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Who needs to take a boating safety course in Ohio?

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FAQ - Boating in Ohio

Do I need a boating safety certificate if I'm only operating a jet ski/PWC in Ohio?

To operate a motorized vessel – including PWC – of 10 horsepower or more in Ohio, everyone born on or after January 1, 1982 must be able to prove they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course.

Who is exempt from having to acquire a boating safety course?

Operators who possess a valid merchant mariner credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard with at least one endorsement of master or operator. Credentials must be carried on board.

No rental business shall lease or rent a powerboat of more than 10 horsepower to a person born on or after January 1, 1982 unless the person has completed an approved boating course or passes an abbreviated exam with a score of 90% or better.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Ohio Boating Safety Certificate?

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

Is Ohio Boating Safety Certificate accepted in other states?

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

What are the age restrictions to drive a motorboat in Ohio?

For PWC (Personal Watercraft, known by the common trade names of Ski-Doo, Waverunner, SeaDoo, etc.):

• Children under 12 may not operate PWC, not even with an education certificate.
• Children 12 to 15 can operate PWC as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates.
• Children 16 or older can operate PWC as long as they have an education certificate. Adult supervision is not required.

For Powerboats (besides PWC) greater than 10 HP:

• Children under 12 can operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult (18 or older) who is onboard AND as long as the child AND the supervising adult (if born on or after January 1, 1982) have education certificates.
• Children 12 and over may operate any other type of powerboat greater than 10HP as long as they have an education certificate. Adult supervision is not required.

Do you need to register your boat in Ohio?

Boat Registrations are required for every recreational boat in Ohio, including powerboats, sailboats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats.

At what minimum age can a person be certified in Ohio?

No age limit as long as they can pass the test.

Do I need a boating education certificate to rent a boat?

If you are born on or after January 1, 1982, you can't rent a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower unless you present a certificate from a NASBLA-approved boating education course or proficiency test, or sign a legal statement that says you possess the certificate, or take an on-site abbreviated test and successfully pass it with a score of 90 percent or better. This certificate will be valid only for the period of the rental agreement.

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".

You may go to www.ilostmycard.com to order a new card if you already know that you obtained the card from another course provider.

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 boating safety certificates valid in Ohio?

Forever - they do not expire.

What does the course cost?

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