How do you get a boating license in Wisconsin?
You can obtain your Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate in 4 easy steps:
- Pay the one-time course fee of $29.95—free unlimited retries of the final exam
- Study the Wisconsin Boating Safety Course and take the final exam
- Contact the DNR office to receive a DNR number if you do not already have one
- Print your permanent certificate right away
Which boats require a licence?
Which Boats Require a Licence? You must have a Canadian pleasure craft licence to operate a pleasure craft powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more in Canada legally. This includes personal watercraft and sailboats with an engine. You are exempt from this requirement if your pleasure craft is registered.
How do you get a boat license?
You should:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a US citizen or be lawfully admitted into the country for permanent residence;
- Have at least 360 days’ worth of boating experience, 90 of which should have been completed within the last three years (the USCG refers to this as “recency”);
- Pass a physical exam and drug test;
- Hold a valid adult basic first aid and CPR card;
Do I have to license a boat trailer in Wisconsin?
While the answer is probably “YES” that you would be required to register and display a license plate on your boat trailer, it could be that you don’t need to do this where you live. However, you may want to plate it anyway.
Do you need a boating license to drive a boat in Wisconsin?
Boater safety requirements Wisconsin boating safety certification or out of state equivalent certification is required for operators born on or after January 1, 1989. Safety certification is required to operate at age 16. Read the boating regulations [PDF] for full details on age and operating restrictions.
How long is the Wisconsin boaters license course?
This course takes a minimum of three hours to complete. From a laptop to mobile phone to tablet, choose when and where to take your boating course with this mobile-friendly online course.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Wisconsin without a license?
16 and olderCurrent Law Anyone 16 and older must have successfully completed a boating safety course and have a certification card. So in Wisconsin, anyone 16 or older must have a boating safety certification card unless s/he was born before January 1, 1989.
Do you need boat license to drive a boat?
Boat owners are required to obtain a boat/river licence for their boat in order to use it on specific waterways, regardless of whether they have a motor.
How do I get my boating license in Wisconsin?
How can I get my Wisconsin boating license?Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam.Study the Wisconsin Boating Safety Course, and pass the final exam.Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office to receive a DNR number if you do not already have one.More items...
Does an Illinois boating license work in Wisconsin?
Yes. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the your state's Boater Education Card. Likewise your state will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Wisconsin?
Does WI Have an Open Container Law for Boating? In Wisconsin, it is not illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage container while on a personal watercraft, which means that the presence of alcohol alone is not a valid reason for water patrol to pull you over.
What number goes on the side of your boat?
Boat numbers must be affixed on the forward portion of both the port and starboard side. Boat numbers must be affixed on the forward portion of both the port and starboard side. Also, most states require a current sticker immediately after or before the boat numbers on the port side, generally within 6 inches.
Do I need a captains license for my personal boat?
While a captain's license is not required for personal use, some boaters seek out courses to brush up on their skills and feel the pride that comes with getting a USCG license.
What is the largest boat you can operate without a captains license?
When Do I Need a Captain's License? The USCG license isn't always required. If you are wondering, “What length of boat requires a captain's license?” The answer is this: If your vessel is less than 26 feet in length and doesn't require a mate, then you may be exempt from having a captain's license.
Can you drive a boat drunk?
You need to be able to concentrate without distraction of alcohol. Never let anyone drive your boat who has been drinking they endanger all. Use your common sense, be considerate to the safety of others (not to mention yourself)
Do you need a license to drive a yacht?
Boat licensing in the USA is not as clear-cut as in the UK and Europe, and some states have mandatory boat licences whilst others do not. States such as Alaska, California, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Maine, Arizona, and Arkansas have no legal requirements to operate a boat.
Can you drink while driving a boat in Wisconsin?
Short answer: Yes. Just like drunk driving, operating a motorized boat is illegal if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. In Wisconsin, if your BAC is . 08 percent or higher, you can be charged with intoxicated boating.
Do I need a captains license for my personal boat?
While a captain's license is not required for personal use, some boaters seek out courses to brush up on their skills and feel the pride that comes with getting a USCG license.
How late can you water ski in Wisconsin?
(am) No person may engage in water skiing, aquaplaning, or similar activity, at any time from sunset to sunrise. This restriction of the hours of water skiing does not prevent restrictions of the hours of water skiing between sunrise and sunset by local ordinances enacted pursuant to s. 30.77 (3).
What additional equipment must be on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?
Life Jackets and personal floatation devices – The USCG requires one approved – Type I, II, III, or V, life jacket or life vest per person on board. If the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, one throwable floatation device – Type IV – like a ring is required as well.
How much does the Wisconsin Boat Ed Course cost?
The Wisconsin Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95. You will also pay a $1.00 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fee.
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Wisconsin?
See the restrictions here.
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Wisconsin Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
Is the Wisconsin Boat Ed Course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?
The Wisconsin Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Final 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 t...
How much does the Wisconsin Boat Course cost?
The Wisconsin Boat Course fee is $54.95.
Do you need Wisconsin Boating education?
You need boating education in Wisconsin if you are at least 12 years old, were born on or after Jan 1, 1989, and will be operating a motorboat or PWC.
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Wisconsin?
See the restrictions here.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Wisconsin Boat Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
Is the Wisconsin Boat Course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?
The Wisconsin Boat Course is approved and accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Final 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 t...
What is the proof of online Wisconsin Boat Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate. This is...
When do you have to have a boater's license in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires those born on or after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
What is boat ed Wisconsin?
Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
What is boat ed?
Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Do you need Wisconsin Boating education?
You need education if you are at least 16 years old and born on or after Jan. 1, 1989 , and will be operating a motorboat or PWC in Wisconsin.
How old do you have to be to get a boating safety certificate?
Operators 12 to less than 16 years old: Must carry onboard a valid Boating Safety Certificate approved by the state. Operators over 16 years old, born on or after January 1, 1989: Must carry onboard a valid Boating Safety Certificate approved by the state.
How old do you have to be to be a boater?
Boaters 10 to less than 12 years old: Must have an adult onboard who is at least 18 years old. Boaters 12 to less than 16 years old: Must have an adult onboard who is at least 18 years old or….
What is boaterexam.com?
BOATERexam.com ® is trusted by agencies across the United States to deliver the best of quality in boating safety education. Our courses consistently receive the highest level of approval from agencies and from boaters.
How old do you have to be to operate a motorboat in Wisconsin?
Age and Operator Restrictions. A person who was born on or after January 1, 1989, and who is 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat only if he or she: Has completed a boating safety course that is accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or…. Is accompanied by another person in the motorboat who is at least 18 years ...
What happens if you don't carry your boater's education card?
Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
How long does it take to get a boating license?
Most states offer short classroom courses that can be completed in a day and accept online courses that last between three to eight hours in duration.
How old do you have to be to get a boat license in West Virginia?
Boat License Requirements. The boating license age for boat drivers varies significantly from state to state. In many cases, boat license requirements are divided up according to age groups. The boating age to independently operate a motor vehicle is 16 years of age in West Virginia, for example, although minors from 12 to 15 years ...
What are the rules for boating?
Many of these regulations concern making sure that water vessels meet boat requirements like having the necessary Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and emergency signaling systems. Examples of boating rules that are very common amongst various states include: 1 All water vessels must have at least one wearable, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket on board for every person on the boat at all times. 2 All life jackets must fit appropriately according to the age, weight and activity of expected occupants and be in proper, usable condition. 3 All water vessels of certain classes must have at least one throwable USCG-approved personal flotation device. 4 All boat passengers of any age aboard any type of personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a life jacket at all times. 5 Passengers on all water vessels who are young minors must wear an USCG-approved life jacket at all times when the boat is in motion. 6 All motorboats, houseboats and some other categories of water vessels must have a proper fire extinguisher on board. 7 All motorized watercraft and sailboats must display the necessary lights at an appropriate strength from sunset to sunrise, visible 360 degrees. 8 All motorized water vessels must have a suitable sound producing system on board to signal for help in the case of an emergency. 9 Boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal throughout the United States. Drivers found to be operating a boat while intoxicated will face criminal penalties akin to driving a car while under the influence.
What should a boater education card teach?
A typical boating education program should teach drivers everything they need to know to stay safe while boating. Holders of a boater education card should also be aware of how to leave a minimal impact on their surrounding environment.
What is a boat driver course?
Boat drivers living anywhere in the United States can enroll in an online boaters safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to learn more about the best practices for operating a variety of types of water vessels and local regulations and policies concerning the student’s state.
What are some examples of boating rules?
Examples of boating rules that are very common amongst various states include: All water vessels must have at least one wearable, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket on board for every person on the boat at all times.
Why are boating rules created?
Boating rules throughout the United States were created with the purpose of keeping boaters, swimmers and other enjoying the water safe while sustainably using our natural resources. Most boating regulations are created on a state by state basis, but many basic best practices are the same across state boundaries.
Recreation
- A boating license is required for many Wisconsin adults and minors to operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC), depending on the boaters age. Instead of receiving licenses, Wisconsin adults are expected to earn a boater education card for the completion of an applicab…
Operation
- Minors 10 to 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or another adult designated by the minors parent or guardian when operating a water vessel. There are no age requirements in Wisconsin to operate a boat that is not propelled by a motor.
Qualification
- In order to enroll in a DNR-approved program, WI residents must first apply for a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number. This ID number is required to register a boaters participation in credited programs. It can be requested by any of these three methods:
Safety
- Boaters can enroll in the online or classroom-based boater safety course of their choosing once they have received their Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number. Multiple providers offer courses that have been approved by the DNR and that offer valid certificates to permit legal boating. In addition to safety concerns, WI boating laws were created to enable the sustainable use of the s…
Access
- WI residents can get a boating license online or in-person according to their preference after they have received their DNR ID number. The DNR encourages all boaters, not only those born after 1988, to enroll in a state-approved boating course to learn the best practices for safely operating a boat and how to remain within Wisconsin waterway laws.
Example
- If a licensed operator somehow loses or damages his or her boat card, he or she is obligated to request a duplicate from the DNR by mail. Boaters in this situation can request a replacement by any of the following methods:
Usage
- Once properly registered, the owner is required to place the boat registration stickers on the appropriate location of the water vessel to signify being up to state code. Applications for registration and title can be submitted to the DNR online, in-person or by mail for fulfillment by mail. Renewal requests can be submitted in multiple formats as well.