Online Ohio Boater
Safety Course

Get your official Ohio Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $39.99

Official Course Approved By the Ohio Department of Natural Resources

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the Ohio Boater Education Card. Website: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/boater-education-skills/1-meeting-boater-ed-requirements Address: 2045 Morse Rd Service Road, Columbus, OH 43229

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by ODNR and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Ohio boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Ohio boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card (commonly referred to as the Ohio Boating License).

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in Ohio! In Ohio, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you must complete a boater safety course.

Helpful Resources

The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course

3 Hours

Instant Certificate

1 Minutes

Go Boating

Instantly

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What Boaters Say About CertifiedBoater

See how CertifiedBoater has helped boaters like you get certified, stay safe, and enjoy the water with confidence.

trusted by

Wanda Lawson Students

CertifiedBoater makes getting your boating license simple, fast, and official. The best course I’ve taken—clear, engaging, and easy to get certified!

Dicky Tenue Students

Highly recommend CertifiedBoater for boater certification! The course is interactive, well-structured, and packed with essential knowledge for safe and responsible boating.

Luna Houston Students

CertifiedBoater exceeded expectations! The lessons are easy to follow, the material is top-notch, and certification is quick and hassle-free. Truly the best!

What Is In The Ohio Boating Course?

This section provides an overview of boating safety fundamentals, including why safety is critical, basic rules, and how to stay safe on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.

Learn key boating terms and phrases to communicate effectively on the water. This section ensures you understand the language of boating, from parts of a boat to navigation terms.

Discover the essential equipment required for safe boating, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and more. This section ensures you’re fully prepared and compliant with safety regulations.

Get step-by-step guidance on planning your boating trip, from checking the weather to inspecting your boat and packing the right gear. Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Learn how to handle emergencies on the water, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and first aid. This section equips you with the knowledge to stay calm and act quickly.

Understand the “rules of the road” for boating, including right-of-way, speed limits, and how to avoid collisions. This section ensures you navigate safely and responsibly.

Explore the purpose and use of buoys, markers, and other navigation aids. This section helps you interpret these tools to stay on course and avoid hazards.

Learn how to safely coexist with other water activities like fishing, swimming, and water sports. This section covers etiquette and safety tips for shared waterways.

certifiedboater course features

Instant Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable & Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click

Live Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Ohio Boating Course FAQs

What is the Ohio boater safety course?

A Ohio ODNR-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and Ohio boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on Ohio. waterways.

Who needs to take the Ohio boating course?

In Ohio, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you must complete a boater safety course..

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources encourages all boaters get the  Boater Education Card to stay familiar with Ohio laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Education Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the Ohio Boater Education Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the Ohio online boating course?

The Ohio boating course typically takes 3 hours if taken online. The online format allows Ohio users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for Ohio Department of Natural Resources sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most ODNR-approved courses are $35 – $60. The certifiedboater course for Ohio is $39.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Ohio Boater Education Card, you should contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.

Can I take the Ohio boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

How do I get my Ohio boating certificate after completing the course

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will be able to download the permanent digital certificate approved in Ohio.

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The Ohio Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in Ohio allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the Ohio boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

Boating in Ohio

Ohio is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, including Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and numerous inland lakes like Buckeye Lake and Grand Lake St. Marys. Boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports in these scenic areas. Ohio’s diverse waterways offer unique experiences from serene inland lakes to the vast expanse of Lake Erie. To ensure safe boating, Ohio requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, helping them make the most of the state’s aquatic opportunities.

Coming Soon States

Select the State to view resources

Alabama

Course approved by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources

Alaska

Course approved by the Alaska Office of Boating

Arizona

Course approved by the Arizona Game & Fish Department

New Hampshire

Official New Hampshire Marine Patrol boating license course

Colorado

Course approved by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Connecticut

Course approved by the Connecticut Dept of Energy & Environment

Delaware

Course approved by the Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control

Arkansas

Official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating license course

Boating Courses Coming Soon!

🚤 Courses on the Way!

At Certified Boater, we’re dedicated to expanding boating education nationwide. Our courses are currently available in multiple states, and we’re working toward full NASBLA approval to ensure they meet the highest safety and legal standards. Once approved, they will be recognized by state agencies.