Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Official Ohio Boating License Online

Get your official Ohio Boater Education Card by taking this official online course. $39.99

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Official Ohio Boating License Online

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.

Trusted by Boaters Coast to Coast

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 Boating 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

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How to Get the Ohio Boating Certificate

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3 Hours

Download Your Instant Certification!

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Ohio Boating License Requirements

In Ohio, what many people call a “boating license” is really proof that you’ve met Ohio’s
mandatory boater education requirement, and is called a boating education certificate.

Who needs a boating license in Ohio?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you generally must complete an approved boater education course
to operate a powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower on Ohio waters.

Note: If you fall under Ohio’s mandatory education rule, keep your boater education proof available when operating.

Ohio Mandatory Boater Education Requirement (Ohio Revised Code)

“…no person born on or after January 1, 1982, shall operate on the waters in this state a powercraft powered by more than ten horsepower,
unless the operator successfully has completed either a safe boater course… or… a proficiency examination… and has received a certificate…”

Source: Ohio Revised Code § 1547.05 –

Completing boating course as prerequisite to licensing; exception

- Do you need a boating license in Ohio?

Vessel types that require boater education

Ohio’s mandatory education rule is triggered by the operator’s birthdate and whether the vessel is a
powercraft over 10 horsepower. Use this quick reference:

Vessel type	Boater education required (if born on/after Jan 1, 1982)?
Powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower	Yes
Powercraft 10 horsepower or less	No (for the statewide education trigger)
Canoe / Kayak / Paddleboard (SUP)	No
Rowboat (no motor)	No

Exemptions

Ohio provides limited exceptions and equivalent-proof options. Common examples include:

U.S. Coast Guard credential option: Ohio Revised Code § 1547.05 includes an exception for certain
valid merchant mariner credentials with qualifying endorsements (carry documentation onboard).
Acceptable equivalent proof: A boater education certificate from a NASBLA-approved course
(including from another state) satisfies Ohio’s requirement.

How to get an Ohio boating license (boater education certificate)

Take an Ohio-approved (& NASBLA-approved) boater education course.
Complete the requirements and receive your certificate as proof of completion.
Keep your proof available whenever you operate a powercraft over 10 horsepower on Ohio waters.

How long does it take, and what does it cost?

Time: Many students finish online courses in 3-4 hours.
Cost: Course fees vary by provider but generally fall between $30-$60.

Out-of-state boaters & reciprocity

Visiting Ohio? If you already hold boater education proof from a NASBLA-approved course, it may be accepted as
equivalent proof for Ohio’s requirement. Carry your certificate and identification while operating.

Penalties for operating without the required boater education

Operating a qualifying powercraft without meeting Ohio’s boater education requirement can lead to enforcement actions.
If you’re unsure whether you’re covered by the mandatory rule, confirm before you operate.

Who can operate a boat in Ohio?

If you have an Ohio-approved boater education certificate, you can operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower starting at age 12.
Personal watercraft (jet skis) are different: you must be at least 16 years old, even if you have the certificate.

There are additional rules covering supervised operation, rentals, PWCs, out-of-state certificates, and specific age exemptions. For more information:

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Ohio?

More Ohio Boating Information & Laws
Licensing, laws, safety, FAQs & more

Boating License & Certification

Education FAQs & Edge Cases

Replace a Lost Ohio Boater Education Card

Out-of-State Boaters in Ohio

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.