Do you need a license to drive a jet ski?
Most states (42 of 50) require PWC (jet ski) operators to complete a boater safety course to operate legally. These laws vary by state. You can find your state’s law further down in this article.
Key Takeaways:
- There is no “Jet Ski License” per se but depending on your state you may need to take a boater safety course.
- 42 of 50 states have mandatory boater education requirements for PWC (Jet Ski) operators
- Find your state below to see if you need to take a boater safety course
Article Outline
- Jet Ski License Laws
- Differences in State Laws
- Jet Ski License Laws by State
- Boater Education Courses to get your “Jet Ski License”
Driving a jet ski, or personal watercraft (PWC), requires understanding and adhering to various licensing requirements, which can differ based on location. Whether you’re in the U.S., Canada, or the UK, it’s crucial to be informed about the specific regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
Jet Ski License Laws
In the United States, the requirement for a boating license to operate a jet ski varies by state. While there is no federal mandate for a boating license, 42 out of the 50 states have implemented mandatory boater education laws for PWC operators. Getting this license (officially a boating certificate) means completing a state-approved boater safety course. Some states have specific requirements for minors, requiring them to be accompanied by a licensed adult when operating a jet ski
State Laws Differ Greatly
The specific requirements for operating a jet ski can vary widely from state to state. Here are a few examples to illustrate the range of regulations:
- California: All PWC operators must have a California Boater Card, which is obtained by completing an approved boater safety course. Minors between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate a PWC if supervised by an adult with a valid Boater Card.
- Florida: Individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a PWC. There are additional age restrictions for operators under 21.
- New York: All PWC operators must have a boating safety certificate. The state also requires that operators be at least 14 years old, and anyone born on or after May 1, 1996, must have a boating safety certificate to operate any motorized vessel.
- Texas: Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete a boater education course and carry a Boater Education Card to operate a PWC. Minors under 13 must be supervised by an adult who meets the educational requirements.
Jet Ski License Laws by State
| State | PWC (Jet Ski) License Law | Approved Boater Safety Course |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Operators must be at least 12 years old and have completed a boater safety course. | Alabama |
| Alaska | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Alaska |
| Arizona | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Arizona |
| Arkansas | Operators born on or after January 1, 1986, must have a Boating Education Card. | Arkansas |
| California | Operators must have a California Boater Card if born on or after January 1, 1986. | California |
| Colorado | Operators born after January 1, 1989, must complete a boating safety course. | Colorado |
| Connecticut | All PWC operators must have a Safe Boating Certificate. | Connecticut |
| Delaware | Operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have completed a boating safety course. | Delaware |
| Florida | Operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater safety course. | Florida |
| Georgia | Operators born after January 1, 1998, must complete a boater education course. | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Operators of PWCs must complete a boating safety course. | Hawaii |
| Idaho | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Idaho |
| Illinois | Operators born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a Boating Safety Certificate. | Illinois |
| Indiana | Operators born after December 31, 1986, must have a Boater Education Card. | Indiana |
| Iowa | Operators aged 12 to 17 must have a Boating Safety Certificate. | Iowa |
| Kansas | Operators born on or after January 1, 1989, must complete a boater safety course. | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Operators born on or after January 1, 1975, must have a Boater Education Card. | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Operators born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating safety course. | Louisiana |
| Maine | Operators aged 16 to 17 must complete a boater safety course. | Maine |
| Maryland | Operators born after July 1, 1972, must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Operators aged 12 to 15 must complete a boating safety course. | Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Operators born on or after July 1, 1996, must have a Boater Education Card. | Michigan |
| Minnesota | Operators aged 12 to 17 must have a Watercraft Operator’s Permit. | Minnesota |
| Mississippi | Operators born after June 30, 1980, must complete a boater safety course. | Mississippi |
| Missouri | Operators born after January 1, 1984, must have a Boating Safety Identification Card. | Missouri |
| Montana | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Montana |
| Nebraska | Operators born after December 31, 1985, must have a Boating Safety Certificate. | Nebraska |
| Nevada | Operators born on or after January 1, 1983, must complete a boater safety course. | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | Operators 16 years of age or older must have a Boating Education Certificate. | New-Hampshire |
| New Jersey | All PWC operators must have a Boating Safety Certificate. | New-Jersey |
| New Mexico | Operators born after January 1, 1989, must have a Boater Education Card. | New-Mexico |
| New York | All PWC operators must have a boating safety certificate. | New-York |
| North Carolina | Operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater safety course. | North-Carolina |
| North Dakota | Operators aged 12 to 15 must complete a boater safety course. | North-Dakota |
| Ohio | Operators born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete a boater safety course. | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Operators aged 12 to 15 must complete a boater safety course. | Oklahoma |
| Oregon | Operators aged 12 and older must have a Boater Education Card. | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Operators born on or after January 1, 1982, must have a Boating Safety Certificate. | Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | Operators born after January 1, 1986, must complete a boater safety course. | Rhode-Island |
| South Carolina | Operators aged 16 and younger must complete a boater safety course. | South-Carolina |
| South Dakota | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | South-Dakota |
| Tennessee | Operators born after January 1, 1989, must have a Boater Education Card. | Tennessee |
| Texas | Operators born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete a boater safety course. | Texas |
| Utah | Operators aged 12 to 17 must complete a boater safety course. | Utah |
| Vermont | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Vermont |
| Virginia | Operators born after January 1, 1974, must have a Boater Education Card. | Virginia |
| Washington | Operators born after January 1, 1955, must have a Boater Education Card. | Washington |
| West Virginia | Operators born after December 31, 1986, must complete a boater safety course. | West-Virginia |
| Wisconsin | Operators born after January 1, 1989, must have a Boater Education Card. | Wisconsin |
| Wyoming | No mandatory education requirements for PWC operators. | Wyoming |
Best Course Options to Get a Jet Ski License
Here’s a comparison of four popular online boating safety course providers to help you determine the best option for obtaining your Jet Ski license:
Each provider has its strengths. Regardless of which provider you choose, obtaining proper boating education is essential for safe and responsible jet ski operation. It not only ensures you meet legal requirements but also enhances your knowledge and skills on the water, contributing to overall safety and enjoyment for yourself and others.
For more detailed information on each state’s specific requirements and to find the right course for you, visit the respective links provided in the table above. Safe boating!
Boatus.org
- Overview: The BoatUS Foundation offers free and low-cost boating safety courses. Their online course is recognized by NASBLA and is approved in many states.
- Features:
- Lower cost courses available in some states.
- Online and mobile-friendly.
- Focuses on foundational boating safety knowledge.
- Pros: Free or low-cost options, widely accepted, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Outdated experience and not as engaging as other options. Limited advanced interactive features compared to some competitors.
- Link: Boatus.org
Recademics.com
- Overview: Recademics.com offers state-specific online boating safety courses. Their platform is designed to cater to different learning styles with highly engaging video and branching scenario-based content.
- Features:
- Interactive content and user-friendly interface.
- Instant Certification upon completion
- Lots of fast-paced, engaging videos
- Pros: State-specific courses, interactive and engaging, easy navigation.
- Cons: Newer platform, might have less recognition compared to long-established providers.
- Link: Recademics.com
Boat-ed.com
- Overview: Boat-ed.com is a well-established provider that offers state-approved boating safety courses across the United States.
- Features:
- Mobile-friendly, allowing you to complete the course on any device.
- Live-action videos and animations.
- Pros: Comprehensive content and widely recognized. Good customer reviews.
- Cons: Starting to feel outdated. The course fee is more expensive than the other competitors.
- Link: Boat-ed.com
Aceboater.com
- Overview: Aceboater.com is a Canadian provider of online boating safety courses recognized across North America. They offer a simple and straightforward approach to boating education.
- Features:
- Easy-to-follow courses with clear instructions.
- Interactive quizzes and practice tests.
- Accepted in various states and Canadian provinces.
- Pros: Affordable, clear and concise course material, good for quick certification.
- Cons: Fewer interactive elements than some competitors, less comprehensive.
- Link: Aceboater.com
Each provider has its strengths. Regardless of which provider you choose, obtaining proper boating education is essential for safe and responsible jet ski operation. It not only ensures you meet legal requirements but also enhances your knowledge and skills on the water, contributing to overall safety and enjoyment for yourself and others.
For more detailed information on each state’s specific requirements and to find the right course for you, visit the respective links provided in the table above. Safe boating!
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