Online Ohio Boater Safety Course

Get your official Ohio Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $39.99

Ohio Boater
Safety Course

Get your official Ohio Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $39.99

Recademics.com is an official delegated provider of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Official Course Approved By the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the Ohio Boater Education Card.

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in Ohio! In Ohio, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you must complete a boater safety course.

You must be at least years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to take this online course.

Helpful Resources

Ohio Boating Laws & Regulations

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by ODNR and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Ohio boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Ohio boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card (commonly referred to as the Ohio Boating License).

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How It Works

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3 Hours

Download Your Instant Certification!

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Stay Safe, Stay Legal: What Boaters Need to Know About the Ohio Boating License

Before you launch your boat, you’ll need to make sure you’re operating legally. For many, that means getting an Ohio Boating License—officially known as a Boater Education Certificate.

This certificate proves that you’ve completed an Ohio-approved boating safety course, required by law for certain boaters. The program is overseen by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Parks & Watercraft, and ensures that operators understand boating laws, safety, and responsible navigation.

What Is the Ohio Boating License?

While commonly referred to as an Ohio Boating License, what the state actually requires is a Boater Education Certificate. Once earned, this certificate never expires and is valid proof that you’ve completed a state-approved boating safety course.

Who Needs an Ohio Boating License?

Ohio law requires you to have a Boater Education Certificate if:

You were born on or after January 1, 1982
You operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) with a motor of more than 10 horsepower

Failing to carry your certificate can result in fines or citations, so it’s important to be certified before you go out on the water.

Why Getting Your Ohio Boating License Matters

It’s the Law

Operators who meet the criteria must complete a boating safety course and carry proof. This ensures all boaters understand state laws, speed zones, required equipment, and emergency procedures.

It Keeps Everyone Safe

Most boating accidents are caused by inexperience or a lack of knowledge. Completing a safety course dramatically reduces risks and helps protect passengers, other boaters, and the environment.

It’s Recognized in Other States

The Ohio Boating License (Boater Education Certificate) is accepted by most other states that require boating education, so you’re covered while traveling.

How to Get Your Ohio Boating License

1. Enroll in an ODNR-Approved Online Course

Sign up for a course like Recademics, which is approved by the ODNR. It covers essential topics including navigation rules, Ohio-specific laws, and safe boating practices.

2. Complete the Course & Pass the Test

Most courses take 3 to 8 hours and can be completed at your own pace. Once finished, you’ll take a multiple-choice exam to prove your understanding.

3. Print Your Digital Certificate

After passing, you’ll receive a permanent digital certificate to use instantly. You can now go boating legally!

How Long Does It Take to Get an Ohio Boating License?

Most Ohio-approved courses meet minimum time requirements of three hours and can be completed in one day or spread out over time. You’ll get immediate proof of completion and can start boating legally as soon as you pass.

Benefits of Getting an Ohio Boating License

Operate Legally on All Ohio Waterways
From Buckeye Lake to Lake Erie, enjoy boating without worrying about fines or legal issues.
Build Confidence and Knowledge
Learn what to do in emergencies, how to avoid collisions, and how to protect your passengers.
Boat Across the U.S.
The Ohio Boater Education Certificate is valid in most states that require boating education.

Ready to Get Your Ohio Boating License?

Take your ODNR-approved boater safety course today with Recademics. Fast, affordable, and 100% online—so you can get on the water with confidence.

See How Recademics Stacks Up Against The Rest

Ohio-Approved

Video

Interactive

Customer Support

Price

$ 44

Yes
Some
No
Mostly Self-Service

$ 39

Yes
Some
No
Yes

$ 54

Yes
No
Yes
Mostly Self-Service

What Is In The Ohio Boating Course?

Boating Terminology

Define and demonstrate knowledge of common nautical terms across all types of boating including vessel, port, starboard, bow, stern, stand-on, and give-way.

Boat Types and Characteristics

Understand various boat types and their limitations, calculate a boat’s capacity with or without a capacity plate, and explain proper loading techniques and gear securing on a boat.

Required Equipment

The essential equipment for safe boating, including flotation devices, required lights, sound signals and visual distress signals

Trip Planning and Preparation

Master thorough boat trip planning and safety, including regulations, weather, readiness, hazard recognition, float plans, maintenance, and decision-making.

Safe Boat Operation

Master safe boat operation, covering responsibilities, accident reporting, basic seamanship, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Navigation

Learn navigation rules and responsibilities, understand homeland security measures, identify navigation aids, and recognize marker types and purposes.

Boating Emergencies

Learn emergency response, including assisting distressed individuals or boats, post-incident procedures, handling environmental stressors, storm response, carrying emergency devices, and effective communication with vessels and emergency hailing.

Ohio Boating Laws and Regulations

Learn Ohio boating laws, focusing on rules, registration, and safety. This knowledge is essential for responsible and enjoyable boating while preserving Ohio waterways.

Recademics Course Features

Official
Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable &
Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a
Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.

Live
Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Boating in Ohio

Ohio is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, including Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and numerous inland lakes like Buckeye Lake and Grand Lake St. Marys. Boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports in these scenic areas. Ohio’s diverse waterways offer unique experiences from serene inland lakes to the vast expanse of Lake Erie. To ensure safe boating, Ohio requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, helping them make the most of the state’s aquatic opportunities.

Ohio Boating Course FAQs

What is the Ohio boater safety course?

A Ohio ODNR-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and Ohio boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on Ohio waterways.

Who needs to take the Ohio boating course?

In Ohio, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you must complete a boater safety course..

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources encourages all boaters get the Boater Education Card to stay familiar with Ohio laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Education Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the Ohio Boater Education Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the Ohio online boating course?

The Ohio boating course typically takes 3 hours if taken online. The online format allows Ohio users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for Ohio Department of Natural Resources sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most ODNR-approved courses are $35 – $60. The Recademics course for Ohio is $39.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

Can I take the Ohio boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a Ohio Boater Education Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

How do I get my Ohio boating certificate after completing the course?

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will be able to download the permanent digital certificate approved in Ohio.

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The Ohio Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in Ohio allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the Ohio boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Ohio Boater Education Card, you should contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.