Colorado Boating Safety Education Requirements
The Colorado Boating Safety Certificate (often referred to as the Colorado boating
license) is proof that a boater has taken and passed an approved boater education
course. The certificate is required for all persons 14 and 15 years of age who wish
to operate motorboats. The Colorado Boating Safety Certificate serves as proof that
a boater has taken and passed an approved boater education course in a classroom
setting.
If you are 14 or 15 years of age and wish to operate a motorboat you are required
to successfully complete a proctored exam in a classroom setting. Please use the
free boating safety course material available on this website to prepare for your
classroom course.
For all others boaters, you can take your boating
safety exam directly on the Internet. Once you pass the exam your boater
education card is mailed to your home. In the meantime, you can print off a temporary
certificate that can be used until your permanent boater education card arrives.
Age Restrictions
- Persons who are 14 or 15 years old may only operate a vessel if they have successfully
completed a boating safety course that is approved by the Colorado Boating Law Administrator
or have in their possession a boating safety certificate issued by an approved course
provider.
- Children under the age of 13 must wear an approved lifejacket while onboard a vessel
that is underway.
Important Note
The online boating safety course covers a
wide range of operating laws in Colorado. For a complete listing of Colorado's boat
operating rules and regulations, please consult Colorado State Parks' website at
www.parks.state.co.us
Boating License or Boater Safety Education ID Card... 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 a Colorado Boating
License!