Official State Approved North Carolina Boating License
Do you need a North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card? Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to obtain a North Carolina Boater Education Certificate.
WHO NEEDS A NORTH CAROLINA BOATER EDUCATION CARD
Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to obtain a North Carolina Boater Education certificate, to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more within the state. Certificates must be carried on board while the boat is being operated.
OTHER PROVIDER 1
$34.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
$49.95
Lifetime Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Live In-Course Chat Support
- Phone Support
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 2
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 3
$29.95
90 Day Course Access
- State Approved
- Limited Phone Support
- Limited Satisfaction Guarantee
Excellent!
BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8180 ratings and reviews.
Nothing over complicated. Basic Knowlege.
Bruce P
Posted
2 months ago
Content was all incompasing for all types of water crafts and indepth on boater safety and what to do in emergency events. Special highlights for all Texas water ways.
Fred H
Posted
2 months ago
Very informative
David D
Posted
3 months ago
Your login and password situation was confusing. I ended up contacting your support team, where the issue was resolved. As there was a test at the end of each module it would have been more beneficial if the correct answers were provided on missed questions. Materials were presented well. Thank you
Stephen B
Posted
5 months ago
The course was very informative and helpful to know laws and regulations
Beau B
Posted
6 months ago
Easy to use program. My only issue was the font was to light to read. it could be a little darker.
Jimmy E
Posted
1 week ago
Amazing course content — clear, easy to follow, and very helpful for understanding boating safety and responsible operation.
Timothy Z
Posted
1 week ago
it was very good I really liked the visual questions on the practice test thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ouia
Posted
1 week ago
Worked great and all, but it takes an incredible amount of time to get finished. Took me about 6 hours, and I only restarted a module twice. It was very informative, and ill remember all of this when boating. One major issue that made it take extra long was how you had to wait for the audio to finish, and the timer in the corner. By the time I finished reading, I had to wait a whole minute or two. All in all, good purchase, once you push through the agony of waiting. Hope you have a comfortable chair!
Liam P
Posted
2 weeks ago
The test was good just took a long time and a lot of stuff in the book wasn't on the test but don't make the test longer whatever you do thank you
Gary G
Posted
1 month ago
Nothing over complicated. Basic Knowlege.
Bruce P
Posted
2 months ago
Content was all incompasing for all types of water crafts and indepth on boater safety and what to do in emergency events. Special highlights for all Texas water ways.
Fred H
Posted
2 months ago
Very informative
David D
Posted
3 months ago
Your login and password situation was confusing. I ended up contacting your support team, where the issue was resolved. As there was a test at the end of each module it would have been more beneficial if the correct answers were provided on missed questions. Materials were presented well. Thank you
Stephen B
Posted
5 months ago
The course was very informative and helpful to know laws and regulations
Beau B
Posted
6 months ago
Easy to use program. My only issue was the font was to light to read. it could be a little darker.
Jimmy E
Posted
1 week ago
Amazing course content — clear, easy to follow, and very helpful for understanding boating safety and responsible operation.
Timothy Z
Posted
1 week ago
it was very good I really liked the visual questions on the practice test thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ouia
Posted
1 week ago
Worked great and all, but it takes an incredible amount of time to get finished. Took me about 6 hours, and I only restarted a module twice. It was very informative, and ill remember all of this when boating. One major issue that made it take extra long was how you had to wait for the audio to finish, and the timer in the corner. By the time I finished reading, I had to wait a whole minute or two. All in all, good purchase, once you push through the agony of waiting. Hope you have a comfortable chair!
Liam P
Posted
2 weeks ago
The test was good just took a long time and a lot of stuff in the book wasn't on the test but don't make the test longer whatever you do thank you
Gary G
Posted
1 month ago
Buy More, Save More
Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card.
1 BOATER
“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”
– Jesse L, Raleigh, NC
Watch, Listen & Learn
From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
Pass the official test
Take the North Carolina Boater Education Card Test online
Take the official North Carolina Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.
Get Your Official Boater Education Card
Print your Temporary Card immediately
Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks.
Boating In North Carolina
LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CARD?
Official North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card Replacements
Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your North Carolina Boating Safety Education ID Card or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.
YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT
FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST
Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the North Carolina boating safety practice test now.
NORTH CAROLINA BOATER EDUCATION CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a North Carolina Boater Education Card
The North Carolina boater education card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the North Carolina Boating Safety Test. All boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 are required to get certified to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more.
Who needs a North Carolina Boater Education Card?
Boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988 required a North Carolina Boater Education card, if they wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more on North Carolina’s public waterways.
What is the fine for not having the Card?
Boaters caught without a Boater Card may receive a fine of up to $50. Keep in mind that certified boaters must carry the card on board their boat at all times during operation.
How do I prepare for the North Carolina Boater Safety Test?
Boaters can prepare for the official North Carolina Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour North Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your North Carolina Boater Education Card.
How do I replace my North Carolina Boater Education Card?
You can easily purchase a replacement North Carolina Boater Education Cards from BOATsmart!. Call us at 1-877-655-7778 to order, or login to your BOATsmart! Account to order online.
Do I need a Boater Card for all types of boats?
Depending on your age, the North Carolina Boater Education Card is required to operate boats that are powered by a motor of 10 hp or more.
Is my North Carolina Boater Education Card valid in other states?
Yes. The North Carolina Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.
Is the North Carolina Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?
The North Carolina Boater Education Card is proof of the successful completion of the North Carolina state-approved boater education course. The card is commonly referred to as a “boating license” However, unlike a license, the Boater Education Card does not expire, and does not need to be renewed.
Who is exempt from having to obtain a North Carolina Boater Education Card?
- Boat operators who were born prior to January 1, 1988
- Non-residents who have successfully completed a boater education course in their state of residence
How do I get a North Carolina Boater Education Card?
You can obtain your official Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:
- Take the BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course online.
- Pass the North Carolina Boating Safety Test online.
- Print a Certification of Completion immediately.
Will my North Carolina Boater Education Card ever expire?
No. Your North Carolina Boater Education Card is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply in your state.
Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in North Carolina?
No. The state of North Carolina does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 you are required to obtain a Boater Education Card if you wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more, on North Carolina’s publish waterways.
How long does the North Carolina Boater Education Card take?
The state of North Carolina requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.
Who is BOATsmart!?
BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to deliver the official North Carolina Boater Education Card Course and Boating Safety Test.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1701 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC, 27699
https://www.ncwildlife.org/
Trusted from coast-to-coast, North Carolina approved
The official BOATsmart! North Carolina Boating Safety Course is approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.
BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.
