Online South Dakota Boater
Safety Course
Get your official South Dakota Certifiedboater Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $45.99
Official Course Approved By the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
This course has been developed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks for the South Dakota Boater Safety Certificate. Website: [https://gfp.sd.gov/boating-regulations/](https://gfp.sd.gov/boating-regulations/) Address: 523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by GFP and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this South Dakota boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local South Dakota boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card (commonly referred to as the South Dakota Boating License).
Who Needs This Course?
It’s the law in South Dakota! In South Dakota, if you were born on or after January 1, 1998, you must complete a boater safety course.
- You must be at least years old to take this online course.
- You do not have to be a resident of South Dakota to take this online course.
Helpful Resources
- Study Guide
- South Dakota Boater Education Card
- South Dakota Boating Handbook
- Boating Courses for Other States
The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating
Register
5 Minutes
Complete the Course
3 Hours
Instant Certificate
1 Minutes
Go Boating
Instantly
What Boaters Say About CertifiedBoater
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What Is In The South Dakota 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.
South Dakota Boating Course FAQs
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment
You must be at least 11 years old to take this online course
You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to take this online course
The Illinois Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95
The Illinois Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
o replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boating Safety Certificate, go to https://certifiedboater.com/
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
The Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boating Safety Certificate will arrive within 3-5 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion
Boating in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to stunning waterways, including the Missouri River, the Big Sioux River, and scenic lakes like Lake Oahe and Pactola Lake. Boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports in these beautiful locations. South Dakota’s diverse waters provide unique experiences, from peaceful inland lakes to the expansive Missouri River. To promote safe boating, South Dakota requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, ensuring they can fully enjoy the state’s aquatic adventures.
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
