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FAQ - Boating in North Carolina

Do I need a boater education card to operate a watercraft in North Carolina?

To operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more, or a PWC in North Carolina, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry a boating safety education certificate proving they have passed an approved boating safety education course.

It is illegal for anyone younger than aged 14 to operate a PWC in North Carolina.

Who is exempt from having to acquire a boating safety education certificate?

• Anyone born before January 1, 1988 (however, many boaters complete the course in order to be eligible for discounted boat or PWC insurance)

• Residents of other states who are in North Carolina for less than 90 days and hold a boating safety education certificate for a NASBLA-approved course in his or her state of residence

• Anyone operating under direct, on board supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old and who meets the education requirements.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the North Carolina boating safety education certificate?

You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a boating education course.

Is North Carolina Boating Education Certificate accepted in other states?

Yes. All states that require boating education certification will recognize the North Carolina Boat Operator's Certificate, due to a NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents.

What are the age restrictions to operate a powerboat in North Carolina?

Anyone wishing to operate a PWC in North Carolina must be at least 14 years old.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must hold a North Carolina Boater Safety Education Certificate to legally use a boat propelled by a motor of 10 horsepower or more on North Carolina waters.

At what minimum age can a person be certified in North Carolina?

There is no minimum age for certification (no minimum age requirement for motorboat operators). However, to legally operate a PWC in North Carolina (and therefore require certification), the operator must be at least 14 years old.

Why should I choose ACEBOATER.com?

• we have hundreds of illustrations that will help you to better understand the content;

• our online course is available 24/7.

• you can access our online support by phone, email or chat.

• we offer multi-platform training.

• our Policy has always been, "Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back"!

How long are education certificates valid in North Carolina?

Forever - they do not expire.

What does the course cost?

Only $ 39.95 (online course, final test and online certificate included).

Do I need to register my boat in North Carolina?

• All motorized vessels used on public waters must be registered, including jet skis.

• All sailboats used on public waters must be registered if longer than 14 feet at the load waterline.

• All boats registered in another state that remains in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days

• All boats documented by the US Coast Guard that remain in North Carolina for over 90 consecutive days

How can I get a replacement boating education card if I've lost it?

Before we can replace your boating card we must be sure that we originally issued it to you. Check with us by calling our toll-free number at 1 877 661-1938 to talk to an agent, or send us an email including your date of birth and we will contact you by email within 24 hours, during our office hours.

If you are certain that you took your online course with AceBoater.com, please log into your dashboard and click on "Order Replacement Cards".