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Iowa Boating Safety Education Requirements
In Iowa, anyone who is over the age of 12 but under 18 must carry an Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate if they are operating a boat over 10hp on state waters. It is illegal for an adult to allow a person in this age range to operate their boat without a valid watercraft safety certificate.
Non Residents
Persons who are visiting Iowa from another state must still comply with Iowa's boating safety requirements. If you have proof of completion of a NASBLA-approved boating safety course from another state (e.g. another state's boater education card or boating license) you can legally operate a vessel in Iowa.
Age Restrictions
No person under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat that is over 10hp, unless accompanied by a responsible and qualified adult who is at least 18 years old.
All children under the age of 13 are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFD at all times while the vessel is underway unless they are below deck, in an enclosed cabin, or if they are a passenger on a commercial vessel that has a capacity for 25 persons or more.
Important Note
The online boating safety course covers a wide range of operating laws in Iowa. For a complete listing of Iowa’s boat operating rules and regulations, please consult the Iowa DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov.
Boating License or Watercraft Safety Certificate...is there a difference?
The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT an Iowa Boating License!