Tennessee Safe Boating Course
Chapter 9: Boating Education Practices
9.1 In Tennessee
Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 must successfully complete a Boating Safety exam approved by the TWRA and carry their wallet
sized Boating Safety Education Certificate on-board when operating a vessel on Tennessee waters. The TWRA issued certificate is the only accepted certificate under Tennessee law. This does not apply to non-residents or renters of vessel.
Non-residents who fall into this age bracket are required to show proof of successful completion of any National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course.
Operators of vessels with motors less than 8.5 horsepower as well as operators of sailboats are not required to possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Tennessee Safe Boating Course