Canada Exam Difficult

    MyBoatCards boating safety course covers everything you need to know to pass your online PCOC exam. The online PCOC exam is open book and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. The passing score is 75% . If you fail dont worry, you can retake the exam after a 24-hour wait. Your one-time fee includes unlimited exam retries and unlimited access to the online boating course.

    What Is The Proof Of Online Florida Boat Ed Course Completion

    HOW TO APPLY: You’ve Passed an Approved Boating Safety Course

    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 90 days after course completion.

    Don’t Miss: How To Name Your Boat

    Attend Our Online Class And Receive The Following Benefits:

    • All materials needed are on the Internet…. Register now…. Start immediately!
    • Study the course materials onlinecomplete at your own pace
    • Multiple choice and true / false questions
    • Website is available 24 hours a day….7 days a week
    • Take the course exam until you pass… at no extra charge
    • Live phone personnel available for registration or questions during business hours

    This Florida boating safety course meets the State of Floridas requirement for basic boater safety education. When you successfully complete the course and exam online, you will receive a course completion certificate by mail and we will automatically report your completion to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for issuance of your Boater Safety Education I.D. Card if you are covered by Floridas mandatory boater education law.

    FLORIDA BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

    Anyone 21 years of age and under who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass this boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boater safety identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    Those receiving boating citations from law enforcement may be required to take a safe boating course. However, this must be a classroom boater education course The online course does not meet this requirement.

    Boating Safety And Education

    While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination. Additionally, they must have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more in Florida.

    Florida visitors must comply with the boating safety education requirements. If a non-resident can show proof of having successfully completed a boater safety course or equivalent exam that meets or exceeds Floridas requirements , a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is not required.

    Visitors wanting to rent a vessel while in Florida may obtain a temporary certificate. These certificates are issued by vendors around the state. Visit www.myfwc.com for a list of approved vendors. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card.

    For more information on Florida boating laws, boating safety and the Florida Boating Safety Education Program, visit www.myfwc.com.

    Vessels

    Don’t Miss: Do I Need Boat Insurance In Texas

    What Is The Permanent Florida Boating Safety Education Id Card

    The Boating Safety Education I.D. Card is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. If you selected to receive a physical copy of the Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, it will arrive within 3-4 weeks after you complete all certification requirements. However, if you opted to receive an electronic Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, it will be emailed to you at your registered email ID within 14 days after successfully completing the course.

    Boating Safety Saves Lives

    Boater Education Identification Card

    In the United States, more than 40 states have educational requirements for operating a boat or PWC on state waters. In Canada, all provinces have educational requirements for operating pleasure craft.

    Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways.

    Recommended Reading: How Long Does The Boat Ed Course Take

    Boating License Or Boater Safety Education Id Card Is There A Difference

    The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed therefore it is NOT a Florida Boating License.

    to take a free online course and obtain a Lifetime Safe Boater Card. You will be able to print a temporary card immediately, and a permanent card will be mailed within 3 to 4 weeks.

    Here are some boater safety tips. IG by BoaterExam.com

    Renting A Personal Watercraft In Florida

    PWC rental operations must provide an on-water demonstration and a check-ride to evaluate the proficiency of the renter and must also display safety information on the proper operation of a PWC, including the following information:

    • Propulsion, steering and stopping characteristics of the PWC.
    • The location and information included on PWC warning labels.
    • How to re-board a PWC.
    • The Navigation Rules and how they apply to PWC operation.
    • Issues such as seeing and being seen by other boaters, reckless operation, noise levels and environmental concerns.

    Note: No person under the age of 18 is allowed to rent a PWC.

    Read Also: How Long To Finance Boat

    Save On Boat Insurance

    Weve partnered with Global Marine Insurance to bring you a fast, convenient way to protect your investment and hit the water with peace of mind. Global Marines boat insurance experts work with the major insurance carriers to find you the coverage you need at the best rates, it couldnt be easier. Get your quote and start saving today!

    Official Florida Boater Education Id Card

    License to Thrill Getting Your Florida Boating Safety ID Card

    Did you know that as of 2010, all boaters in Florida who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must have in their possession a valid Boating Safety Education ID Card when operating any motorized vessel of 10 hp or more? Yes, that means if you want to rent a boat, Jet Ski or WaveRunner while on vacation you must have a Boating Safety Education ID Card. Also, no one under 14 may operate any personal watercraft on Florida State Waters.

    Planning to rent a boat and go out on the water with the family while on vacation in Southwest Florida? Seems like common sense but all children under the age of 6 must wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device when onboard any vessel.

    Get your Official Florida Boater Education Card BEFORE you leave for your vacation.

    Also Check: How To Get Boat Financing

    Mandatory Boater Education Law Faqs

    Missouri’s Boater Education Law went into effect January 1, 2005. The law statesthat any person born after January 1, 1984 must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/testbefore operating any motorized vessel ON THE LAKES OF THE STATE.

    The Water Patrol Division charges a $15.00 fee for the boater identification card,but there is no fee to take a classroom course conducted by a marine trooper. The Water Patrol Divisionhas also contracted Boat-Ed to provide an approved online boating safety course. Additional fees are assessedby Boat-Ed for those who choose to take the online course.

    How do I qualify to obtain a Missouri boater safety identification card?

    You need to take a NASBLA approved course. This includes courses provided by marine troopers of the Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,the U.S. Power Squadron and Boat-Ed’s online course for Missouri. For additional information on boater safetycourses, click on the link below:

    The classes are updated on a daily basis. The online course can be accessed from the above link as well.If you need any assistance in locating an approved course, please contact us Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 573-751-5071.

    Who can take the Missouri boater education courses?How do I order a card by mail?

    A boater certification card may be ordered by mail with a check or money order. Please click on the link below to order a card by mail.

    How do I order a card online?

    Yes.

    Changes To Boating Safety Education Id Card Regulations

    As of October 1st, 2011, a course-completion certificate from an approved Boating Safety Education Course can be used by a boat operator as proof of complying with the boating Safety ID Card requirements .

    Note: The course completion certificate is NOT a permanent replacement for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.

    Read Also: How Much Does Boat Registration Cost

    Exemptions To Florida Boater Education Requirements

    Operators are exempt from needing to get their boating license if they are:

    • Licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel
    • Operating on a private lake or pond
    • Accompanied on board by a person who is exempt from the education requirement or by a person who is at least 18 years old, possesses the required identification cards, and is attendant to the operation of the vessel and responsible for any violation that occurs
    • Operating a vessel within 90 days after purchase and have a bill of sale on board and available for inspection

    Who Must Carry The Boating Safety Education Id Card

    Rental Agreement

    The following are the requirements to carry the Boating Safety Education ID Card in Florida.

  • Vessel operators who are required to have completed a boating education course or exam must carry on board:
    • Their Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card issued by the FWC and…
    • A photographic identification card.
  • These persons are exempt from carrying a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card on board:
  • Operators who have passed an FWCapproved temporary certification exam must carry the Florida Boater Education Temporary Certificate and a photographic identification card. The temporary certificate:
    • Is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued and…
    • Is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.

    Read Also: How Much Is Membership In Freedom Boat Club

    Be A Better Safer Boater

    Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Even if youre not required to pass a boater safety course in your state or province, boater safety is everyones responsibility. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. An educated boater is a safer boater.

    How Can I Get My Florida Boating License

    You can obtain your Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card in 3 easy steps:

  • Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 free unlimited retries of the final exam
  • Study the Florida Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam
  • Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card in the mail within 3-4 weeks
  • Don’t Miss: Where Can I Store My Boat

    The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course In Florida

    This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    Official course provider approved by:

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 S. Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

    How Do I Obtain A Boating License

    how often must you renew your florida boater education card

    You can obtain your PCOC by completing our free online boating safety course and passing the Transport Canada PCOC exam. When you have passed the online exam, you can print your temporary PCOC and go boating right away. MyBoatCard.com® will mail out your permanent pleasure craft operator card in under 48 hours.

    You May Like: Can I Register My Boat Online In Arkansas

    Frequently Asked Questions For The Boating Safety Education Requirements

    I was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and want to operate a boat in Florida. Do I need a license?

    In order to operate a motorboat of ten horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

    Florida does not have a “boating license.” The Boating Safety Education Identification Card is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements and is valid for life.

    I’ve heard there were some changes in the law regarding the requirements to operate a boat in Florida. What were the changes?

    Effective Jan. 1, 2010, boat operators who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more. The requirement to take an approved boating safety course and to obtain an FWC-issued identification card did not change, but the age threshold for the educational requirements is now be based on whether or not you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988.

    • The new law also created an exemption from the educational requirements for an operator if he or she is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel and has available for inspection aboard that vessel a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46, Florida Statutes.

    Popular Articles
    Related news