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.

	Tennessee
	Tennessee Wildlife Agency
	Yes, state has mandatory boating education law that applies to some operators of boats and/or personal watercraft. See the state's website for specific boat safety course regulation. Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 must show the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency issued wallet Boating Safety Education certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA boating safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.  If there is an adult on board (at least 18 years old, and if born after 1/1/89 possesses the certification) that can take immediate control of the vessel this certificate is not required.
	View the official Tennessee state 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.