Have you ever been in a boat with an operator that seemed a bit reckless and\/or ignorant of seemingly obvious safety issues?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has anyone ever admitted to you that they have a boating license but that their spouse, child or friend took the online test for them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If so, you will be interested to know there are a variety of ways to educate yourself and others on common boat terminology, regulations and restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to water sports you can never be too careful so share your knowledge with anyone operating a boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most states require boat operators to obtain a boating license prior to driving in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obtaining a state license requires you to pass a written or online test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although state regulations may differ slightly there are numerous requirements that are the same across the country from lakes to oceans and rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are only eight states that do not require a boating license in the United States. America’s Boating Course has the full list<\/a> showing which states require and which do not require a boating license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vessel is a catch all term for all types of floating devices designed to carry people or goods. Larger boats and ships are usually referred to as vessels more often than smaller boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boats are small vessels propelled by oars, sails, or engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ships are large vessels that usually carry boats as a safety measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small non-powered boats such as canoes and kayaks do not require a boating license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sailboats, personal watercraft (PWC) and power boat regulations differ state to state depending on the engines horsepower and\/or the size of the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to know these common terms for boats<\/a> prior to taking the drivers seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A. Bow – front of the boat<\/p>\n\n\n\n B. Stern – rear of the boat<\/p>\n\n\n\n C. Port – the left side of the boat when onboard and facing bow<\/p>\n\n\n\n D. Starboard – the right side of the boat when onboard and facing the bow<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hull – main body of the boat (i.e. bottom, sides and deck)<\/p>\n\n\n\n These terms are just the beginning of the detailed information on regulations you will need to know to pass your test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other important terms include certain lights and other items that help one to pinpoint the direction and location of your boat in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alabama requires that all operators 12 and over pass a boating license test unless they were born prior to April 28, 1954. Those born prior to this date need a vessels license but are exempt from taking the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other states only require vessels license for those under the age of 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minimum age that can obtain a license in a lot of states is 12 but others are 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has a detailed listing<\/a> of age restrictions, personal flotation device requirements, minimum passing scores and more useful information broken down by state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The USCG link above provides information regarding which states allow and which do not allow online testing. All of the states reviewed for this article<\/a>, Lake Homes Realty states, allow online testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This link also provides a lost of several boating courses and tests boat operators must take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most states require an online course be taken prior to taking the test. Boater-ed.com offers online courses with the final exam<\/a> at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing for the course and test in Texas is $20 whereas pricing in most of the Southeastern states is $29.50.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVessel Versus Boats and Ships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Boats Need Registered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic Terminology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Age Variations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Approved Online Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cost of Courses and Tests<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n