Boating Laws & License Requirements by State

Passing a boating safety course will give you a discount on boat insurance and will increase your water safety skills. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state's boating law. Each state has unique boating education requirements, and the boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state to state for obtaining a boat license or safety certification. Be sure to review the full legal requirements for your particular state.

	Louisiana
	Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
	LOUISIANA HAS NOT APPROVED THE ONLINE VERSION OF AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE (ABC) FOR BOATING CERTIFICATION. America's Boating Course, when presented in an instructor-led class, meets or exceeds all requirements of Louisiana, the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. LOUISIANA REQUIREMENTS: All persons born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. The person may operate the boat if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who, if required, has completed the course.
	View the Louisiana boating web site here.

States with mandatory boating law require safety certification for some or all boaters. Only one state (Alabama) requires an actual boat license. However, many prospective students are not aware of state legal terminology, and search for information about a boat license or licence, or a captain or captains license. This page is an excellent resource for boating law for all fifty states.