Boat Safety Courses and the NC Boat License

There is no North Carolina boaters license in the classic sense. Instead it's more commonly referred to as a boater safety certificate. You can only earn this by enrolling and completing a state-approved boating safety course.

Though boater safety classes are encouraged for all boaters of all ages, boater safety certificates are only required for people younger than 26 who operate a boat propelled by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.  

To comply, you must enroll in a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Course options are limited to the classroom and online.

Classroom

These courses feature approximately eight hours of classroom training. Depending on the course this may be taught in either one or two sessions. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) offers classes year round throughout the state. For class availability in your area, visit the NCWRC's website.

The NASBLA also approves boater safety courses taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron.

Online

Before enrolling, make sure the online boat safety class that you're considering meets NASBLA approval. Any boater safety certificate from a non-sanctioned online program will be rejected.

Boat Safety Course Curriculum

Boater safety classes, as the name indicates, teach the basics of boating safety.

You'll be taught a vast range of boating topics including navigating around other boats, the dangers of skippering under the influence of drugs and booze, distress signals, the importance of float plans, boat engine maintenance, personal watercraft (PWC) control, navigation lights, capsizing, the importance of life jackets, and much more.